5 Steps to Improve Your Medical Practice's Local SEO

5 Steps to Improve Your Medical Practice’s Local SEO

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The age of the internet has dramatically changed how people receive medical information. When it comes to an initial medical diagnosis, most will forgo a doctor’s visit and instead go online, type in their symptoms and search through the results for a medical practice.

And it’s not just the younger generation who are doing this.

According to research, 84 percent of baby boomers go online to learn about medical conditions or drugs.

The number of people looking for medical advice or a diagnosis online presents a major business opportunity for medical practices looking for new patients.

However, with so many medical websites, blogs and social media pages out there, having your practice appear at the top of search results is key to capturing their business.

To do just this, here are five ways to optimize your webpage, boost your practice’s SEO and make it more likely that your website will show up in Google searches.

1. Target keywords that are specific to your practice.

Don’t focus on highly competitive keywords such as “fever,” “illness” and “health.” Hone in on words that patients would use to describe symptoms for conditions you treat. By optimizing your page around these specific key words, it will be more likely that the kind of patients with the symptoms you treat will find you.

2. Clean up your on-page SEO.

Think of this like spring cleaning for your website. Have your site administrator go through each page and tweak it in the following ways:

  • Use short URLs on each of your pages.
  • Add page titles that incorporate targeted keywords.
  • To each page, add a meta description.
  • Make sure your pages load quickly.
  • Add links to other sites as well as internal links.
  • Incorporate keywords into H1 and H2 title tags.

3. Target a geographic area.

If you’re hoping to attract new patients, there’s no use trying to reach people 1,000 miles away. When researching search volumes for keywords or purchasing online ads, make sure you are only targeting users who are in the county in which you are based.

4. Google local listings.

Be sure that you have your information updated and available in Google’s listings. It’s free and will ensure your practice shows up when someone does a specific geographic search on Google Maps and elsewhere.

5. Create great content.

People will come to your site because it has useful information that can help them. Strategically using keywords is hugely important, but providing content that keeps visitors on the page and leads them to click on links and share is a huge metric Google uses to measure your site’s relevance and position in search results.

For even more here are “Strategies to Impact Your Practice with Online Reviews.”

 

What Surge Pricing Could Mean For Your Restaurant

What Surge Pricing Could Mean For Your Restaurant

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Here’s how surge pricing can potentially help bring in additional revenue

Surge Pricing and Restaurants. In the age of “disruptive technology” we have seen many of the old standard practices completely upended and transformed into new ways of doing business.The list is long and includes the business models of Uber, Amazon, phone based payment platforms, restaurant reservation platforms and small business “fintech” lenders. It seems endless.

In the “old days” we tried to drive additional sales outside of our peak core dining periods with promotions. This includes staples like Happy Hour or Early Bird Specials! In many cases, these promotions helped to bring additional revenue to static periods of the day, but the methods were primitive and fixed. In the age of technology and digital marketing there has to be a more efficient and responsive electronic solution that is not only effective, but it is measurable.

I am not a frequent Uber rider

But, during rainy days in New York City I learned about their practice of surge pricing. It was a bit of a shock to see that you would be charged 1.5X, 2X or more than the normal fare just because of supply and demand. If you want it now, you can either pay the asking price or step aside and try to find a taxi. Chances are that can take you a considerable amount of time. Especially with the meter running while you are stuck in traffic – you will probably pay more.

This is nothing new. Many other businesses have been adjusting prices to reflect demand and availability to maximize their returns. Hotels always cost more during holidays, conventions and peak demand. Airlines offer lower pricing the further out from the departure date that you book your flight. If you need a last minute flight, you will most likely pay dearly. Movie theaters have lower prices for weekday matinees.

So what does this have to do with the restaurant business?

We print our menus and go with them by the meal period (Lunch / Dinner), all day same pricing and often only change them periodically. There is no flexibility or incentive for customers to fill dead space in your restaurant. This is a very crude form price differentiation.

