Effective Marketing for podiatrists can be an overlooked part of your professional practice, but the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) has published reports that show that marketing for podiatrists can be both affordable and effective if the right approach is taken. Marketing for podiatrists like you can help increase consults, simply by taking some simple steps.
Marketing for Podiatrists
Marketing for podiatrists can be broken down into two parts: reaching out to potential new patients, and retaining existing patients. A well known sales coach tells a story about how most businesses try to grow by finding new customers. But its far easier to simply sell more to existing (satisfied) customers, and sell to them more often. The same philosophy can be used in improving marketing for podiatrists. Why not concentrate on the patients who already know and value your services, instead of searching for new patients by advertising to a “mass market”. Most of these potential patients have no need to consult a podiatrist.
Ideas for better marketing for podiatrists
Simple and affordable ideas can make your marketing work better when you focus “closer to home.” What can you do?
- Make friends with your patients: during a consult, why not take advantage of the time to create a stronger bond: talk with your patients, find out about them and their families. Patient experience is a strong indicator of future consults
- Talk with your “sphere of influence.” These are your best potential sources of referrals: general practice physicians and other medical professionals.
- Treat your patients like you’d like to be treated: return calls promptly, follow up with your patients to make sure they feel well after your treatment (especially major procedures).
- Inform patients about how you can help them…and their friends. Most medical professionals neglect this: you help your patients is so many ways that they don’t know about. So who should they turn to when they have a need? How can they know, if you don’t tell them. What are the most cost effective ways to tell them? Brochures, websites, email blasts and on hold messages. Each have their place, and each take advantage of an opportunity you’re probably overlooking.
- Keep in touch. One good way is with a birthday card. Who doesn’t like getting a card?
Marketing for Podiatrists doesn’t have to be complicated…
…or expensive. Marketing for podiatrists that uses simple approaches like these can increase consults by 10-20 percent with little effort or expense. Have you used any of these ideas before? Email us about your success, and lets talk about improving your results in a Free 15 minute strategy session!