Running a successful medical practice isn’t just about delivering excellent care—it’s also about making sure patients can find and trust you. In today’s digital-first world, patients look for healthcare providers the same way they look for restaurants or babysitters: online, through reviews, and via trusted recommendations.
The good news? You don’t need a huge marketing budget to stand out. By focusing on a few simple yet powerful strategies, such as those below, you can grow your patient base and strengthen your reputation in your community.
Build an online profile
As with so many things in today’s digital world, like choosing where to eat and which babysitter to hire, people expect to be able to search and find doctors online. Building a profile on online industry marketplaces, like Zocdoc, will enable you to verify your information as well as add a link to your website, upload photos, and display patient reviews.
Leverage patient reviews
Your current patients and referring doctors are your best marketing partners. Harness the power of happy clients to help spread your name to potential patients by requesting referrals. “Asking for reviews not only gives you the best kind of marketing fodder—what other people say about you—but they also give you a chance to see yourself as they see you, which is an invaluable resource,” Hanelly says. Reviews pay off in bookings too. Patients are 30% more likely to book with a provider who has at least 30 reviews than with one who has fewer than 10.
Start a patient referral program
A record of top-notch care and genuine concern for your patients will go a long way towards encouraging positive word-of-mouth and referrals to friends and family. But there’s nothing wrong with a little reminder. Print referral cards with a simple message like “Share the gift of good health” and your office information, then be organized about handing them out, perhaps as part of your care packages. When you do get a referral, be sure to follow up to let your referring patients know how much you appreciate them with a handwritten note, phone call, or small token (so long as its value is $10 or less).