The Internet has seemingly unlimited possibilities–
e-mail, blogging, podcasting, video conferencing,
social media, wikis, site sharing and
beyond. But can they work for you? A number
of Palmer alumni say, yes.
“In today’s society of technology and information,
I think it is extremely important for a chiropractor
to have a website,” says Julie (Meyer)
Howard, D.C., Davenport ’04. “Posting timely
information, newsletters, events, etc., on the site
can help spread positive information about chiropractic
and the benefits of chiropractic care.”
Dr. Howard designed her own site, www.lifearts.
8k.com, on a low-cost Web hosting service,
allowing her to control her site and keep costs
minimal. The site offers 24-hour access to
her practice and services, including patient
forms, testimonials, frequently asked questions,
what to expect on the first visit and
online payments.
Facebook, too, has become an asset for Dr.
Howard. Along with her personal profile page,
she has a fan page for her practice, LifeArts -
Howard Chiropractic, PC, where she posts
information and articles on chiropractic and
health. Facebook has become a patient referral
tool, as well.
“A current patient will post something positive
about her care on Facebook, and a friend of
hers will reply. I’ve actually watched referrals
to my office happen on Facebook!” she says.
According to Webopedia.com, the term “Web 2.0” is being
used to describe “a second generation of the World Wide
Web that is focused on the ability for people to collaborate
and share information online.”
Matthew Loop, D.C., CEO of DCincome.com, a site that
focuses on Web 2.0 chiropractic marketing, says that if you
think social media is big now, it’s only going to get “bigger
and badder” in the coming years.
Chad Rohlfsen, D.C., Davenport, ’98, was the first Clinic
student on the Davenport Campus to not only list his e-mail
address on his student clinic business cards, but the first to
list his website. He designed his site in 1995 in the days
when it was necessary to know HTML coding in order to
create one. Then, in 1997, half a million people visited his
site to read his article, “Antibiotics Now and Then.”
“Social media is an emerging main form of communication
in our society today,” says Dr. Rohlfsen. “It will give the
chiropractic profession a level playing field to share common
sense ideas with the general public.”
Dr. Rohlfsen is very active online, posting updates on Facebook
and Twitter, hosting live Web talks and podcasting.
His site, www.rohlfsen.com, features a new patient center,
chiropractic videos, links to social media, and a link for
e-mailing patient appointment requests.
“I have chiropractic friends who have 200-350 friends in
common with me. So when I send a news article out, it has
ripple effects that chiropractic has never experienced before.
It allows the chiropractic profession to come together and
have a unified voice in healthcare matters,” says Dr. Rohlfsen.
How can you take advantage of what Web 2.0 has to offer?
“Do a little bit to build your brand each day,” says Dr. Loop.
“Most doctors are on their computers daily, but typically
don’t use it as a productive time to market their office. Get
in the habit of meeting 20 people from your local community
each day on Facebook. Get to know your audience and
build trust, likeability and credibility.”