Blog

Social Media:

The number of people using social media today is truly staggering, and it continues to grow. The upshot for your practice? If you do not have a social media presence, you are practically invisible. Given the privacy issues involved, using social media to promote medical practice requires care, but, if used right, it can bring huge benefits.

Resist the temptation to publish posts with no value:

“I’m a doctor, visit my office today” is not going to attract much traffic. Instead, your posts should be educative, instructional and generally light-hearted. You can also use social media to engage your audience through activities like online competitions, giveaways, challenges, etc.

E-books and Comprehensive Guides:

Are you an expert in an area? Then put down your thoughts, reinforce with detailed research, and publish as an e-book. You could also dedicate a page on your practice website to comprehensive guides on how to maintain a positive lifestyle while living with diabetes, for example. Offering a free e-book in exchange for an email is a smart way to grow your mailing list.

Blogging:

In an age of information propelled by digital devices, 8 in 10 people usually search online for health information before going to a doctor. Direct them to your practice for their information by maintaining a blog consistently updated with new, relevant content. You can host your blog directly on your website. Apart from being a good avenue to get patients, regular blogging projects you as an expert in your practice.

If you are a gynaecologist, for example, you should blog about issues related to topics like menstruation, ovaries, pregnancy and so on. Answering a prospective patient’s questions could prompt them to schedule an appointment. Remember to optimize your blog posts for SEO, so your blog comes up when prospective patients search for answers to their questions.

Website

These days, an online domain (now you know why it’s called domain name) or website for your practice is mandatory. Not only that, with 7 in ten people browsing on mobile devices, your website must be responsive. Create a quality website with images that appear natural. Think of something simple, like a group photo of you and your team. Finally, optimize your web pages with SEO so you are easily found by your prospective patients.

Practice Marketing Software

Patients today first study reviews before purchasing a product or services. Medical practice management software can help aggregate these reviews on your registered profile. This reassures patients when dealing with you. So, before adopting any practice management software, ensure it does this and offers other features that will boost your online reputation and help you shine.

Old School Marketing Techniques That Still Work

Sometimes the old ways are best. Don’t be afraid to infuse your marketing strategy with some traditional promotional methods. Here are some that continue to work well:

Emails and Calls Reminders

It is always easier to retain an existing customer than to gain a new one. Sending emails to remind your customers of missed appointments and calling to follow up a past appointment are good ways to keep your practice at the front of their minds. Emails can also be used for marketing by sending e-newsletters to a list of subscribers.

Referral

Referrals are an old-school practice that works all the time. Simply put, you’re more likely to buy something if another person recommends it. Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues and patients for referrals. If your practice has a good reputation, it will be easy. E-referrals are a traditional idea in digital form.

Media Exposure

Have you completed a ground-breaking surgery? Then tell everybody through the media. Have you discovered a new cure in your recent research? Then make a press release. Newspapers, radio and TV stations are always looking for interesting stories, usually at no cost to you. That’s awesome publicity!

Direct Mail

Depending on your area of practice, this might be a good marketing technique. It’s a proven method for turning past patients into repeat customers. Your direct mail should offer a call to action, such as a discount or additional free benefits.

Organizing, Sponsoring and Speaking at Events in Your Community

Give a lecture on, say, how to manage health at 50 at your local chamber of commerce, or organize a marathon for the youth of the community. These are the kind of opportunities you should grab to spread the word about your practice. Better still, they build goodwill and a strong reputation. Is there a large company in your community? Collaborate with the executives to organize health seminars. Those listening to your seminar could become potential patients.

These are just some ideas to get you started. Try out of one of these techniques today, and see where it leads. Apply marketing techniques old and new, and watch your practice grow.