It’s time to start thinking about how to start off strong in the new year. Here are 19 marketing ideas to help you jump-start your patient acquisition strategy for 2019.
- Focus on service: All the marketing in the world won’t help if you are not giving A+ service to your customers. Your patients are your top marketing tool.
- Make a plan: If you are like most professionals, you tend to do marketing on the fly. This year, try something new — create a roadmap. You’ll find it much easier to stay on track if you know where you’re going.
- Get the most out of social media: We all love to hate social media. For those in private practice, it can be invaluable. There are many ways you can capitalize on this tool — from giveaways to advertising to contests.
- Up your website game: If your website hasn’t been updated recently, then it is likely to need a facelift. It is critical that your site is optimized for SEO; you would be smart to consult with an expert.
- Develop an email campaign strategy: Email is a great way to keep in touch with your patients and reach new ones.
- Audit your profiles: If you haven’t claimed your online profiles on sites like Yelp, Google Business, and Healthgrades do so now! Make sure that all your profiles put your best face forward.
- Monitor your online reputation: Your reputation is everything. Know what people are saying about you and respond to comments and complaints promptly.
- Re-engage with past patients: Reach out to patients you haven’t seen in a while.
- Start a newsletter: Keep in touch with patients by creating a newsletter that offers healthy advice and helps people get to know you.
- Help your staff help you: Your team is the front line for marketing. If they need training get it for them.
- Try direct mail: This old-school marketing technique has been around forever because it works.
- Be active in the community: There is an unlimited number of ways you can be active in the community – from supporting the local PTO to joining the Chamber of Commerce.
- Get found on Google: Take full advantage of Google Local and Google My Business.
- Join a patient referral network: Join a network or group that will help you find other practitioners who can refer patients.
- Use video content: Create video content to help patients get to know you, answer common questions, or provide testimonials.
- Get online reviews: Encourage your patients to offer reviews on popular healthcare sites, social media, and online directories.
- Get feedback from your patients: Find out how your patients think you are doing and take action on what they tell you.
- Get patient referrals: People love to help their friends and family find good health care; referral cards or some other reminder can help.
- Hire a marketing director: You may know how to do this job but you are not a professional marketer. Get someone who is: either hire in-house or contract out for this service.
With a carefully crafted plan that is well executed, you can make sure that you are reaching a wide audience, getting your message out, and adding to your patient portfolio. Now is the perfect time to get started.