Websites

RE: Websites

Rob Loxley — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 13:50:39 GMT

[quote user="Julie Innes"]but I am guilty of forgetting to update it![/quote]

I think in such cases you need to cull things that need updating, or things that show lack of attention. eg If you're not going to regularly update the newsletter then just don't leave 18 months ago's as the most recent; if you aren't going to regularly update every last staff profile then maybe consider omitting. If your communication efforts are concentrated on facebook then include a facebook widget instead. The basics of your practice - location, phone numbers, email, lead vets etc are unlikely to change or need updating regularly.

RE: Websites

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 11:23:26 GMT

[quote user="George Cooper"]I take a slightly different view, feeling that websites are over valued and take inordinate amounts of energy to keep current.[/quote]

Disagree they are overvalued, for the reason above: they are your shop front to an audience that always googles things first.

But as regards keeping current. That shouldn't have to be the case. Most of the content shouldn't need more than an occasional review, and it should be built so that you can update staff in a matter of moments.

[quote user="George Cooper"]I think that the future is in having an App, which then resides on the smartphone at all times.[/quote]

But as we become more permanently connected (as in our mobile phones remain in range of an internet connection at nearly all times), so internet content is effectively on our phones at all times, thereby negating the benefit of an app!

The ONE practical difference between an app and a webpage is that the former allows mobile phone users to receive notifications regardless of whether the app/browser is open or not.

That IS potentially interesting / valuable as a way of communicating with clients, but it is something for clients, NOT prospective clients.

For prospective clients, no question that practices must have a shopfront online: ie a website. Doesn't have to be complicated or require daily updates. It does need to make it easy for clients to find out: What, Where, When, How.

RE: Websites

Phil Hyde — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:02:49 GMT

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]

This one is new and a cracker

https://www.mountvets.com

[/quote]Last blog: March 8th. Link to blogs doesn't work.

Ho hum.

RE: Websites

George Cooper — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 00:43:21 GMT

I take a slightly different view, feeling that websites are over valued and take inordinate amounts of energy to keep current.

I think that the future is in having an App, which then resides on the smartphone at all times.

RE: Websites

Jerry Humphries — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:53:54 GMT

Websites are the new shop window, it's great that there is such differences in design and functionalities but you will never please everyone with one design.

Vets biggest advertisements are their happy customers telling their friends and family the service and support they received from them.

You have to take the web seriously and update things when you can. The new customer generations have been brought up on technology from a very early age and will be expecting a modern design, and will trust a site that provides this.

RE: Websites

Thomas Johnson — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:39:46 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]I see that 'proud to be independent' line from time to time, and really wonder whether it means anything to the average pet owner. I doubt it. And it's a feature, not a benefit. What would be better is a line which said something more like: As an independent practice, we can offer [insert benefit].[/quote]

For some people it is definitely something they are looking for. When a couple of our neighbouring practices were bought out we had a small influx of clients registering before they'd even visited their old practice under the new ownership, and the reason they gave for moving was that they wanted to go to an independent practice.

RE: Websites

Bob Russell — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 14:57:22 GMT

We are rushed off our feet as is our neighbouring practice. We are the only independents for miles!

Not sure if this is the reason but I bet we will see more and more of the use of independent and it will be seen largely as a good thing.

RE: Websites

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 14:00:28 GMT

[quote user="Clive Ansell"]Just wondering how good or useful websites are at client recruitment? [/quote]

This question surely breaks down into two parts. The first is how many clients go to look online to find a local vet, or more specifically the information they need to pick a local vet.

Difficult to quantify without market research, but I'll bet it's 'lots', probably 'most'.

I'd imagine most people looking for a vet these days will just google it. And I'll bet even those who find out about a practice through word of mouth would still google them, to find out more and check whether they look good, or if there are alternatives.

So all other things being equal, websites should be good or useful at recruiting clients.

That said, there are good websites and bad ones. BUT, design is so subjective, and I never fail to be amazed at how some people see beauty/professionalism/credibility etc in a website that I think stinks. So I think the most important thing is to concentrate on the presentation of information / usability.

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]

This one is new and a cracker

https://www.mountvets.com[/quote]

Yes, that is good, isn't it.

Forget the subjective design elements ... the most important things for me (after a quick squiz) are:

a) CONTACT - telephone number clear and prominent on every page. I love the way the contact information is presented on the home page too.

b) Meet the team - I think that's one of the best sets of staff photos I have ever seen on a practice website. Friendly but professional looking.

c) Like the online registration.

One thing ...

On the pets home page, it begins by saying Mount Vets are proud to be an independent vet practice ...

I see that 'proud to be independent' line from time to time, and really wonder whether it means anything to the average pet owner. I doubt it. And it's a feature, not a benefit. What would be better is a line which said something more like: As an independent practice, we can offer [insert benefit].

RE: Websites

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 13:17:15 GMT

A good website is crucial in my opinion, it's the first point of call for many

In my honest opinion what makes them poorer is bad photography and no updates, they need attention.

This one is new and a cracker

https://www.mountvets.com

Neil

RE: Websites

Martin Atkinson — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 12:58:51 GMT

[quote user="Julie Innes"]

I did my own website (with a little help from my dad!) It was relatively easy, but I am guilty of forgetting to update it! It's definitely not flashy, but because I did it myself I think it gives a truer representation of the practice.

[/quote]The same (without the dad bit).

RE: Websites

Julie Innes — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 12:51:36 GMT

RE: Websites

Martin Atkinson — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 11:56:34 GMT

It is tricky because we are intelligent educated people who are not easily fooled by flashy advertising and gimmicky websites with too many good reviews and self-aggrandisement and are more likely to be put off by them. Not sure that applies to most of the population!

I keep mine fairly basic and mostly use it as an information resource for people. Every cold-calling web developer in the world tells me its old fashioned and won't attract a high listing on Google etc but when I look at examples of the ones they built they all look very formulaic and stereotypical.

RE: Websites

Rob Loxley — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 12:40:38 GMT

I'm still hoping we can expunge the comic-sans from our website... It's not aged well!