You might think that medical clinics get customers out of necessity, and you’re not completely wrong in your assumption. Americans get about one billion colds each year, but this doesn’t mean you’ll get enough business to keep your doors open. Like every rising business, marketing is a key factor in a medical clinic’s success. If local patients don’t realize that a new health clinic is up and running, they won’t know that it’s an option when the need for medical attention arises. As such, finding ways to bolster your clinic’s marketing plan is essential, especially if you’re just starting out.
Here are some of the best ways you can change up your marketing techniques to get more patients coming through your door:
Get on social media
If you thought that social media is for the youth, think again: just about everyone has some form of social media, whether that’s Facebook, Instagram, or even Snapchat. If you’re trying to get the word out that you’re open, creating a Facebook page can become a key way to offer updates, post your hours, and get people talking about your business.
Just be sure to use social media with a regular cadence. Many businesses invest in social media but only use it when something major happens. If you want to grow a reliable following that actually reads your page, post at the same time once or twice a week. That way, your regular customers will read the important updates along with the more fun status updates that you post once in a while.
Keep in mind that there’s no magic formula for how and when you should post. Adding a status update at 4 pm vs 5 pm won’t make that much of a difference. However, the consistency of your posts is what will truly make a difference.
Know your audience
Location means everything in terms of real estate and your medical clinic is no different: the people who live in your area determine your success. Does your area have a lot of young families in the suburb? Or is it more urban with plenty of different people? Is there a senior living community nearby? It’s estimated that more than one million people live in senior communities across the country. Depending on who is nearby will sway your marketing tactics.
For example, using memes on your social media probably won’t appeal to Gen Xers and Baby Boomers who want clear, simple updates. On the other hand, a city full of young people might adore seeing a relevant meme or two on occasion.
The type of person who uses your services can also make a difference. For example, if you’re a walk-in clinic, you might want to target people with quick injuries, like those who had a slip-and-fall accident. If you’re opening an emergency center, however, you’re better off targeting keywords on your site pertaining to life-threatening injuries. Talk to a digital marketing agency to learn more about your target audience and the demographics in your area.
Include modern features and services on your site
In the time of COVID-19, people are using the internet now more than ever. You will want to ensure that your clinic can cope with the changes COVID-19 has brought. As such, offering virtual consultations online, setting up drive-through services, and explaining how your company has dealt with the pandemic is key. The aspects that make your clinic more accessible will appeal to more people.
Maintaining clear and honest communication with your patients will help develop trust, especially when you’re starting out. After all, your patients want to know that they’re safe when they walk through your doors, but they also want convenient healthcare. Accentuate what makes your business stand out when you build your website. Highlighting these features will deliver the most important information to your clients with ease. No one wants to click around your entire website to find out if you’ve taken precautions against COVID-19. Building an easily navigable — and clear — website is essential to your digital marketing campaign. This is because people are more likely to stay on your site and invest in your services.
Did you know that more than one-third of all data transmitted today passes through the cloud? This includes your digital marketing information. Rely on these tips when you want to help more people at your health care clinic.
“Devin is a writer and an avid reader. When she isn’t lost in a book or writing, she’s busy in the kitchen trying to perfect her slow cooker recipes. You can find her poetry published in The Adirondack Review and Cartridge Lit.”
