Outside of clinical care, patient acquisition is one of the most crucial parts of running a practice. Practices simply can’t survive without new patients coming in the door. 

But what are the best ways to attract new patients? How do you ensure that your practice is top of mind when someone begins searching for care? 

Here are 5 unique ideas that any practice can adopt. 

Create a Referral Program 

You can bring in new patients by encouraging your existing patients to refer their family and friends to your practice. Consider setting up a rewards program that offers patients gift cards, a referral discount, or even a free consultation for new patients. After a visit, make sure patients know this program exists by letting them know in person, or by sending them a text message. 

Boost Your Online Presence 

We’re fond of saying that your practice is only as good as Google thinks you are. When someone looks for care, they’ll start with an online search, usually using Google. That’s why every practice should think carefully about how they look online. Are your reviews positive and thoughtful? What’s your star rating? Are you posting regularly on social channels? Does your practice look fresh and modern? These things go a long way when attracting patients. Take a look at this article if you’re looking for ways to boost your online reputation. 

Use Online Advertising 

Online ads can be effective with the right messaging and targeting. Consider using Google search ads to get your practice in front of more patients. Often, when you search for a practice in your area, the top results will be practices with a high number of quality reviews, or those that paid to reach the top. While ads can be effective, advertising is challenging, so consider working with an expert who can guide you. 

Host Events 

Many practices will host open-houses and other events to attract new patients. You can host blood drives, health fairs, educational summits, lunch-and-learns, or other in-person events. Many will offer free on-the-spot consultations for visitors of their event. Approaches like this can be particularly effective if you offer elective procedures. A friendly, low-commitment event is a great way to invite potential patients in and allow them to ask questions about a procedure they’ve been considering. 

Focus on Patient Retention 

Last, remember that it can cost up to 25 times as much to acquire a new patient as it does to keep an existing one. That’s why it’s essential that you focus on providing an exceptional patient experience to keep the patients you already have. More sophisticated practices will keep track of scores such as Net Promoter Scores (NPS), to give them a pulse on how patients perceive your practice. Additionally, it’s wise to send surveys to find ways you can improve your practice, so that you’re always enhancing the care you provide. 

Conclusion

There are many ways to acquire patients, but one of the most cost effective ways to do it is boosting your online presence. By making it easier for patients to leave reviews, you can start to boost your star rating and get the quality reviews that draw in new patients. If you’re looking for one of the most effective ways to do it, click the “Free Consultation” button above and schedule a demo. 

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