Communicating with existing patients can be accomplished by sending an e-mail newsletter. These usually provide chiropractic and other wellness-related content that patients can easily forward to family friends and co-workers to make them more aware of what their doctor has to offer. "The cost is far outweighed by the constant communication with your patient base; nothing compares," states Dr. Mark J. Maher. Sadly, 40 percent of chiropractic Web sites don't have a patient e-mail newsletter. Of those that do, the majority of these send the newsletters either monthly (28 percent) or bi-weekly (17 percent).

When asked if they would recommend their current Web site provider, 75 percent of DCs said that they would. The main reasons they would recommend their Web site provider are: excellent functionality (36 percent), great features (35 percent), low price (35 percent), good customer service (31 percent) and great graphics (26 percent).

When it comes to managing their Web site, more than one-third (36 percent) of DCs stated that neither they nor their staff have to spend any time on their Web site. Another 38 percent spend an hour or less per month, including time spent on their patient newsletter. Of the remainder, 4 percent spend four to six hours per month, 2 percent spend seven to nine hours per month and 2 percent spend 10 hours or more per month.

Wish List

When asked what one thing DCs would like to change about their Web sites, more than one-third (35 percent) stated "improve search engine optimization." This was followed by a list of other suggestions:

When asked what additional features she would like to see on her office Web site, chiropractic office manager Janice Webb remarked: "I think it could do whatever I want it to do. I just need to spend some time on it."

Reference

1. Practice Web site Survey. MPA Media, completed May 10, 2010.