Marketing for physical therapists takes on increasing importance when the critical mass of physical therapy practices gets tipped, and supply exceeds demand. Whether it’s a local therapist who opens their own new practice, or an established multi-location PT practice that moves into town, the limited population of potential patients makes it “more challenging” for everyone to survive. That’s when even the best physical therapist needs help getting the word out.
Marketing for physical therapists becomes more important.
Long time professionals may question the need for marketing for physical therapists, but there are good reasons to start marketing. Marketing is “the way a business communicates with the world”. It’s not selling used cars or encyclopedias. When potential patients are looking for a physical therapist, they just want to make the right decision, and that starts by educating themselves. They need information that you can provide. Give them the right information, the ideas that you know will help them, and you’re providing a service.
Marketing for physical therapists is a multi step process
Networking with GP’s, orthopedists, and other medical professionals is the traditional way to find new patients, but you shouldn’t stop there. Ongoing communications with referring doctors builds credibility more than sending a fruit basket or bagels and coffee. But physical therapists need more marketing to achieve success. Marketing for physical therapists is most effective when you use lots of different methods. Have you considered SEO for your website? Or newsletters for your former patients? They could focus on preventing injury, keeping fit, and suggestions for treating minor aches and pains. Another idea is working with local High School teams giving advice to coaches, trainers and athletes. One tool that PT’s have used to effectively communication specialties and new techniques is messages on hold .
You know that your telephone callers sometimes have to wait on “hold.” Most callers sit in complete silence, or are stuck listening to “someone else’s favorite radio station.” Informer Messages on hold fix the problem. They’re specially developed marketing messages that educate callers about what you do, how you do it, and how you can help them (and their friends).
When prospective patients call, they’re receiptive to marketing for physical therapists
Think about it: when are you most interested in information? Is it when you’re opening your mail and get a direct mail flyer? When you’re reading the newspaper and see an ad? Or when you’re actively calling local businesses to find out if they can help you?
When a caller is on hold, they want information. Marketing for physical therapists is the most effective when your prospective patient wants information. Informer Messages deliver the right information to the right people at the right time: when they need you and they need information. Would Informer Messages on hold help you? Why not ask for a free 15-minute strategy session: we’ll talk about your practice, the best ways you help your patients, and your best opportunities. Let’s talk about new ideas in marketing for physical therapists can help you. Call 203-655-3920 in Connecticut, 212-355-6980 in New York, or 800-862-8896 Nationwide.