Medical Marketing Basics

In the competitive world of today, it may not be wise to depend only on word of mouth to keep your medical practice a step ahead of your competitors. You need to promote your clinic or hospital actively to ensure that there is a steady incoming stream of patients. As in any other profession, advertising and marketing have come to play an important role in the success of medical profession as well.

Medical marketing helps boost your visibility, and ensures that competition cannot take your loyal patients away from you. Newer patients are also brought in regularly. It makes for smooth practice and also provides scope for expansion.

You must make sure that the unique offers and exclusive services that you offer are known to patients. Only when people become aware of these services will they approach you for it. With a careful marketing plan, you can get good public exposure - which means more patients, more income and also better reputation.

There are various methods of medical marketing, some of which are expensive while some others are time consuming. You cannot depend on a single marketing method though, a balanced strategy is what is preferable.

First identify your preferred group of patients and then set about making your mark in that niche.

Keep in Touch With Current Patients

It is a good idea to pay more attention to public relations than advertising to build your trust quotient and this needs to be done at a personal level. You should stay in touch with your current patients who will refer you to the people they know. You can maintain a database containing contact information of your patients and intimate them about any specialties you add to the hospital, upcoming events like free checkups or gifts at your clinic.

Build On Your Image

You could also be part of a local charity or fundraising events to add to your image. You should be open to feedback from your patients and be quick to take remedial measures if they find any service or product unsatisfactory; for example they may complain that your billing process is slow or there is not enough room in the waiting area. Little touches like reminding patients of their appointments may go a long way in creating a professional and caring image.

Reach Out to Potential Patients

Consistent efforts are needed to attract new patients. For this there are conventional methods like distributing leaflets and brochures, television, radio and newspaper advertising or the modern internet marketing.

You can circulate brochures containing information about treatments and services that you provide. This is not very expensive but the visibility is usually limited to a certain geographical area. You can even organize a promotional event in your locality where you conduct free examination and provide tips on healthcare. You can promote your product or service at this platform. Your personal interaction will add to the promotion, but the drawback here is again limited visibility.

Television and radio advertising have a wider audience but may be too expensive for a clinic. Having an interview on the local television channel is also a good idea.

Comparatively, internet marketing is cheaper and has a bigger impact. You can get listed on online directories and websites as well as have a website of your own. That is just for starters. Many companies offer internet marketing services for physicians and doctors, within any budget. If you are a doctor, a clinic or a hospital that is looking to get out there and be more visible, you might want to get in touch with a professional medical marketing firm.