Clinic image is critical to the success of any healthcare business. It’s more than just a logo or a sign, it’s the emotion created in your patients minds when they hear your name. If you feel that that your “Brand” or “Image” needs some polishing or a complete overhaul, here is a cheat sheet that might help.
A) Find out where you are in the Social Media world After a long day of treating patients sit down and do a google search of yourself and your clinic an see where you are on the social media spectrum. If an array of photos of your weekend antics is all that comes up, you diffently have some work to do. A good idea is to clean up your profiles on all social media avenues and post content daily and reach out to your audience to develop a community and a solid image/reputation.
B) Take advantage of Opportunities Most readers will not want to hear about how great you are. They expect that. Instead, be responsive. People want to be acknowledge and heard. Customer service and social media are great for this, including having a blog, where you can respond right away in real time, and make a positive impression with each and every interaction. It the interaction happens to be negative, answer right away and turn the situation into a positive. They won’t forget.
C) Find your platform Find the right platform for your image. What to engage with friends and patients who will spread the word to theirs friends? Facebook is the place. For the latest rehab, PT industry trends, and conferences, Twitter is the answer. To connect with referring physicians and therapists, to join groups that discuss topics of interest to you, head to Linkedin.
D) Provide good customer service Customers/patients are looking for empathy, results and exceptional service. From the owner to the receptionists, good customer service can often become a major factor in the overall image of the clinic.
E) Work to keep your name in front of your market If you are not consistently reminding your target market that you are directly doing business, they will forget about you and go elsewhere.
F) Provide value and exceed their expectations Providing on-going value to your patients is vital to better brand recognition and becoming the well-respected “go-to” person in your field. Are you providing workshops and classes in your community?
G) Write a blog One way to help your patients know, like and trust you is to write a blog that informs, entertains and educates. The key to a successful blog is consistency. You develop a loyal following by regularly providing posts that offer quality information and ongoing value to your community.
H) Use the same photo/logo in all your marketing materials. This tip seems obvious but is often overlooked. Be consistent in your branding. Use the same photo and logo on your blog, e-signature, newsletter banner and all other forms of Internet communication. It’s one additional way you’ll be instantly recognizable to your patients.