Patient-Friendly Design: Why Popups Shouldn’t Make an Appearance on Your NHS GP Practice Website
When it comes to designing an exceptional NHS GP practice website, prioritising patient experience is paramount. While popups may seem like a popular marketing tool, they can often hinder a smooth and seamless browsing experience for your patients. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reasons why using popups on your GP practice website may do more harm than good.
Distraction Overload: Interrupting the Patient Journey
Popups are notorious for interrupting and distracting users as they browse a website. Imagine a patient visiting your GP practice website for important information or seeking to book an appointment. Just as they are about to find what they need, a popup suddenly appears, diverting their attention and disrupting their journey. This can be frustrating and may even lead to them leaving the site altogether.
Negative Impact on User Experience: Impeding Accessibility
The primary goal of your NHS GP practice website should be to provide accessible information and resources to your patients. Popups, especially those that cover a significant portion of the screen or are difficult to close, can impede accessibility. They may be especially problematic for patients with visual impairments or those using assistive technologies to navigate websites.
What NHS England Says about Pop-Ups:
NHS England: Creating a highly usable and accessible GP website for patients
Our research has shown that they are creating significant issues for patients. We found that 27% of participants who visited a site with an overlay as the first thing they saw struggled to get past the overlay, especially on mobile.
An additional 5% of participants struggled to navigate overlays beyond the homepage.
Mobile Responsiveness Challenges: Compatibility Concerns
With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, ensuring mobile responsiveness is crucial for a successful GP practice website. Unfortunately, popups often present compatibility challenges on mobile devices. They may appear distorted or difficult to close, causing frustration and a poor user experience for mobile users.
Adverse SEO Impact: Negatively Affecting Search Engine Rankings
Search engine optimisation (SEO) plays a vital role in improving your website’s visibility and attracting more patients. However, excessive use of popups can have a negative impact on your website’s SEO. Search engines, like Google, consider user experience as a ranking factor. If your website is plagued with intrusive popups, it may be penalised in search engine rankings, making it harder for patients to find your practice online.
Trust and Credibility Concerns: Detracting from Professionalism
As a healthcare provider, establishing trust and credibility is crucial for patient retention and attracting new patients. While some popups may serve a legitimate purpose, overusing popups can give your GP practice website a spammy or unprofessional appearance, potentially diminishing trust and credibility among visitors.
Mobile-Friendly Alternatives: Enhancing User Engagement
Rather than relying on popups, there are several mobile-friendly alternatives that can enhance user engagement on your NHS GP practice website. Consider implementing strategically placed call-to-action buttons, contact forms, or live chat options. These elements allow patients to interact with your website at their convenience, without disrupting their browsing experience.
Maximising Patient Engagement: Content Quality and Personalisation
Instead of relying on intrusive popups, concentrate on optimising the quality of your website’s content. Deliver relevant and valuable information that resonates with your target audience. Consider tailoring content to address common patient concerns, provide educational resources, and share updates about your GP practice. By focusing on engaging content, you’ll captivate your audience and encourage them to explore your website organically.
Prioritising Patient Experience for Long-Term Success
While popups may have their place in certain digital marketing strategies, incorporating them into your NHS GP practice website can be detrimental to patient experience and engagement. By focusing on user-friendly design, seamless navigation, and mobile responsiveness, you’ll create an inviting online environment that patients will appreciate. Remember, the key is to prioritise patient experience and provide valuable information without interrupting their journey. By doing so, you’ll foster trust, credibility, and long-term success for your GP practice.
