Are Your Unlisted on the Web?

You've spent thousands of dollars on a Web site you're proud of. Can patients and potential patients find it, or is the site one of the many "online unlisted?"

Getting high placement on search engines and directories is an art, not a science. But there are a few tricks of the trade. Whether you want to attract new patients online--or be found by the friend of a satisfied patient who types your name in on Google--follow these basic steps:

1. Create relevant meta tags.

Meta tags are keywords embedded in the code of each Web page. Search engines

Send our web robots, or “bots” to catalogue and rank your site. In most cases, the bots use the keywords to perform this action. Talk to your Web designer to ensure you've got a meta tag that includes relevant keywords--including your city, state, name, and specialty areas.

2. Register the site on search engines.

Search engine registration is typically included in Web design projects, but ask to be sure. If you have created your site internally, ask the Webmaster to visit the top search engines and directories (such as Yahoo!, Google, AOLSearch, Excite, etc.) and register.

3. Update content regularly.

Fresh content gives the search engine robots something new to catalogue, and can boost your ratings.

4. Get other sites to link to you.

The more sites that link to your site, the more interested your site becomes to the Web "bots" that catalogue the site. Check the hospital, specialty society, managed care plan directories and other sites to be sure they've got your Web site listed.

5. Monitor placement.

Search for your site at key search engines and directories every 6-8 weeks to find out where you rank. Go to top engines and directories such as www.yahoo.com, www.google.com, and http://search.aol.com and search for your site using keywords a prospective patient might use i.e. a procedure, you name, your city. Where does your site come up? # 1, #10, #57? If the site falls in numerical prominence over time, this could indicate the need to update content, the meta tag, or your links.

Seven Smart Tips for Delegation

Does your full plate of projects include some that could be done by a manager or staff? Delegating doesn't have to be "dumping." Successful delegation allows employees to expand their knowledge and can groom them for higher level positions in the practice. This week's Idea Box provides tips for handing over assignments successfully.