The most successful sites on the web all perform regular website maintenance

Your website is one of your best marketing tools, so you want to make sure that it’s always in top form. Nothing is worse than a potential patient finding your website, only to discover that it’s slow, outdated or lacking the appropriate security measures. You don’t want this to be their first impression of your practice. This is where regular website maintenance and updates come into play. The Catalyst Healthcare Marketing team is here to explain what you need to know.

Exploring the top three benefits of website maintenance

Making regular updates to your website can ensure that it stays secure against online attacks. Not only that, regularly updating your content and design are two of the best ways to boost the traffic to your site and increase your patient load. Here’s a look at how it all works.

• Update your website’s platform and security. When your website is outdated, it becomes more vulnerable to attacks. To avoid this problem, you want to choose a secure website server. The Catalyst team recommends WordPress. Unlike other servers, WordPress proactively looks for and addresses the latest security vulnerabilities. Another way to be safe and secure is to stay on top of updates for third party plugins.
• Add new website content. You may have heard the term “search engine optimization” or “SEO.” This refers to regularly adding keyword-rich content to your website as a way to increase your online visibility. Not only can regular SEO content improve your ranking on search engines like Google, it also presents an opportunity for you to add useful content that will increase trust in your practice. More trust tends to equal more patients.
• Update your website’s design. You might be tempted to focus on website security and content, but you also need to ensure you have a user-friendly design. This includes thinking about your site’s color scheme, navigation and ability to be viewed on mobile devices. Performing website maintenance in these areas can drastically improve the user experience on your site.

One more bonus of keeping your website updated

Over time, changes can occur. For example, the images within web content may need to be compressed or new ways to optimize code may emerge. As a result, it’s wise to check on your site’s speed health and make any necessary updates.

For the sake of your users’ experience, it’s also a good idea to stay current on how Google is grading the mobile and desktop speeds of your website. This plays a big role in how Google determines your rank in searches.

Get help with website updates

You have a lot to keep you busy as a physician. Between treating patients and running your practice, it’s difficult to find the time to focus on website maintenance and updates. However, you don’t have to do it on your own.

Catalyst Healthcare Marketing offers a wealth of effective website development and management services, allowing you to focus your time on what inspired you to practice medicine in the first place. Contact us to learn more.