Imagine this scenario:
You had your vision checked a while ago and decided to use readers. But now you realize you need prescription glasses.
The place that checked your vision never followed up, so you decide to find a new practice to help you. The Google listing of the nearest place only has a website, phone number, and business name — no photos, no reviews, and the hours look dubious.
You go to their website anyway. Information is hard to find, so you submit an online form. Two days later, no one has called, so you call them.
The person who answers the phone says, “Hello, this is Kelly.” You clarify the name of the business, then go on to ask your questions.
You Never Know When the First Impression Happens
In the above scenario, your first impression was a Google listing — not an ad, not curb appeal, not even a bad online review. And those missing elements mattered.
But it could have just as easily been an email you didn’t want, a newspaper ad that hasn’t been refreshed since 1995, or that lackluster phone greeting.
The same thing goes for your hearing care practice: You never know how someone will discover you. But there are plenty of under-the-radar ways to be intentional about attracting patients to your practice — here are 10 of them.
1. Keep Online Information Updated and Accurate
Your online presence is crucial for building trust and inviting engagement. Make sure your contact information, hours, and website are correct.
A strong online presence also includes a good number of reviews, with links to reviews on other sites. This is a simple fix that can make a big difference.
Take a quick look at the below example. Right away you notice:
- A lot of reviews and links to other reviews
- Updated and accurate contact information
- Feels like a trustworthy business
You can practically picture yourself there. And that’s half the battle.
2. Maintain a Quality, Navigable Webpage
An optimized webpage should be easy for visitors to navigate. A well-designed website helps build trust and credibility for your business.
What makes a webpage optimized?
- It strategically represents your practice’s brand
- The layout and content are easy to scan and navigate
- The website is accessible on all major browsers
- It’s mobile friendly/responsive
- It’s friendly for search engines
- There are no broken links or errors
3. Keep Your Marketing Balanced
There is no magic trick that can get every patient through your door. Effective marketing involves a mix of tactics. Some ideas to consider include:
- Newsletters: Send newsletters to keep patients informed.
- Community Events: Host community appreciation events.
- Outreach: Conduct physician outreach and grassroots marketing.
- Social Media: Get your practice on social media and use it for advertising.
- Reviews: Encourage and manage online reviews.
4. Be Strategic With Your Marketing Outreach
To get the most out of your marketing budget, be strategic. You don’t want to spend money marketing to the wrong people! Plan ahead and utilize a partner like Audigy to provide resources such as:
- Database analysis of mailing lists
- Target market analysis
- Market outreach analysis
- Maps/demographic analysis (ZIP codes & block groups)
Stay current — update analyses every 3-5 years (or more frequently) to stay informed.
5. Maintain Your Database
Keeping your patient database updated is essential for consistent communication.
Ensure you have email addresses at the very least — it’s still the most powerful method of communicating with patients and prospects.
Create a standard process for capturing this information. Every time a patient comes in, be sure to get or confirm the best way to contact them.
Every time you send an email or direct mailer, track returns and responses and update your database accordingly.
6. Consistently Respond Promptly to Online Forms
Consumers expect a quick response to online forms — over 80% anticipate a reply within 10 minutes.
To meet this expectation, create a standard process and assign a person to own it. If you respond by email, follow up with a phone call by end of day.
7. Answer Inbound Calls Effectively
The quality of a customer’s experience can make or break a conversion — 7 out of 10 consumers make a buying decision based on their experience.
When handling inbound calls, be professional and engaging. Master the greeting and introduction, then set the appointment.
8. Stay Up to Date on Common Objections and How to Address Them
Talk with your team about common objections that come up on the phone so you can anticipate and prepare for them. Know how to recognize the disguised forms of common objections as well.
Use professional-development resources — like our Patients for Life® training and coaching — and work with your team to stay informed on current events that may impact patient concerns.
9. Get Your Practice on Social Media
With billions of people on social media, it’s a powerful tool for your practice.
In fact, 83% of Instagram users discover new products on the platform, and social media advertising now generates more sales than traditional print ads.
It’s a great way to connect with a growing market — Gen X-ers have a heavy presence on social media, with 92% having a profile on Facebook, 78% on Instagram, 74% on YouTube, and 54% on TikTok. And the oldest among them are heading into their 60s.
Assign a captain to lead this initiative and get creative to stand out from the crowd!
10. Keep Advertising Fresh
Keep your advertising relevant by staying current on local events and seasons. You can also target holidays and special events to make your ads feel fresh and timely.
The Secret to Success: Be Consistent
Just like feeding a goldfish, consistency is key to all these secrets. By consistently providing newsletters and sending cards for holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries, you can stay in contact with patients and keep them up to date, ensuring they’ll be a repeat customer and a source of referrals.
Find out how Audigy can help you increase your patient flow!