How to attract more private patients as a surgeon (without feeling like a salesperson)

If you’re a UK-based surgeon trying to grow your private practice, you’ve probably asked yourself:

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“How do I actually get more private patients?”
Spoiler: it’s not about running flash sales on hip replacements.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fill gaps in your diary, this guide breaks down the basics of surgeon marketing UK-style - without jargon, fluff, or a crash course in TikTok dances.

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Why Marketing matters for Surgeons in private practice

Private patients don’t just show up because you’re excellent (though you probably are).
They show up because:

• They’ve found your website
• They’ve read a helpful blog post
• Or someone recommended you (digitally or otherwise)

This is private practice marketing 101 — show up where your patients are searching.

And where are they searching?
Usually: Google.

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Step 1: Your website shouldn’t be a static brochure

Let’s start with your most valuable asset: your website.

Your site should work like a digital clinic assistant — someone who says:

• “Yes, this surgeon understands your condition”
• “Here’s how to book”
• “You can trust them — look at these reviews”

If your site hasn’t been touched since the Cameron government, it’s time.

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Essentials of a patient-attracting surgeon website:

• Clear headings like “Private Knee Surgery in Bristol” or “Shoulder Pain Treatment”
• Strong calls-to-action like “Book a Consultation” or “Speak to My PA”
• Testimonials and short video content to build trust
• A blog answering questions your patients are already Googling

⚡ SEO tip: Make sure every page includes your location, specialism, and service in the headings.
Example: “Rotator Cuff Surgery for Active Adults in Bristol”

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Step 2: Use video to build trust (before they ever call you)

Video marketing for surgeons might sound like overkill — until you realise how nervous private patients can be. A short video of you speaking calmly and confidently is incredibly powerful.

What works well:

• A “Welcome” video introducing you and your clinic
• Patient testimonials (bonus: video format)
• A short explainer: “What to expect from your first consultation”

Not only does this build human connection — it keeps people on your site longer, which boosts your SEO for surgeons without you doing anything technical.

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Step 3: SEO isn’t magic. It’s just structure + helpfulness.

When someone searches “ACL surgeon near me” or “best hernia surgeon in Bristol,” what decides who shows up?

Answer: good SEO for private practices.

Here’s how to start:

• Use descriptive page titles (e.g. “Shoulder Surgeon in Bristol – Mr John Smith”)
• Write blog posts that answer actual patient questions
• Add your clinic to Google Business and ensure all addresses match

And no, you don’t need to become an SEO wizard. But you do need to:

• Be consistent
• Target specific phrases (like “websites for surgeons” or “private clinic SEO UK”)
• Keep your site fast and mobile-friendly (Google loves this)

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Step 4: Think local, rank higher

If you're based in the South West — Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham — your local presence matters more than you think.

Local SEO for surgeons means:

• Mentioning your location in headings and copy
• Creating a Google Business Profile with reviews
• Adding local landing pages (like “Orthopaedic Surgery in Bristol”)

This is the fastest way to start appearing in search when someone types:

“Private shoulder surgeon near me”

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Step 5: Create helpful content that builds trust over time

This blog is part of a larger strategy: publishing helpful, human, search-friendly content every week.

You don’t need 100 articles. But you do need 10–20 solid ones that:

• Answer questions your patients Google
• Build topical authority (Google’s trust in you)
• Encourage internal linking (blog ↔ service pages ↔ homepage)

Bonus: Each post gives you something to share on LinkedIn or via email. Marketing that works twice.

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Final thoughts: You don’t have to do this alone

You trained for surgery — not SEO. That’s where we come in.

At Alchemy Med, we build websites for surgeons, create helpful content, and manage your SEO so you can focus on your patients.

Want to talk about growing your private practice?
[Book a free call with us →]

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