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Are websites really that expensive?
Every business wanting to make a genuine impact in their community and maximise its potential needs a personalised website.
After all websites are one of the main ways in which pet owners can:
– Get to know your practice
– Understand your ethos and motivation
– Explore the routine and specialist services you offer
– Learn how they can get in touch to find out more or register their pet with your practice
So, it’s safe to say that your veterinary practice NEEDS a website.
However, we recognise that it can be easy to look at the list of costs associated with creating and maintaining a professional website and feel immediately intimidated.
Hosting and security
To strengthen your solid, trusted reputation, you need to ensure your website hosting is reliable and that you have up-to-date security measures in place to keep your clients’ information safe.
Design and build
Constructing a functional and seamless website that reflects every unique facet of your practice is a real skill, which is why it is worth investing in a designer and developer who understands your brand and the level of service you want to provide to your customers.
Theme and plugin licenses
While there is a vast array of services out there that can supply free templates, investing in a unique theme and utilising intuitive plugins that improve the user experience will help you to set yourself apart from your competitors.
Photography and videography
Yes, stock imagery has come a long way in the last few years. However, the only way to create a personalised website that comprehensively reflects your unique practice is to invest in high-quality imagery of your team and your practice to help bring your website to life. Investing in high-quality imagery and professional videography means that you can also use this part of your investment on your social media and in other marketing channels.
Ongoing costs
There are many advantages to having your developer on a monthly retainer, including always having someone on hand to problem solve technical issues and update security measures. It’s also an excellent idea to work with a trusted content writer to ensure your site is consistently updated with fresh, engaging content aimed at your audience. Even better if these two people are at the same agency!
But let’s not overlook the fact that having a well-designed, functional and appealing website has an array of benefits.
For a start, a well-optimised website that contains unique and educational content will benefit from increased search engine visibility. This in turn will help you to establish your practice as a leading veterinary service in your area.
But that’s not all.
Your website will help you to improve your customer service by providing a place your audience can go to find the information they’re looking for quickly and easily.
You can also choose to integrate added features into your website, including easy to use options to book an appointment online and order prescriptions and food without needing to call the practice. This ‘self-service approach’ will also help to relieve the pressure felt by your staff during this busy time, leaving them free to focus on taking care of pets and their owners, without feeling rushed both in person and over the phone.
An added bonus during these more challenging times of recruiting new talent, by ensuring that your practice is a positive environment for everyone, you won’t find it difficult to attract new members of staff which will allow you to deliver your services with a happy team, whilst meeting the needs of your clients and their pets.
So, while the initial investment for a well-built website may seem like a lot, over the course of its lifetime it will provide your practice with benefits that far outweigh the costs for your clients, your patients, your staff and your bottom line.
