We’re pretty proud of WebDVM, and the websites that we’ve created to help veterinarians reach more patients. Every WebDVM website is designed by a web specialist to connect veterinarians and clients online.
But something we’ve noticed is that not all WebDVM features are used equally. While some features, like the Pet Health Checker and the News Updates, appear on nearly all our websites, other features are languishing on the shelf, just waiting to be used. In some cases, these features may not be appropriate for your practice, for one reason or another. But in other cases, you may simply not realize that they exist, waiting to be implemented to make your website even more fantastic. That’s why we wrote this blog post – to inform you about some awesome features of your WebDVM website that you may not even be aware of!
Testimonials page
Every WebDVM website comes with VSmart Alert, a reputation management software that automatically sends out client satisfaction surveys and collects testimonials. VSmart surveys have a section that allows clients to input a testimonial if they wish, and that testimonial will be automatically be uploaded to your site, saving you time! We love this tool because testimonials are such an important part of marketing your practice.
Social buttons
Got a Facebook Page or Twitter account? You can advertise your social media accounts on your website. We offer social media buttons both on the home page and in the footer of your site, so that interested clients can find you on social from anywhere on your site. Additionally, if you have an active blog (and we’ll talk more about why you should later in this post), you can add social sharing buttons to your blog posts. These buttons enable clients to share your posts with their friends on social media, which can drive more traffic from social to your site.
Forms
We’re always surprised to find that some websites aren’t using the online forms on our WebDVM sites. In this modern age of technology and texting, some people are hesitant to pick up the phone and call your practice if they’re considering bringing their pet into you. Make appointment booking as easy as possible for existing and returning clients with online appointment forms. And you don’t have to stop there. You can also create forms for prescription refills, food orders, boarding, or even writing a testimonial for your website!
Blog
The blog is one of the most under-utilized features on WebDVM websites, in our opinion. Every veterinary practice should have a blog. The benefits are endless, from improving your website’s SEO and ranking in search engine results to educating your clients and encouraging them to visit your practice more often. Your website will reach more people and provide more value if you keep a regularly updated blog. Not sure where to start? Check out some of our posts on blogging, including how to blog faster and over 100 blog topics to get you started if you’re stuck.
Gallery
Create a webpage on your site with a gallery showcasing your patients, like this awesome one created by Vancouver Veterinary Hospital. A photo gallery rewards your loyal clients and recognizes how gorgeous your patients are. It also makes you look enthusiastic and proud of your patients, which is never a bad way to appear to potential clients. And if you feature the Gallery in your main navigation, you’ll be sure it captures the attention of prospective clients immediately.
Favicon
You’re probably wondering, what on earth is a favicon? Open your web browser and enter the name of a well-known website (e.g., Google). Now look at the top of the browser, where your tabs are stored. On the right, you’ll see the name of the web page, and on the left, you’ll see a little icon, usually the logo of the site you’re on. That’s the favicon. Favicons also appear in your history and bookmarks. A favicon is a very small touch, but it’s one that helps make your website look more professional and makes it easier for customers to recognize your website in a list of bookmarked sites. And if your practice has a logo (which it should!), then your favicon already exists – you just have to implement it. If you’re not sure how to do that, give us a call, and we’ll be more than happy to help!The overall feel of your website is determined by tons of little touches that you implement. Each of these features provides one of those touches that leads to a better overall experience. Make sure that you’re using your website to the fullest advantage.