All restaurant owners are trying to maximize sales

And there are only so many variables and resources available in which to operate. Your facilities can only hold a finite number of guests at a time. Your kitchen and bar have a certain production capability. You can do take out, delivery and catering but this takes additional resources. And the peak demand times for these sales channels coincides with your core dining business. Sometimes this puts a negative strain on your in-house dining customers. The solution may be in incentivizing customers to patronize your restaurant during times when you NEED the business. Then charging more when you know that the restaurant will be maxed out.

In February, Bloomberg News reported that a well-known London restaurant called Bob Bob Ricard is implementing a surge pricing model to try to balance supply and demand for seats in the dining room and maximize revenues. It appears to be a more sophisticated way of offering the infamous Early Bird Special and breaks days and meal periods into multiple pricing tiers. Basically though, they are offering the same menu during non-peak periods for a 25% discount. The owner Leonid Shutov is confident his test will work and said in the Bloomberg report, “Airlines wouldn’t be able to exist, the business model wouldn’t work unless you could balance supply and demand. Everything that we have taken that is widely accepted in the modern economy and applied to restaurants, seems to have worked.” The restaurant world is waiting and watching!

The Bob Bob Ricard model

This model, even in its disruptive intent to appeal to a broader audience, could turn off potential customers or backfire when a guest is seated 10 minutes after the 25% discount expires. But others are considering technology based offerings with data analytics to adjust menu pricing electronically. This would be in response to reservation data, historical sales and access to various marketing platforms and social media. Customers going online can be driven to arrive earlier if enticed by a lower price. During prime time dining, people choose to be there along with the rest of the crowd. People will accept higher prices if it is really what they want, when they want it.

I have discussed this with a number of my restaurant owner friends. They point out that they already have a separate lunch / dinner / brunch menu, which accomplishes this in the same way. My question is always, “but do Monday sales look like your Friday sales? Is lunch on Friday – a traditional week’s over decompression day – the same as Saturday?”

Each restaurant has it’s own answer, but an electronic platform to manage this could help. It will help owners drive sales and profits while understanding customer behavior at a higher level.

7 Tools To Improve Your Website Design

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Check out these 7 ways to make your small business website look amazing!

Websites need to be aesthetically pleasing, consistent, and user-friendly, which is hard work. If you have ever taken on a web design project, you will understand this to be true. Unfortunately, many people who dive head first into a web design project are naive to this fact and find themselves quickly overwhelmed. So, If you’ve started a web design project recently, or are looking for ways to make your project more efficient and effective. These seven tools to improve website design are a great place to start!

1) ThemeForest

Once you have purchased your domain name and figured out a hosting site, it’s time to build your website. One of the very first things you will need to accomplish your website build is a template. Although you can create a template if you know HTML code, that task should be left up to the experts. Enter, Themeforest. This website allows you to browse thousands upon thousands of website templates in a variety of styles and at a variety of prices, starting at only $5. No matter who you are, you will be able to find a template you like on ThemeForest, and hopefully, a price you like as well.

2) Shutterstock

Even amateur web designers and business owners just starting out need their website to look professionally polished. This includes using well-edited pictures on your pages. One of the best methods for acquiring professional photos for your website (unless you are a photographer) is through stock photos. Shutterstock offers a wide variety of photographs of any topic imaginable for use on your website. You can purchase photos individually, or buy monthly subscription plans starting at just $29 per month.

3) Canva

If you are creating images or graphics for your website, Canva is a great user friendly option. With Canva you can create blog graphics, website headers, email templates, and infographics from pre-laid templates and add your own brand and flair. If you want to take advantage of all that Canva has to offer, you can purchase a premium plan for only $9.95 per month.

4) Typekit

One of the biggest components to creating an aesthetically pleasing website is choosing the right combination of fonts. The fonts you choose are some of the first things that visitors to your site notice; and they play a large role in how your content is read. With Typekit, you can browse through thousands of fonts, purchase the ones you like, and receive recommendations on other fonts you can use to compliment it. Typekit fonts can be purchased individually or through paid plans starting at $49.99 per year.

5) Webflow

Perhaps you have been in the web design business for a while, or are looking to upgrade your first site to something that is more “your style.” If you are comfortable with design and confident in what you desire for your website, then you might want to give Webflow a shot! With Webflow you are able to work with freelance web designers and developers to produce your very own website.

