Search engines are absolutely vital to a surgeon’s reputation. Google estimates that the average physician is searched for nearly 80 times per month. Have you ever searched for yourself, i.e. “Dr. John Smith, Houston, Texas Reviews”. If you have, I’m sure you’ve noticed that several review sites pop-up which are further accompanied by a star rating.
According to global marketing research firm, Harris Interactive, “Approximately 90% of online Americans are regularly searching the Internet for health-related information”. With so many searches conducted on a daily basis, your reputation should exist on the first page of Google’s search results. With the integration of Google, Bing and Yahoo’s ‘local search results’ or ‘place pages’ you are now given a universal business listings. Being that one out of every five searches is based on the searchers location, these primary search engines have made it easier for consumers to connect with local businesses. Key factors that warrant top rankings for a physician (or any business for that matter) include keywords, location and your star rating / ratings and reviews.
Additionally, on each of these ‘place pages’ you will find quick and easy links to other third-party review sites. For example, if a patient leaves a review on another review website such as CitySearch, Yellow Pages, Insider Pages, Vitals, etc. a link will appear on your Google, Bing or Yahoo business listing connecting right to that website.
Search engines play a huge role when it comes to your online reputation; to ignore them is to do so at your own peril.