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Digital first impressions:

What patients see when

they search for you

In our August article, we looked at the growing role online
reviews play in shaping how patients perceive your practice
especially those quick searches on Google that lead
straight to your star rating.

But even before someone reads a review, they’ve likely
already made a judgement based on your name, your photo,
your opening hours, or even your location pin.

So, this month, we’re going a step further: what does your
online presence say about you before a patient walks
through the door?

You may not notice it

but patients do

A typical patient search might be as simple
as “GP surgery near me” or “[Your Practice
Name] opening hours.” But what comes up
isn’t always what you’d want them to see.

Sometimes it’s an old photo of the building
before your last refurbishment. Or a phone
number that’s missing a digit. Or a map pin
that drops into the wrong end of the village.
It might not feel like a big deal especially in a
rural setting where most people already know
you but for new patients, relatives, carers, or
visitors, that quick Google search is their first
impression.

And in a world where even long-time patients
are double-checking opening times online, it’s
worth making sure the basics are right.

16 PS Magazine | Digital Impressions

27/08/2025 16:40:51
P4304.1-V113 PS Magazine September 2025.indd 16
P4304.1-V113 PS Magazine September 2025.indd 16 27/08/2025 16:40:51