6) Beewits

If you are starting a web design project, one of the most important things that you need to do is stay on task. Beewits allows you to start projects, track their progress and add updates. This is a product that will keep you on your toes and on your way to a finished product in no time. By chance, if you are a professional website designer or own an agency, Beewits has plans for you and your employees too!

7) Whatusersdo

Finally, before launching your website, you are going to want to test your user experience. Users on your website should be able to navigate your pages easily and reach the information they need to in less than 3 clicks. Whatusersdo is a web-based program that simulates a user experience and tests your website and offers recommendations for improved user experience. Pricing for this product is based on the size of your project.

Check out these tools and use them well! Best of luck on your next project!

Now, here are the four tactics you should try in 2018 to help your small business rank higher in search engine results.

Is Equipment Financing an Option for You.

Is Equipment Financing an Option For You?

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Every small business owner will agree that running a business is very exciting and challenging. From managing an office filled with computers and printers, break rooms and vending machines to purchasing on-the-ground supplies for transportation services or construction businesses, every piece of equipment matters. That is why equipment financing can be exceptionally beneficial in easing some of the burden associated with these tasks.

To keep your business operating seamlessly, everything must be planned. However new opportunities seldom present themselves with a clean plan. Business owners may often find themselves in need of purchasing new equipment to make the most of a new lucrative opportunity.

Equipment financing eases these worries and bolsters your growth by catering to the needs of your business without any down-payment. Equipment financing is ideal for small businesses who have vehicle fleets, towing companies, construction contractors, medical practices, and those that have a large warehouse.

5 things you should know about equipment financing

1. It’s a great way to get a leg up on your competition

With equipment financing, you can have the most advanced equipment in your sector without adversely impacting the financial health of your small business.

2. Do your homework

Ensuring the right quality of equipment financing is a top priority for any small business owner. Carefully consider some basic parameters before entering into an agreement for equipment financing, including the amount of cash required, fees and alternate equipment upgrade options.

3. Questions to consider before pursuing new equipment

How will the new equipment add revenue or reduce costs for your business? How essential is it to supplement the growth of your business, cash flow, and profits? Then choose a lender whose terms suit your requirements.

4. Balance your cost and cash flow

While the approval process for equipment financing is fast and hassle-free, things can get quite tricky if you don’t balance your cost and cash flow. For example, the cash flow is impacted if you repay over a short term. If you select a long-term repayment, then you end up paying a lot of money on the lure of low payments. Therefore, choose a repayment term that is in sync with your cash flow and what you can do easily on a monthly basis.

5. Be aware of associated costs

These costs can include insurance and maintenance. Many businesses forget to factor in these costs when looking for equipment financing. Don’t let yourself be one of them!

Should I Use Equipment Financing for My Next Purchase?

Equipment financing may be a good option when:

  • The cost of purchasing the equipment is too high to sustain on current cash flow.
  • You want to maintain the option of changing the equipment in some time to keep up with the latest technology.
  • The new equipment will give you an edge on the competition.
  • The new equipment will open up a new market or new line of business.

Equipment financing may not be an option when:

  • The total cost of ownership of the equipment, along with the associated fees, maintenance and insurance costs will introduce too much risk in the business.
  • There are cheaper options for used / re-traded equipment that would provide the same benefit to the business.

Planned equipment financing not only saves money but also helps small businesses to pursue other business goals. Used wisely, it is a great way to fuel growth in the business.

Get Your Complete Guide

This guide will cover even more than just equipment financing, but the many other options you may have!

Here’s whats covered:

  • Top 5 Fundamentals of Small Business Financing
  • The Most Popular Business Financing Options
  • Tips for Maintaining Strong Financial Health
  • How to Choose the Right Business Loan for You
The 5 Fundamentals of Alternative Financing

The 5 Fundamentals of Alternative Financing

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What are your alternative financing options?

Every business needs capital to sustain and grow, and alternative financing can help when you most need it. Acquiring inventory, renovating, purchasing top-of-the-line equipment or strengthening operations requires capital. Loans through traditional lenders are obviously a great source for this capital. But, these traditional sources can often be very slow and they have a number of complex qualification requirements. When capital is needed quickly, they are often not a viable option.

