Getting your medical practice up and running is half the battle; acquiring patients is the other half. Learn how to promote your clinic both online and off with these eight achievable marketing ideas.
Whether your healthcare patients are humans or animals, getting the word out is crucial to the success of your medical practice. Fortunately, raising awareness about your practice doesn’t have to eat away at your budget so long as you’re savvy about your marketing efforts. Here are a few ways to attract new patients affordably and strategically, both online and in person.
1. Claim your business online
Every minute, 70,000 health-related searches are made on Google—that’s a lot of people looking for answers. To make sure your name shows up when people search for clinics in their area, you’ll need a strong online presence. Aside from a website, add your practice to the internet’s “yellow pages” by claiming your business on Yelp, Google Business or even the Chamber of Commerce (which does require an annual fee). This way, when services like yours are being searched for in your area, you’ll be more likely to appear in the results. Add photos of your business to your listings and any important information potential clients may be looking for, like parking availability and contact information.
2. Use patient testimonials
The words of your current clients can be just what potential new ones need to hear. Consider this: 89% of consumers see reviews as an essential resource to making purchasing decisions. Before someone books an appointment with you, they will likely look to others for feedback about your service. Client testimonials should be prominently displayed on your site and can even be shared on social media. Of course, the privacy of your patients is important, so remember to omit last names and be respectful.
3. Create staff bios
Another way to attract new customers to your practice is to add staff bios to your website. Bios are a great way for new patients to get to know you and your staff on a more personal level. Aside from education and history, you can have a little fun with these descriptions as well. Have staff include their favorite food, the names of their pets or even a clean joke. Be sure to include professional photos of you and your team as well.
4. Request reviews
In the healthcare industry, referrals are one of the biggest drivers for acquiring new patients, but as it turns out, an online review may have as much weight as a referral from a friend. In fact, 84% of consumers trust an online review as much as they do a personal recommendation. Whether it’s doctor-to-patient or friend-to-friend, a good word is a great way to attract new business. Asking your patients to spread the news might be uncomfortable at first, but with a little practice it can become second nature. Here are some ways in:
- Strike while the iron is hot: Talk to patients about leaving a review before their appointment has wrapped, while your positive service is top of mind.
- Accept compliments: Positive feedback presents the perfect “in” for requesting reviews. Accept the compliment, then let them know it would be greatly appreciated if they’d share their thoughts online as a review.
- Put out an online request: Sometimes patients who intended to leave a positive review online just need a reminder. Put out a call on your social media channels asking for reviews or referrals.
- Make it easy: Avoid your patients having to search for ways to leave positive feedback by linking your Google Business page to any outgoing emails or newsletters.
5. Write blog posts
To a stranger on the internet, you’re just another clinician or physician. One way to stand apart from your competition is through online content that showcases your expertise. For example, if you own a veterinary clinic, publishing a blog about common toxic foods for pets will not only show that are you knowledgeable, but also affirm that your concern for your patients extends beyond your clinic. Blogs and articles show your clients that you have a deep understanding of your patients’ needs—and they help boost your online search power.
6. Use social media (consistently)
It’s easier than ever to engage with potential clients thanks to social media, but this kind of promotion is only effective if you’re consistent. You’ll get the most out of your social platforms if you are continuously posting, commenting and liking. You don’t have to have a handle on every social platform; spend your time on platforms that align with your audience. For example, if you’re a dentist in a college town, you may get a better response on platforms that cater to younger audiences, like Instagram and TikTok.
7. Network with your healthcare industry partners
Bumping elbows with others in your industry is a classic method for promoting your practice. Again, referrals are everything in this industry, so let others know what your practice specializes in and what your strengths and capabilities are. Go to networking events, training seminars and other events where your peers will be.
8. Get involved in your community
Being a familiar face in your community is a powerful way to make connections and find new patients. Here are a few ideas for getting involved in your community:
- Sponsor or participate in local athletic events or charitable walks
- Join a committee or become a board member
- Volunteer your services at a free clinic
- Donate to or volunteer at local or school sporting events, like Little League tournaments
Even if you can only make time for a handful of community efforts each year, connecting in this authentic way creates lasting impressions on potential new clients and will help get the word out about your new practice.
Ready to go beyond promoting your medical practice? Learn how U.S. Bank can support you and your business’ needs.
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