If your practice, like many others, is currently closed or only open for emergencies, you more than likely have a little extra time on your hands.
But what are you doing with your time?!
Use this time wisely! Now is a great time to spruce up the office; do a full deep-clean and sanitize every nook and cranny (I’m sure you’ve already tackled this!). Look around with fresh eyes; is there some dated wallpaper that needs to come down? Paperwork that needs organization? Could the entrance of your office use a little facelift? Your patients will be delighted to see the updates on their next visit!
Aside from physical updates, how could you update your internal communication systems?
Here are 3 marketing communications tips you can set up now for big ROI once things start rolling again!
- Communicate with your patients, and do it often. They want to hear from you, but be sure to make it real and personal. Let them know what you’ve done to your office that benefits them. How have you made it safe and sterile? Communication may seem simple and easy to pass up, but this has a big impact on relationships, and building relationships leads to loyal patients!
- Review your Referral System. I’m sure you have one but it is working to the fullest for you? This is your low-hanging fruit! Patient referrals are the best source for new patients. First and foremost…are you asking for them?! You have to be direct. Remind them and have them thinking about it frequently. You never know when a friend or family member will bring up the subject and you want to be top-of=mind. Make sure someone at your office is properly reaching out to the referral and thanking the patient who sent the referral!
- Overhaul your Recall and Reactivation Systems. This is a big one. Quite often, we see holes here where improvements can mean big changes in your numbers! How often do you reach out to overdue patients? It has been said that we need to see something anywhere from 5-12 times before we take action. Are you reaching out through several methods of contact…text, email, phone, snail mail? People are busy; they may have missed your email and not have realized they are due to visit. Most likely, they will appreciate you reminding them and making sure they are cared for. 🙂
Make the most of this time and turn it into a positive for your practice!
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Author: Kathy Jiamboi
Owner of Creativedge Marketing, where growth-oriented dentists find dental practice marketing strategies and advice to take their practice to a new and higher level.