Unfortunately, there are quacks in the medical world—and absolute train wreck healthcare website design agencies in the marketing sphere. That’s why it’s so important to know how to hire the best website design agency for your medical practice or healthcare clinic!
When you work with a reputable and affordable website design agency like Charm School, you’ll walk away with a finished product that makes patients feel comfortable choosing you as a provider. Plus, your new website will make your life easier by integrating patient portals, email sign-ups, prescription refill requests, and other necessary functionality—automating pain points in your day-to-day.
Here are our top tips for choosing the best website development agency for doctors, and why you absolutely must invest wisely in your medical website.
Tips for Choosing The Best Healthcare Website Design Agency For Your Medical Practice
Your healthcare website is the first introduction prospective patients will have to you practice. You want to put your best foot forward! Because patient loyalty is so high, converting more of these site visitors to patients will ensure your practice’s longevity for years to come. To do just that, here’s what you need to look for in a healthcare website design agency.
1. Prepare to Invest in a Quality Website
Professional websites for doctors aren’t optional. You absolutely need to allocate money to building a quality medical website that will grow with your practice! So, how much does it cost to build a website for a physician?
On average, website design costs $5,000–$8,000. Of course, the price goes up with custom built sites, or larger sites for hospitals and large practices. You can save money on your healthcare website by using a customized WordPress template. While a reputable website design agency isn’t as inexpensive as a freelancer, it will come with peace of mind, guaranteed deliverables, and trust.
2. Make a List of What You Absolutely Need on Your Website
You’re a doctor, so we know you’re busy. You have notes to write, relicensing exams, billing, and a heavy patient load. What can your website do yto take work off of your plate?
Do you want email integration for automated drip campaigns? For instance, sending appointment reminders or welcome emails to new patient leads? Do you need to integrate a telehealth app, patient portal, or rX refill request form? Make a list of what you need to streamline your workflow and modernize your medical practice. That will impact the cost of your website and turnaround time.
3. Ask Your Network
Opt for a website design agency that specializes in healthcare. That way, they’ll be versed in HIPAA compliance and third party plug-ins and integrations. Ask trusted healthcare providers who they used to build their website and how they liked working with them. Word of mouth is the best advertising for a reason. Of course, you can Google for a healthcare web designer too, but either way, you’ll want to do all of your homework.
4. Review Website Design Portfolios
Once you have a few agency options, take a look at their portfolios. What other sites have they done? Do you like the look of them? If not, it’s easy to mark an agency off of your shortlist. If a website designer doesn’t have an online portfolio, run! No, seriously. Don’t hire anyone who can’t show you their work in a digital format. This is a major red flag.
5. Read Reviews
Once you have a short list of designers, check their reviews! Make sure they have a constant flow of positive reviews. If they haven’t received a review in a year, you should be concerned.
Also, look for negative reviews and how the website design agency responds to those clients. Website design is a finicky business, and there are always bumps in the road. Dealing with a marketing agency that knows how to problem solve and maintain positive client relations is key.
6. Sign a Contract
Get everything you agree on for your website quote in writing! Most website design agencies are good people trying to do great work, but we have heard some horror stories. We don’t want to see your project go wrong. Protecting yourself is just good business. Get everything in writing, so you get exactly what you pay for.
7. Maintain Ownership
Your website should always belong to you. That means you’ll want access to your domain name registration, content management system, and hosting. Ensure you have passwords to all components of your site and ownership of it all. If an agency doesn’t agree in writing that they’ll provide this access and follow through, demand it. This information and control is how you can change your website in the future and make sure it doesn’t disappear.
9. Ask About Other Capabilities
Is your website design agency a one-stop marketing shop? Or, do they only offer coding services? Depending on your needs, you might want to partner with a website design agency that offers additional marketing support. Your website will need copy, design, and SEO. You may also need support with blog writing, email marketing, social media, and advertising down the road too. Opt for a full service marketing agency like Charm School who can not only build your website, but your practice too.
Let Charm School Build Your Healthcare Website!
Each business’s website design and development needs are different. Your healthcare website design needs will be unique too. That’s why working with an honest, professional agency that knows its stuff is vital.
Charm School works with healthcare professionals every day, and we have the medical portfolio to prove it. We’ll do what’s right for your practice and patients. We’ll agree on all site components upfront, so you know what you’ll get for your money. And you’ll have access to your online properties for the future. Contact us today to get started!
