Why your practice’s online presence matters more than ever

In a digital-first world, your clinic’s online presence is no longer just a nice-to-have - it’s a fundamental part of patient engagement, client satisfaction, and long-term growth. More patients are actively searching for and booking healthcare appointments online. So the question is: is your practice keeping up with the shift?
The digital divide is shrinking
Back in 2021, a report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics showed a clear trend: internet access is no longer just for the young and tech-savvy.
Key findings:
- Internet usage among UK adults rose from 91% to 92%
- Adults over 75 who recently used the internet nearly doubled - from 29% to 54%
- Internet use among adults with disabilities grew from 78% to 81%
The takeaway? Your patient base is getting more digitally active - across all age groups and demographics. If your clinic doesn’t offer digital booking, you may already be missing out.
Patients are choosing convenience
A 2024 study from the University of Manchester revealed that digital healthcare isn’t just a trend - it’s a genuine improvement in the patient experience.
“Some patients who struggle to communicate in in-person appointments, such as patients with autism, hearing loss and anxiety, prefer using online consultations. And some patients, especially men, preferred discussing sensitive topics online.”
— Dr Ben Brown, University of Manchester
“Perhaps surprisingly, many older participants found the system easier to navigate than expected and often preferred using it to contact their GP practice than traditional methods.”
— Dr Susan Moschogianis, University of Manchester
Patients aren’t just tolerating digital access - they’re embracing it. And with over 72% of Millennials and Gen Z preferring to book online (Consumer Experience Trends in Healthcare), digital-first functionality is now a baseline expectation.
Patients expect what other industries already deliver
Today’s patients approach healthcare the way they would book a hotel, order a taxi, or reserve a table.
“Healthcare simply cannot ignore the fact that patients are accustomed to convenience and time-saving factors from other industries. They use similar criteria to find a doctor, and they’re accustomed to sharing their experience online after the fact.”
— Andrei Zimiles, Press Ganey
If your practice doesn’t offer a seamless digital patient journey - from discovery to booking to follow-up - you’re not just behind the curve, you’re invisible to the people searching.
Why you need a practice management system that works for you
To meet rising patient expectations, you need more than just a booking widget. You need a secure, all-in-one platform that streamlines admin, boosts visibility, and empowers your team to deliver better care.
Meet Finbogo: Built for busy practices like yours
Finbogo helps healthcare providers cut down on admin, reach more clients, and run their practices with less stress. Here's how:
Be seen by more patients
Promote your practice across the UK’s only dedicated healthcare marketplace. Our advanced search filters put you in front of the right people, right when they need you.
Bookings made simple
Manage appointments anytime, anywhere. Our flexible online booking system reduces phone calls, no-shows, and delays, so you can focus on care, not admin.
Keep clients engaged
Automated reminders and personalised communications help reduce cancellations, build loyalty, and encourage positive reviews and referrals.
Offer video consultations with confidence
Whether you’re at home or in the clinic, our secure video consultation suite lets you meet patients where they are - no compromise on care quality or connection.
Customise the client journey
Build your own forms, intake questions, and treatment templates using our easy-to-edit tools. Add a personal touch, without adding more work.
Understand your practice with data-driven insights
Track patient trends, appointment volume, service popularity, and more. Make informed decisions and grow strategically.
Ready to grow your practice?
Finbogo is currently offering an exclusive pre-launch offer for early adopters. If you're ready to modernise your healthcare business and make your digital presence work for you - not against you - register your interest today.
References:
- ONS (2021). Internet users, UK: 2020
- British Journal of General Practice (2024). Patient experiences of an online consultation system
- Press Ganey (2021). Digital Experience and Patient Retention Report