Veterinary websites are proving to be effective marketing tools for the veterinary community. People tend to spend more money on their pets when economic times are good, and that includes veterinary care. However, the opposite is just as true when economic times are bad, even though pets, like their people, never stop needing medical care. Veterinary websites help get the message out to pet owners that regular veterinary care is an investment in their animal’s future.

A good website will bring new clients in to a veterinary practice, regardless of the state of the economy. Traditionally, prospective clients have used word of mouth or the yellow pages to find a veterinarian for their pet. If that veterinarian has a website, the client has the opportunity to review that site to judge for him- or herself whether the practice suits his or her needs. Veterinary websites give veterinarians an edge up when it comes to new clients and referrals. 

What should that website include to make it effective? A veterinary website should be fresh and uncluttered, yet informative. Who are the veterinarians? Who are the staff members? How about an online introduction to everyone who will be taking care of their clients’ pets, with a brief description of their credentials and experience? Reassure new clients ahead of time that their animals will be cared for by top tier professionals.

Include a page that describes the services that your veterinary practice offers. Since pets are part of the family, their parents will appreciate knowing a little bit about the practices and procedures involved in a thorough veterinary care program. It’s reassuring to pet parents whose loved ones are in need of medical care. Links to informative articles also help tremendously.

Why not also include a link to a blank information form that new clients can fill out and bring with them to their first appointment? It’s a bit tricky to try to complete paperwork in a waiting room full of barking dogs! 

An additional note: the creator of your veterinary website should be skilled in improving your search engine ranking through optimization of your website with keywords designed to bring your website to first page ranking status. The best veterinary websites do no good if no one can find them!