From Authority to Growth: Turning Online Presence into Patients

In this episode, host Bryan Cush is joined by Evan Steele, Founder and CEO of Rater8, as they delve into the nuances of online reputation and authority in the health sector. The discussion opens with Evan introducing Rater8 and his extensive background in healthcare IT. As a leader in reputation management, Evan emphasizes the importance of maintaining an excellent online presence to enhance patient trust and engagement. The central theme of the episode lies in differentiating between web authority and reputation authority in healthcare. Evan explains that while they may overlap, each requires distinct strategies to optimize them. He delves into the mechanics of how Google's algorithm evaluates online reputation, stressing the significance of frequent patient reviews, high star ratings, and active engagement through responding to reviews. This ecosystem not only impacts the SEO of healthcare providers' websites but can also heavily influence patient acquisition. The episode touches on how tools like Google Maps are integral in establishing a practice’s online presence and how careful management of listings can lead to increased patient trust and engagement.