How to Make a Healthcare Website: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025  

Key takeaways:  

• A medical website informs, builds trust, improves care, and supports your practice. 
• Design choices matter. From layout to patient portals, each element should support real people and real needs. 
• With the right tools, clear goals, and strong content, anyone can build a professional healthcare website—no tech background required. 

These days, most people don’t call a clinic or wait in line—they go online. In fact, Statista reports that over 1.3 billion people used digital health services in 2024, a number that’s expected to jump to 1.77 billion by 2029. This highlights a major shift—patients now rely on the internet instead of in-person visits to find providers and get medical information.  

If your healthcare organization doesn’t have a solid medical website, you could be missing out on new patients. And while building a site can seem like a tech headache waiting to happen, don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be. 

This guide will show you how to make a healthcare website that’s mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and built for patient engagement and a positive user experience. But before getting into the how, let’s look at why a website matters in healthcare first. 

Why your practice needs a healthcare website  

A successful healthcare website isn’t limited to listing services or clinic hours. It helps people find your practice, understand what you offer, and feel confident reaching out. For any healthcare organization, the right site supports clear communication, patient education, and smoother day-to-day operations. 

That value becomes even clearer when you look at what a medical website can actually do for both patients and providers. Here’s what it brings to the table: 

Make healthcare more accessible and convenient 

People expect real-time answers—whether it’s checking clinic hours, booking an appointment, or learning about their health conditions. A website gives present and prospective patients quick access to relevant information and available services, anytime they need it, on any device.  

Educate and empower your patients 

A good medical website helps patients make informed decisions. You can share reliable information about a medical condition, preventive care, and treatment options—while keeping patient data safe and confidential. This reassures patience and supports better health outcomes. 

Streamline communication and scheduling 

Instead of relying on phone calls for every request, potential patients can use online forms to ask questions, request prescription refills, or book visits. With a built-in scheduling tool, your team of medical professionals can reduce admin work and spend more time focusing on care. 

Build trust and credibility 

Your website is often a patient’s first impression. For many people, what they see online is what matters—and that’s backed by the fact that 94% of patients check online reviews before choosing a provider. So, it’s important that your website reflects credibility by showcasing credentials, sharing testimonials, and highlighting your expertise—alongside clear and accurate information. 

Support telemedicine and virtual care 

More people are using virtual visits, and your website can help you reach many users through secure telemedicine platforms. It also gives you a space to share important news, such as changes in virtual care policies, service availability, or emergency updates. 

Offer marketing value at a lower cost 

One of the biggest benefits of a healthcare website for providers is visibility. A well-optimized site helps new patients find you through search and social media—without relying on traditional advertising. 

Adapt quickly when things change 

Websites give you the flexibility to respond fast. From updating clinic hours to announcing new services or sharing important news, you can keep patients informed the moment things change. 

Foster connection beyond appointments 

Through features like blogs, FAQs, or even support forums, your website can create a sense of community. It not only keeps patients engaged and connected even outside the clinic, but it’s also a place where medical professionals can share insights on health-related topics that matter most to their target audience. 

In short, your medical website isn’t simply a digital presence—it plays an active role in patient care and practice growth. 

Want to see what this looks like in action?  

How to build a professional medical website from the ground up  

Now that you understand why having a medical website matter, let’s walk through how to go from a blank page to a site that works for both patients and your team. 

Step 1. Understand your audience and compliance needs 

Before you design or build your healthcare website, it’s important to know who you’re building it for and what rules you need to follow. A site that connects with real people and protects their data isn’t only designed to look good. It helps website visitors feel more secure about their next step.  

So, you need to:  

Know your audience 

You can’t build a helpful website if you don’t know who you’re helping. Think of your audience like guests—you want to make them feel welcome, not lost. So instead of guessing what people want, take the time to learn: 

• Who your users are. Patients? Parents? Caregivers? Medical staff? 
• What they need. Quick access to care, simple explanations, or emotional reassurance? 
• How they browse. On mobile? With slow internet? Using assistive tools? 

A web design with these insights in, keeps things easy to find. Write in plain language. And add visuals or stories that speak to the people you’re trying to reach. 

