Four States Small Business Blog

In the face of various challenges, like increased competition, declining reimbursement and insurance changes, private practices need new and effective marketing techniques to maintain a steady flow of patients.

We live in a world where individuals crave convenience – especially when looking for services. And they often look to reviews for simple guidance that help them make smarter buying decisions. In fact, 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as recommendations from a friend or family member, while 73% of them have more trust in a local business with positive reviews. Negative reviews are just as impactful, as 94% of customers say an online review has convinced them to avoid a business.

Urgent care clinics play a critical role in local communities. They allow individuals to receive quick access to care during hours that their family doctor may be unavailable or when they don't have time to make an appointment. Urgent care has helped reduce the strain on emergency rooms throughout the country and alleviate the high costs of healthcare for millions of American families.

The eye care industry is in good shape, partly due to the fact that as people age they are more likely to need vision correction. In fact, 86% ofAmericans over age 45 rely on it. What’s more, independent optometrists are experiencing an annual growth rate of 2.8%, while ophthalmologists are enjoying a 4-5% rate of growth. Combined with opticians, eye care professionals (ECPs) represent a $40 billion market, with steady growth being predicted throughout the next decade.

Many people opt for elective procedures like LASIK vision correction, Botox injections, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and cosmetic services. But regardless of your specialty, marketing to potential clients can be a challenge. Not only do you have to compete with other providers in your area, but you must also overcome several hurdles that aren’t often faced for medically necessary procedures.

Each new season of life features its own unique milestones and events. Perhaps the most important ones involve the various decisions everyone must make as they get older.

Sometimes when patients leave a dental practice, it’s for unavoidable reasons — like a move or change in insurance. Other times, it’s related to a negative experience. What are the top reasons patients make the switch? And, more importantly, how can you use that knowledge to keep current patients satisfied and adjust your marketing to reflect a practice new patients will want to join?

Our senior population is growing rapidly. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that it will reach 56 million by 2020, and balloon to 74 million seniors by 2030. But even though senior living demand is growing, nursing home occupancies fell from nearly 86% to less than 82% from 2012 to 2017, and that number continues to drop.

If you think someone in their twilight years isn’t looking online for an assisted living center… well, you might be partly right, but they aren’t your primary online audience. Their children are often the ones doing research and looking for the best option for their parents, and both groups want to feel confident and happy in their choice.

Although the medical industry has approached social media hesitantly, it is an effective marketing tool worth the time and investment. It provides a great way for your practice to engage with current and potential patients outside the confines of your office. It also gives you the opportunity to showcase your staff and demonstrate your expertise by providing valuable content. Social media is one way to help new patients discover your optometry practice and, most importantly, help your practice grow.