Why your website matters more than you think
Patients choosing a new dentist usually do three things: search on Google, read your reviews, then open your website to decide. A practice can have hundreds of five-star reviews and still lose the booking at that last step, because the site looks dated, hides the phone number or does not work properly on a phone.
The good news is that most problems are quick to spot. Work through this list with your own site open on your phone.
The checklist
1. Booking is one tap away on every page
Put a clear "Book an appointment" button and a tap-to-call number in the header, and keep them visible as people scroll. If you use online booking software, link straight to it rather than to a contact form.
2. Emergency appointments are easy to find
People searching for an emergency dentist are in pain and in a hurry. Say plainly whether you see emergency patients, how to get a same-day slot and what to do out of hours.
3. NHS and private options are explained clearly
Say whether you are accepting new NHS patients, private patients or both, and keep it up to date. Out-of-date "not accepting" or "accepting" notices cause frustrating calls for your reception team.
4. Every main treatment has its own page
Invisalign, implants, whitening, hygiene and children's dentistry each deserve a short page that answers what it is, who it suits, how long it takes and roughly what it costs. These pages are also what helps you appear when people search for a treatment in your area.
5. Prices or a price guide are published
You do not need a full price list, but a "from" price for common treatments and your finance options builds trust and filters enquiries before they reach the phone.
6. Your team is real and named
Nervous patients want to know who they will see. Real photos, names, roles and GDC numbers do more for trust than stock images of perfect smiles.
7. Reviews are shown honestly
Show your genuine Google reviews, either embedded or quoted with a link to the source. Never write testimonials yourself or edit what patients said.
8. Compliance details are in the footer
Include your registered company name and number, your CQC registration and a link to your latest report, a complaints policy and a privacy policy. A footer that still says © 2021 or 2023 tells visitors nobody is looking after the site.
9. It works properly on a phone
Text should be readable without zooming, buttons should be big enough to tap, and the site must not stop people zooming in. Older patients in particular rely on pinch-to-zoom.
10. The basics Google needs are in place
Every page should load over HTTPS, have a unique page title that includes the treatment and town, and a short description. Your address and phone number should match your Google Business Profile exactly.
A five-minute test you can do today
- Open your site on your phone and time how long it takes to find the phone number.
- Try to book an appointment without calling.
- Search Google for "dentist near me" and your town, and see how your listing and page title look next to competitors.
- Scroll to the footer and check the year, the company details and that every link works.
If two or more of these feel clumsy, your website is probably costing you new patients every week.
Want a second pair of eyes? Weblify designs and builds websites for UK dental practices and clinics. Send us your current site and we will put together a homepage preview, so you can see the direction before deciding anything.
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