That is where alternative small business financing partners come in. Unlike a bank, they are fast sources of capital, usually requiring very little paperwork. They are willing to take greater risks by betting on the future success of established businesses. Understanding the different types of non-traditional financing options available is therefore critical for every business owner. This is because choosing the right type and source of financing can be the difference between success and failure.

Alternative financing isn’t always cheap. However, used wisely, it can be the catalyst that ensures that the business continues to grow and thrive. Here are some of the top reasons why businesses choose alternative financing options when looking for small business loans.

1. Fast Access to Capital

Having fast access to capital allows you to take advantage of opportunities that arise – maybe a new property with an enviable location just came onto the market that would be PERFECT for an expansion; or a manufacturer/distributor is having a huge sale on items that you know your customer base will love – but you need a chunk of cash in order to purchase this inventory. And, you need it FAST. Having a relationship with an alternative financing provider can help to ensure that you won’t lose out on opportunities like these. Because they can get you the cash you need in a very short amount of time.

On the flipside, fast access to capital can also address unforeseen challenges and situations. For instance, your restaurant may be registering good profits and solid growth, but it’s not enough for you to have a large reserve of cash to counter a sudden emergency. So, when your refrigerator suddenly stops working, where do you get the cash to fix the problem…or, worse case scenario, replace the equipment? Every minute with the broken equipment is a dent in your profits. Similarly, when the building landlord can’t have your air conditioner fixed for a couple of weeks, you may have little choice but to fix the problem yourself. In situations like these, a quick infusion of cash through an alternative financing partner becomes a necessity. It immediately gets the access to the capital you need to fix the problem and get your business back on track.

The same situation could arise for other businesses too. Like equipment needed for a big contracting job, inventory needed to service the windfall large order, or a sudden unforeseen expense required to expand physical space in your office for new or existing employees. In these scenarios, an alternative source for small business loans is a solid safeguard for your business.

2. No/Low collateral required

Sometimes, life’s small ironies come with significant learning. Almost everyone will agree that banks only lend you money when you don’t need it! This stems from the fact that they make sure they have enough collateral to get their money back. If your company is looking to takeoff or you just want to make some changes on the operations side, then approaching a bank for a loan may not always work out. This is because you may not fit their meticulous collateral criteria.

Unfortunately, this situation is far too common for most small businesses. Despite diligent planning and attention to micro details, you may find yourself looking for extra capital and a traditional lender is just not going to be able to provide you with the help you need. In situations like these, it may be easier to go for a type of alternative financing. This is an option which focuses on the future success of the business and helps you spread your wings. Some financing options available through these lenders have very low, and sometimes no, collateral requirements. As with any loan, it is important for the business owner to carefully understand and match the financing option to their business’s needs.

3. Short term cash injections

Not everyone needs business financing for long terms. Sometimes, you may be caught in an emergency which can be easily resolved with some capital. Or, your business is facing a seasonal slump, then quick capital can ease your worries. Alternative financing is a great option for a quick short-term cash injection for a relatively short (3 – 18 months) period. This extra capital helps you sustain your business. Be wary – If you find yourself always in need of short-term alternative financing, you may want to revisit your business structure and confirm that it is still the best option for you.

4. Flexible payment terms

A great advantage of many types of alternative financing is that you have the ability to choose the mechanism and timing of your payments – meaning you have the freedom to decide a payment schedule that suits your business the best. Some products allow you to pay back on a daily basis, with daily payment amount being determined by how the business performed on that day (on great days, you pay more; on slow days, you pay less!).

Some give you the option of paying back directly from your bank via ACH or as a portion of every credit card swipe used to pay your business. This flexibility of payment mechanism and type gives small businesses a great advantage to manage their cash flow. The beauty of this arrangement is that the success of the alternative financing provider is tied directly to the success of your business. The same could not be said for traditional lenders!

5. Better small business cash flow management

Perhaps the single most important barometer for financial health, a positive cash flow is the lifeblood of a successful small business. For most small businesses, cash flow management is king. If you ace cash flow management in your business then nothing can stop you. Poor cash management can lead to operational nightmares and financial hardship. Late payments on equipment, real estate rents and even miscalculated inventory can adversely impact your business.

