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07 May 2020

6 Tips for Making Your Website COVID-19 Strong

6 Tips for Making Your Website COVID-19 Strong
Keeping your veterinary practice's website up-to-date with COVID-19 related information can be a challenge. You and your team dedicate 100% of your day (minus the lunch/snack/chat breaks) dedicated to protecting and saving the lives of your patients.

But things are constantly changing. During this time, clients need to know what is going on in terms of your latest protocols, changes in hours, procedures and support so that you can best protect everyone involved.'

When you're working quickly to figure out processes within the practice, updating your website is often ignored. Maybe you requested the necessary updates to your website, but the company you use is overwhelmed by support needs. Or, maybe the thought of updating your website gives you anxiety because you have to do it yourself along with the 300 other things on your to-do list.

Robert Sanchez, CEO of Digital Empathy, a custom veterinary web design platform, heard that some practices were having a hard time keeping their website updated with current communications, so he and his team decided to offer free COVID-19-related website support for any veterinary practice who needed help through this crisis.'

With plenty of experience on veterinary web marketing, here are some of Robert's best tips on keeping your website COVID-19 strong:

1. Have an entry notification on your site

This can either be as the top bar or a pop-up message when your clients land on your page, giving you the opportunity to alert visitors about your new protocols to keep clients and staff safe. From there, you can link to a more substantial, detailed page (you can use something like this letter to clients, for example).

Having an initial entry notification on your main page will show that you are proactive and will help clients feel assured that you know what you're doing, even during these uncertain times.'

2. Keep things simple and straightforward

Explain how your curbside appointments work. Answer general questions. Provide reassurance. Convey these messages as clearly and concisely as you possibly can.'

People are stressed right now, and providing guidance digitally will make things easier for your staff and clients when it's time for a visit.

3. Make use of digital forms

Digital forms are a great tool, even past the pandemic. These will allow clients to check-in simply and safely once they arrive for their curbside appointment.

Digital Empathy shares this form, and it's a great example of the types of questions to ask your clients.

4. For a quick and easy fix, use a plugin

If your website runs on WordPress, try downloading an extension like Holler Box, which is free and allows for a simple pop-up message to display on your site.'

5. Get in touch directly with your website host/specialist

Things can get pretty backed up during a time when everyone needs help, so if you're having trouble, feel free to reach out to Digital Empathy. They have some awesome free resources that you can use to plan your communication with clients. They're also offering complimentary, direct COVID-19 website assistance to all practices in need.'

6. Show you care

At the end of the day, people just want to know they're being cared for. During times of crisis we look to leadership, and for your community, that's you! Show them through words and actions what you're doing to keep them safe. Let them know that you exist because of how passionate you are about caring for their pet.'

When you break down tasks (like updating your website) into simple steps, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve. It's all about figuring out what you want to say, writing down how you will say it, and having the right tools and resources for assistance if needed.'

Veterinary practices are home to health heroes too, so make sure your website is as strong as your team.'

For more tips to boost your practice, check out our blogs:'

'Don't Pause for COVID-19: PIVOT! 5 Steps to Keep Moving Forward in Crisis''

'Marketing Your Vet Practice: 5 Easy Strategies"
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