Why Every GP Needs Their Own Website
If you're a contractor in the medical and health industry, you may be at risk of losing important tax breaks if you don't have a separate website for your services. Last week, the ATO reinforced a High Court finding from last year, ruling that contractors must make a public offer of their services to qualify for certain tax deductions i.e. it is recommended that you promote to the public directly that you are offering a service (rather than the clinic doing it for you) to set yourself apart as an independent contractor.
This ruling applies to all medical and health contractors, including general practitioners, specialists, surgeons, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and any other type of medical or health contractor. It applies to them regardless of whether they are self-employed or working for a company.
If you do not have a separate website, this ruling can be used against you to deny or limit important tax deductions. Failure to make a public offer for your own services may result in a payroll or income tax audit.
For some, the idea of building and maintaining a website promoting your services may not appeal to you or seem necessary. However, if developing an online presence was not a priority before, there are now many compelling reasons to consider it.
Building and publishing a website can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with web development or coding. However, there are now many website builders available that make it easy for anyone to create a website without any technical skills. We’ve detailed the exact steps to build and publish a website below:
Step 1: Choose a Website Builder
The first step is to choose a website builder that suits your needs. Some of the most popular website builders include Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so take the time to research and choose the one that fits your requirements. We recommend Squarespace for ease of use.
Step 2: Choose a Domain Name and Hosting
Once you've chosen a website builder, the next step is to choose a domain name and hosting. Your domain name is the address that people will use to find your website (e.g. www.algrthm.com.au). Hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them available on the internet. Website builders like Squarespace and Wix offer domain registration and hosting services, so you can do everything in one place.
Step 3: Choose a Template
Once you've set up your domain name and hosting, the next step is to choose a template. Most website builders offer a wide range of templates that you can customize to fit your needs. For doctors using Squarespace, we recommend the below:
Theme 1: Corrigan
Theme 2: Hugh Pulaski
Theme 3: Randi Elise
Step 4: Customise the Template
After you've selected a template, it's time to customize it. Add your logo, brand colours, and content. For a personal profile, most of your content will come from your CV.
Step 5: Add Pages and Content
Essential content includes a home section, about, services, and contact. You can fit all of this content on a one page design or split it out into multiple pages.
Step 6: Test Your Website
Before publishing your website, make sure to test it thoroughly. Check that all the links and buttons work correctly. Make sure your website is responsive and looks good on different devices.
Step 7: Publish Your Website
Hit the button and go live!
While building a website yourself can be a great option for those who are short on time and budget, there are times when it's best to defer to the experts. At ALGRTHM, we’ve helped hundreds of local businesses develop their online presence. Currently, we’re offering a free website consultation to all health professionals in Queensland. In your consultation, we will discuss the needs and requirements for your website and provide options to move forward.