How to Start Your Own Healthcare Blog
If you want to start your own blog, first check with your Internet service provider. Your provider may already have a free blogging service with free support. If not, simply open your Internet browser window and type “free blogging service” into the search window.
There are so many free services and blog sites that you should be able to find one that suits your subject matter and level of computer knowledge to a tee. A few possibilities to begin with are:
You might try searching for a discussion forum or online message board aimed at healthcare bloggers. Ask other healthcare practitioners about their opinions or experiences with different free blogging services. Some services are geared toward people who have little experience setting up web pages. You might also want to check out news of the Healthcare Blogging Summit held in Washington, DC. If you blog about health issues or have considered starting a blog for your practice, you’ll find this interesting.
Once you find a home for your blog, simply visit their web site and follow the instructions for signing up and getting started.
You’ve started your blog; now what?
Once your blog is set up, you’ll need to post your first message. This is as easy as typing directly into your blog page, spell-checking your work and saving it. (Blogging so easy a 10-year-old can do it, and many do!).
Once your blog is set up, you’ll need to post your first message. This is as easy as typing directly into your blog page, spell-checking your work and saving it. (Blogging so easy a 10-year-old can do it, and many do!).
Remember to tailor your message(s) to your target audience. If you are addressing patients, keep your language conversational, simple and direct. Avoid medical terminology, healthcare jargon and clinical language that many patients may misunderstand or find confusing. Focus your message on how your practice/services benefit the reader. The more benefits for the reader, the better your response/results will be.
Invite patient/reader response with a “call to action” offer. This could be anything from a free consultation to a free patient information kit. Your offer should have value to your readers.
Also remember that blogs are often ranked very high in search engine placement because blog content is so relevant to specific healthcare topics that prospective new patients search for. Try thinking like your patient as you write. Ask yourself, “what would I want/need to know about this particular service/procedure/treatment if I was my patient?”
To learn more about blogging, call Practice Builders at 800.679.1262 today.