I get this question so much, and I really think it’s the wrong question. I’m not a fan of using a templated site, but that’s only because I want a bigger say in the layout and design of my site. I also think that a lot of the website services out there create sites with too much going on, making it confusing for the potential new patient.
When someone is looking for a chiropractor, they should be able (at a minimum) to quickly find out who you are, when you’re open, and where you are. If they have to go several pages deep in order to accomplish that, they may just hit the “back” button and go on to someone else.
The template site services do create a good looking site, and fast. A lot of the site can be customized, but here’s where I see the issue. The doctor is usually happy with overall look of the site, so they think they’re done. They don’t bother to personalize. The don’t bother to put anything about themselves ready available on the site.
They may include a picture, but then the rest of the “about” section is nothing more than “I serve the community with chiropractic care.” You’ve got to have more to say than that! Who are you? What do you like to do? Why should the new patient come and see you? They have to feel like they get to know you in order to feel comfortable enough to make that call.
So the question is not, “Should I use a template site?” The question should really be, “Does the template site suit me and my personality?” And, “Will the template site offer the potential new patient the information they are looking for?”
Most of the time, when I take on a new chiropractor as a client (and they have a template site), they’ve not completed a lot of the information. The “About” page is bland or “under construction” and the pictures used have little to nothing to do with the doctor or their office.
Take the time to put a part of yourself into your site. You’ll see the difference!
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