In today’s digitally-driven world, your practice’s reputation extends far beyond its brick-and-mortar boundaries. Your digital footprint is the first point of contact for many potential patients. A single patient review could be the determining factor in whether or not a person decides to contact you. A low star rating could send people running to your competitors. Failing to show up in search results means failing to reach a large portion of your target audience. 

An effective online reputation management strategy not only builds trust with existing patients but also positions you as the obvious choice for potential ones. In this article, we’ll go over the ins and outs of healthcare reputation management and teach you how to build a better digital presence. 

Table of contents

What is healthcare reputation management?

Healthcare clinic reputation management is a strategic approach to shaping and maintaining your digital image. It includes tasks such as monitoring online reviews, managing and responding to feedback, search engine optimization (SEO), and actively engaging on social media.

Woman reading a review of a healthcare practice

Healthcare reputation management statistics

Building and maintaining a solid online presence can have a huge impact on patient trust and your bottom line. Let’s look at some data from our State of Reviews Report that proves it. 

  1. Online reviews increased by 5% in 2023 compare to 2022.
  2. In 2023, the Healthcare sector sent the most review requests.

Taking a proactive approach to healthcare online reputation management can have a huge impact on your practice. It’s not about vanity. It’s about strengthening relationships and proving to patients that if they choose you, they’ll be in good hands.

How does reputation management impact business growth?

A well-managed healthcare reputation management strategy can be one of your most powerful marketing tools. Nowadays, patients look to reviews and other digital cues to inform their decisions more than ever before. As your organization gains more positive reviews and mentions, you’ll start to rank higher in search results. This increased visibility will create a snowball effect, amplifying brand awareness and driving more patients to you.  

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Benefits of reputation management

Reputation management for healthcare is about more than just being seen —  it’s about making the right impression. A strong reputation: 

  • Lays the foundation for long-lasting patient relationships. 
  • Instills confidence. People trust positive reviews the way they trust recommendations from friends and family. 
  • Proves to prospective patients that you care about their feedback.
  • Builds credibility and gives your clinic a competitive advantage. If your competitors aren’t showing up as positively or frequently as you are, you’ve effectively tipped the balance in your favor.
Image showing how reviews help customers find local businesses

How to manage and improve your healthcare online reputation

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your online presence won’t be either. But don’t let that overwhelm you! With Birdeye, you can turn your online reputation management strategy into a well-oiled machine. Here are some tips to get you started: 

Build your presence

Show up where patients search: If potential patients can’t find you online, they may never find you at all. Creating and filling out profiles on local business directories helps you show up where your prospective patients look for you. 

Engage and connect

Get active on social media: Allowing patients to contact you via social media is a great way to boost patient satisfaction. The good news is that there are plenty of social media tools that make it easy to maintain a consistent presence on the social channels that matter most. 

Leverage positive feedback

Automate review collection: Online reviews help your practice rank higher and win more patients. Birdeye’s healthcare reputation management software automates the process of collecting reviews so you can maximize your results with minimal effort. 

Manage and respond to reviews: People notice when businesses respond to reviews — in fact, 96% of consumers take the time to read businesses’ responses to reviews. Luckily, thanks to new developments in AI, you can automatically generate personalized responses for every review that rolls in. Responding to reviews has never been easier. 

Use reviews for marketing: Turn your glowing reviews into powerful social posts. By showcasing positive testimonials across various channels, you further solidify your credibility and expand your reach to new audiences. 

Birdeye integrates with over 3000 software solutions and leading practice management systems, including Nextech, NextGen, ACOM Health, and more. And it’s fully HIPPA compliant, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary legal headaches. 

Image showing a testimonial of Birdeye, a healthcare reputation management tool

Important review sites for healthcare reputation management

Whether someone is looking for a mental health provider, an urgent care center, or a primary care provider, choosing a medical professional is a deeply personal — and sometimes nerve-wracking — decision. By showing up on relevant review platforms, you help patients feel confident and make informed decisions. In addition to heavy hitters like Facebook and Google, you should also consider industry-specific platforms like Healthgrades,  Zocdoc, and Vitals. 

FAQ: Healthcare reputation management

Q: What reputation management review sites should healthcare practices prioritize? 

A: In addition to platforms like Google and Facebook, you should prioritize healthcare-specific review sites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc. Focusing on these platforms can significantly enhance your practice’s online reputation. 

Q: Why is reputation management in healthcare important? 

A: A great online presence is the key to gaining new patients. Five-star reviews, an active social media presence, and fast response times are green flags that potential patients look for. By prioritizing your online reputation, you build credibility, help people make informed decisions, and gain a competitive advantage. 

Q: How do you create a reputation management plan?

A: Start by assessing your current online reputation. Regularly monitor feedback on essential platforms, respond to reviews quickly, and maintain a consistent social media presence. Share valuable content on relevant digital channels to establish your brand’s authority and set measurable goals to evaluate and refine your approach.

Q: What are the best strategies to manage online reputation? 

A: The two types of online reputation management are proactive and reactive. Proactive reputation management focuses on building and maintaining a positive online image, often through content creation, engagement, and regular monitoring. Reactive reputation management aims to repair or restore an online reputation after negative incidents.

Birdeye: Leaders in healthcare reputation management solutions

Birdeye’s online reputation management healthcare solutions make it easy to build a stand-out digital presence. From automating review collection and response processes to maintaining a consistent presence on social media and beyond, adding Birdeye to your toolkit will help you gain a competitive edge, win patient trust, and grow your business. 


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