subject: While Approaching Dental Website Designers [print this page] While Approaching Dental Website Designers
Some factors to consider when choosing a designer for your site:
1. Portfolio
Before you select a designer, review their portfolio. Often the designer will provide a link to their portfolio of sites. Review each design for the following:
Style - do you like their style of work
Function - easy to use, loads quickly
Errors - do they have quality work
Feedback - do they have testimonials and referrals.
2. Expertise
An effective website required a combination of technical, marketing and design skills. Do you feel the designer and their team (if they have one) is equipped to produce your site using these skills? Are they easy to communicate with? Can they provide a vision that is similar to your own? Can you compromise with them? Asking a lot of questions will help your understanding of how they work and facilitate and prepare you for the design process. Working effectively with someone you like is also important.
3. Function
There are basic functions and features to every dental practice site that are essential to your patients. Neglecting such services i.e. online appointment forms, online patient fillable forms, smile gallery, services and patient education, can hurt your chances of being competitive and unique in the dental industry. Make sure your designer is aware of your patients' needs, and yours as a client.
4. Search Engine Ranking
One of the most important features to any website is a high ranking in search engines. Using the proper keywords, meta tags, and content will help increase your ranking in search engines, thus creating more buzz and attention from your potential patients. Often hiring professional people specializing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is the best route for your site. Some companies offer specialized technicians in-house, which is often the most affordable and convenient way to ensure your site is ranked at or near the top!
5. Budget
The "B" word. This is most important to you. Be sure to remember to spend money where it is necessary. Sometimes spending more, outside your budget, on the right feature or service is money well spent. Think of your site in these terms:
Does it include all the important features?
Can this website be expanded upon later, with little reconstruction?
How many changes and updates do I plan on making?
Is this extra feature going to improve my return on investment?
What is my annual hosting/domain registration or monthly costs associated with my site?
Talk to your designer about rates, what their quote includes and what it doesn't include. You want a happy bottom line, not one with hidden fees.
Professional dental website designers can help improve your search engine ranking by offering top notch design, navigation and most importantly features that appeal to your potential patients. By choosing the right person/company for the job, you have the ability to increase patient acceptance with minimal cost and effort.