Follow compliance rules 

Healthcare websites also need to meet strict privacy, security, and accessibility compliance standards. Here are some things worth noting: 

• HIPAA compliance. If your site collects personal medical information (like forms or portals), you must follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules. 
• Secure data handling. Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates and HIPAA-compliant tools to keep user info safe. 
• Accessible design. Your site should work for everyone, including people with disabilities. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to meet legal and usability standards. 
• Clear privacy policies. Let visitors know how their data is collected and used. 

When you understand both your audience and your legal responsibilities, you can build a medical website that’s safe, helpful, and easy to trust. 

Step 2. Select the right web design tools and template  

The tools and template you choose affect how your site works and feels. Your medical website shouldn’t only look nice. It should also be easy to navigate for both your team and your visitors. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

Start with what you want your site to do 

Once you understand who you’re building for, think about how your website can support those needs. Should it handle online bookings? Share health tips through a blog? Offer a secure patient portal? Your answers will help you choose the right template and tools for the job. 

Choose a flexible and intuitive template 

Look for templates that are easy to customize and mobile-friendly. The layout should be clean, simple to navigate, and scalable if your services grow. 

Pick tools that support healthcare-specific needs 

Some website builders and platforms offer built-in support for features that healthcare sites often require. These include: 

• Secure forms and payment gateways 
• Chatbots or virtual assistants 
• HIPAA-compliant plugins 
• Internal search tools 
• Location-based pages and dashboards 

With these tools, you can meet patient expectations, streamline operations, and stay compliant easily.  

Popular website builders like Network Solutions, Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, and Webflow offer healthcare-friendly templates and tools. Network Solutions provides both a beginner-friendly builder and professional design services, while platforms like WordPress and Webflow offer more flexibility for those comfortable with custom layouts. But there’s no single best platform—the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. 

Prioritize long-term support and updates 

Website design isn’t a one-time thing. Use tools that are regularly updated and come with good customer support. This helps you stay secure, current, and responsive to user needs. 

And remember, taking the time to pick the right tools early on can save you hours (and headaches) later. 

Step 3. Design with trust and visual elements that guide visitors  

The way your web design looks can say a lot before visitors even read a word. A strong website design helps people feel comfortable, informed, and confident about what you offer—especially in healthcare. 

Here are a few ways to build trust through design: 

Use real photos and warm visuals 

Stock images can feel impersonal. Real images of your team, space, or patients (with consent) can make your website feel more human and trustworthy. 

Stick to a clear layout 

Your design should guide visitors—not overwhelm them. Use clear headings, intuitive menus, and simple layouts that help people find what they need fast. Multimedia elements, like images or short videos, can also support the message as long as they’re purposeful and not distracting. 

Make important info easy to spot 

Highlight key actions like “Book an Appointment” or “Call Now” with buttons that stand out. Apply a consistent color scheme and smart spacing to help draw attention to these key actions. 

Show what makes you credible 

Display credentials, years of experience, affiliations, and patient testimonials. These small details can help prospective patients feel more confident about choosing your medical care. 

Stay on theme 

From colors to fonts, consistency makes your site feel professional. A clutter-free layout with a clear menu and well-organized page content helps visitors move through your site with ease. When everything looks and feels cohesive, it reduces confusion, keeps people focused, and encourages them to stay longer and take action. 

Step 4. Integrate patient-centric features and valuable content  

Make your site more useful by adding interactive tools like appointment forms, symptom checkers, and even Google Maps to help patients find your location. Pair these with clear, valuable content that answers common questions or explains your services in simple terms. This keeps your site informative, supportive, and easier for patients to engage with. 

Step 5. Optimize for SEO, speed, and mobile-friendly design  

Slow websites can turn visitors away before your page even loads. Focus on page speed, responsive design, and basic search engine optimization practices like clear headings, meta tags, and alt text. These steps help your site perform better in search results and keep people engaged once they land on your page. 

Step 6. Secure your website and safeguard medical information  

In healthcare, trust starts with protecting patients’ medical records. Use SSL certificates, strong passwords, and HIPAA-compliant tools to keep your site safe. Secure hosting and privacy-focused plugins also help prevent breaches and protect medical information, giving visitors peace of mind when they interact with your site. 

