The Internet is Now Used as the Primary Means of Finding Local Businesses, Including Healthcare Practices.

Not too long ago, most people tended to think of the Internet as the global marketplace —  the source where people would look up information and purchase goods and services from companies that were far away from their homes. But not anymore. According to a recent study by Comscore, 40% of all searches on the Internet are local in nature.  The general public are now using their computers as the primary means of finding or researching a local business rather than the local Yellow Pages.

Think about it. Computers with Internet access are now a common appliance in people’s kitchens, not to mention wireless home networks that allow for use of your laptop throughout the house. Now instead of the local Yellow Pages, today consumers use their computers as the primary means of finding or researching a local business.

What does this mean for you? Clients are researching your practice and other doctors too. If you aren’t taking steps to be found for local searches related to the services your practice provides, then you are missing out on potential new patients. You’re also potentially losing patients who may have tried to find you, but couldn’t because they looked for you by specialty within your local area, instead of your name.

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