You could find yourself up against numerous challenges, like the inability to make payroll, fulfill tax liabilities or even buy inventory and serve your customers. In a scenario where no traditional loans are available to buttress a temporary decline in small business cash flow, alternative financing comes in handy.

 

Get Your Complete Guide

What’s in the Guide?

With a decade of expertise helping thousands of small businesses every day. We have compiled a guide to the fundamentals of small business financing. From understanding the pros and cons of financing to dealing with sudden emergencies, we will help you in expanding your business horizon for a brighter tomorrow. These learnings are derived from the success stories shared by small business owners. Reminding us that with a little planning, and the right financing at the right time, one can accomplish anything. Take a look, how!

Here’s what’s covered:

  • Top 5 Fundamentals of Small Business Financing
  • The Most Popular Business Financing Options
  • Tips for Maintaining Strong Financial Health
  • How to Choose the Right Business Loan for You
7 Ways to Maintain Strong Financial Health

7 Ways of Maintaining Strong Financial Health

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How strong is the financial health of your small business?

This question is a necessity when determining your ability to gain financing. And, if answered correctly, you’ll be sure to get the help you need. But, if for any reason you’re unsure, here are some of the ways that can help you flex those muscles!

1. Keep your house in order!

Securing a small business loan can propel your potential and lead you towards your goals faster. You would not want to delay that! Be smart and ensure all required documentation is organized, up-to-date and easily accessible. This includes updated financial records, income statements, balance sheets, personal and business credit score, and invoices.

2. A robust credit score

If your credit score is in good shape, then that’s good news for your company. You can get a free copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com. If you find any incorrect information on your credit report, contact each credit reporting agency (Experian, Transunion and Equifax) immediately to resolve any issue. Remember, while small delinquencies are understandable, lenders are uncomfortable with statements that show delinquencies on child support or recently dismissed (not discharged) bankruptcies.

3. A sound Cash Flow Analysis will reap benefits

If your company is in good health, you’ve won half the battle. Showing 3 to 6 months of positive cash flow can get you approved faster. It can even get you better financing terms for your small business loan.

4. Have an airtight plan and factor hidden costs

A plan that reflects your current and projected financial standing, business potential and growth strategy will certainly propel your application faster. Ensure that you’ve done your homework and market research properly. You don’t want to be caught on the wrong foot! Also, be prepared to handle hidden costs in the business.

5. Bank statements will be a big help

A company’s bank statements can provide a good picture of its financial health. Therefore, it’s a good idea to furnish at least three months of bank statements when going for alternative financing. Here’s a quick tip: If you are able to maintain a positive daily balance on your bank account, it always works in your favor.

6. Don’t let large deposits to your account slow your application

Financial windfalls are great. But large deposits are viewed suspiciously by wary lenders. They want to be sure that it isn’t money suddenly deposited to your account to help show that your business is healthy, or worse yet, is part of a scheme to defraud lenders or launder money. If you have your paperwork in order and are able to explain these large deposits then you should be fine. Here’s an example: if you are in manufacturing, you may have large deposits daily or at frequent intervals. In this situation, ensure that you provide copies of your account receivables and future contracts. This will help expedite your small business loan application.

7. Manage and finish off payments for other outstanding loans

There could be times when you need capital for various purposes and have elicited the services of multiple lenders. In this situation, you may want to manage and finish your loan obligations before choosing an alternative financing option for raising more capital.

Here are some examples of several other topics that may affect small businesses seeking a loan.

How to Improve Employee Engagement

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Here are 4 ways to use employee engagement [Infographic]

Did you know, that businesses which use employee engagement techniques have seen a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity, according to a State of the American Workplace Report.

Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell’s Soup said it best, “To win in the marketplace you must first win in the workplace.”

So, here are some of the ways to help get your small business those wins!

 

For even more on how you can stay engaged with your employees check out these “5 Ways to Use Employee Appreciation Day.”

 

Sources: news.gallup.com, community.virginpulse.com

 

 

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