When it comes to healthcare, people today are more empowered than ever before. The internet and the rise of telemedicine mean that people no longer have to go to the doctor’s clinic for consultation. That also means that people have more options. In the olden days, people went to the same doctor for their entire lives.
Today, however, they can go online and search for a new primary care provider. That’s why it’s essential to have a proper marketing plan for your healthcare business. Not only do you want to attract new patients, but you also want to keep your existing ones.
Just as doctors tell patients to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet to ensure good health, we also need to adopt a proactive approach to marketing. It’s the only way to ensure a steady flow of patients for your medical practice. And even if you’re happy with your current patient numbers, it pays to work with healthcare marketing consultants who will help put your name ahead of the rest. People die or move away, and your patient rolls will slowly dwindle if you don’t work to stem the tide.
Here are a few tips that will help get the word out about your healthcare business.
1. Be different
You might think that your background and expertise will help set you apart from other businesses in the area, and in a way, you’re right. If you have a specialty that no one else offers, that will undoubtedly give you a leg up over your competitors. But let’s be honest: to patients, all doctors look the same.
If you want your business to stand out, you need to show and offer something unique. What can you offer patients that other healthcare businesses struggle with? Maybe you have a niche like families or older adults. Or you have a way with children that gets them to relax before a medical procedure. Highlight your strengths and unique qualities in your marketing material so people will remember you first.
2. Check your website
In the early days of the Internet, a simple website is all you needed to build an online presence. A pithy mission statement, a list of the services you offer, your contact information, some cheesy corporate images, and you’re done. Today, however, your website is more than just a place for information. It’s also an opportunity to make a great first impression. If people like what they seem, they’re more likely to consider your business for their needs.
I’m sure you’ve complained about a website that’s too slow or difficult to use. You don’t want that to happen to your business. Your website should communicate what your business is and what it wants to achieve. It should also have all the information a person needs to get in touch with you, including the location of your clinics, operating hours, and contact numbers.
Apart from that, you also need to consider user experience. When people think about website design, they usually mean stuff that makes the page look good. However, not everything that looks good contributes to user experience. For starters, using it shouldn’t be a struggle. It should also load quickly, even on mobile or weak connections.
3. Fix your patient service
You might have the best ads and websites in the world, but if your patient service leaves a lot to be desired, all your hard work will be for nothing. Keep in mind that you’re in the business of healing people and making them feel better, and your responsibilities begin from the moment they call your business.
Some of the issues you need to look out for include long hold times, disorganized system, mistakes in scheduling, rude staff members, and poor after-care. There’s no point in investing in a marketing campaign if you can’t get the fundamentals right. At best, you come off as dishonest if you advertise something you can’t provide.
4. Talk to your long-time patients
Many businesses rely on digital strategies to get the word out, but the best marketing is still good service. If people like being your patient, not only are they going to stay with your business, they might also entice people to do the same.
Make sure to include after-care support as part of your strategy. Call or send a message to your patients after a procedure to ask how they’re doing. Send them a birthday card and ask about their spouses or children. It also helps to send reminders for a follow-up so that they won’t forget.
The healthcare business today is more cutthroat than ever. Whether you’re a primary care provider or an aged care specialist, it pays to know the basics of business marketing so you can succeed in this field. By adopting the right strategies, you can grow your business and keep your patients happy.
