This page is a resource for fellow physicians who are not web-savvy but would like information on creating a website. I receive no incentives for the companies I promote herein, but am sharing info for the benefit of all. Last Updated: August 12th, 2019
Wait, Why’s This Doc Talking about Websites?
Before medical school I worked as a web developer and programmer, building websites and back-end management systems for small businesses. I have a decade of experience in startup business ventures, search engine optimization (SEO), web marketing, online advertising, startup development and small business organization. All of that gibberish means I wore a lot of hats during my time as a freelancer and know a thing or two about making websites.
YourName.com
If you want to get your own website you should first figure out
- Do you want to have your own domain name? (ie: parivashsanders.com)
- How you’re going to make your website.
Starting with the latter, I currently recommend using either WordPress (free) or Wix (not free) because they both let you use what is called a “WYSIWYG” – a drag-and-drop editor to create a website with zero knowledge.
- I currently prefer Wix to SquareSpace because they have more physician and clinic-style templates, for a slightly lower price. And they offer a free test-drive.
- Both list those template types under “Health and Wellness”
- Wix even has a “Family Doctor” theme
If you choose to use WordPress but want to have your own domain name you’ll need to buy the name, and get hosting with it, both of which I recommend you do via Dreamhost (disclosure: they host my website, but I get no perk for the rec). I’ve used Dreamhost for over a decade; they’re good people.
Social Media
You should definitely claim your Google Business listing, which is a free service.
Facebook is primarily used by 40-60 year olds, which is an ideal “market” for physicians. It makes sense to create your clinic page on their site for patients to find, but due to their recent political-legal troubles, and the diaspora of younger users, I would not recommend the use of paid ads. Free Facebook is the only one you need.
Other social media tools includes Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok; none of which are ideal for clinic representation.
Physician Ranking Sites
Unfortunately, there are dozens of these, and they allow patients to post negative reviews of you or your clinic. You cannot respond to these reviews, as it is frowned on by most state boards due to risk of HIPAA violation. I have no brilliant advice for you, but if comments are slanderous you can contact a lawyer to discuss options.
I’m a Medical Student…
You do not need a website. Or business cards. Literally no residency wants to look at that. What they might do is Google you, so read my post over on FMstudent about it: 5 Tips to Curate Your Online Presence for Residency Applications
I’m a PreMed…
You do not need a website.