Step 7. Provide a success checklist or toolkit as CTA  

Offer something helpful—like a quick-start checklist, planning guide, or downloadable toolkit—as your call to action. Doing this encourages website visitors to take the next step and keeps your site valuable beyond the first click. 

Top healthcare website examples that get it right 

Need some inspiration? The best healthcare websites out there have a few things in common: they’re easy to use, they speak directly to patients, and they build trust at first glance. Here are a few standout examples that show what “getting it right” looks like in action: 

Mayo Clinic 

Mayo Clinic is a well-known medical center that offers expert care and trusted medical information. Its website is easy to use, with a smart search tool that lets people filter results by symptoms, body part, or condition—making it simple to find the right information fast. It’s a great example of how a healthcare website can stay helpful, clear, and organized. 

Maven Clinic 

Maven Clinic delivers online health support designed for women and family care. Its website uses real, high-quality photos—no stock images—to create a warm and trustworthy feel. The homepage builds trust right away through authentic visuals and a clean layout. It’s a strong example of how thoughtful design can attract website visitors and keep user engagement high. 

If you want the same polished look for your own site, Network Solutions’ Professional Website Design Services can help you get started. 

Hartford HealthCare 

Hartford HealthCare is a regional health system that uses video as a key part of its website design. Instead of autoplay clips, it features calm, well-produced website content like provider interviews and treatment explainers. These visual elements help build trust and make medical information easier to understand and connect with. 

HealthMatch 

HealthMatch is a platform that connects patients, providers, and clinical trials through a clean, focused website design. Its layout is simple but effective—everything from the “Check your eligibility” button to its audience-specific pages keeps users moving forward. These smart visual elements help website visitors move through the site with ease and encourage user engagement without unnecessary friction. 

Cleveland Clinic 

Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare provider known for world-class care and patient-first service. Its web design is clean and accessible. Users can easily explore conditions, book virtual visits, or find what they need without hassle—thanks to a reliable search function that quickly brings up the right information. Type in something like “chest pain” and get instant results, from causes to care options.  

Altogether, it’s a strong example of a website built to support real user needs. 

Boston Children’s Hospital  

Boston Children’s Hospital is a top-ranked pediatric hospital that takes a heartfelt approach to web design. Personal stories, photos of young patients, and easy-to-follow links are some of the key elements that make the site feel welcoming. It puts warmth at the heart of the experience. These simple touches help calm anxious parents and build trust by making the hospital experience feel more human. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

CDC sets the standard for clear, accessible public health information online. Their responsive design and user-focused approach prioritize plain language and easy navigation. This helps people understand medical topics without the confusion of unfamiliar medical language. Proof that clarity can save clicks—and confusion. That’s why it’s a strong example of how digital health content can stay helpful, clear, and widely accessible. 

Finishing touches that help your healthcare website work smarter 

Details matter, especially when people are looking for care or answers online. These expert-backed tips can help fine-tune your site and improve how people experience it—from how it looks to how it performs. 

• Write in plain language. Use simple words to explain health-related topics so visitors don’t get lost in medical jargon. 
• Keep the navigation clear. Use short labels for menu items and avoid clutter. People should know where to click without guessing. Add a prominent search bar to help them find what they need quickly.
• Add a quick survey or feedback box so you can keep improving the site based on real user experience. 
• Use strong CTAs that will guide visitors to take the next step—like signing up, contacting your office, or accessing a patient portal. 
• Design your website to work well on all screen sizes. Good mobile responsiveness improves access for everyone. 
• Update your website regularly with high-quality content that’s accurate, helpful, and relevant to patient needs. This optimizes your site to rank higher in search engines. 
• Update plugins, improve security, and fix broken links. A slow or outdated site hurts both trust and usability. 

Expert website design isn’t always about fancy features, but about helping people find answers quickly, safely, and with confidence. 

Build with purpose, grow with confidence  

Your medical website is often the first place people visit when they’re looking for answers or checking out your services. What they find on the home page can influence their decision to contact you—or move on. A clear and secure site helps visitors feel at ease and confident enough to take the next step. 

With Network Solutions, you get full control to build a site that truly works for your practice. From launching a new site to improving an existing one, we’ll help you create a healthcare website that meets real patient needs and supports your long-term goals. 

You’re here to care for others—let your website do the same. Talk to our experts at Network Solutions today.