The Ideal Physical Therapy Marketing Plan
Marketing your practice is a vital part of its success. If you made the decision to become a physical therapist, you are no doubt excited by the power to heal. When starting out, you may not know how to begin your physical therapy marketing plan. How do you get customers to your clinic? Once you have established a practice, how do you tell others about your services? This is where a plan on marketing plan is important.
Physical therapy marketing means not only securing clients, but also keeping them hooked. You also need to use physical therapy marketing to attract new clients. If marketing is not your cup of tea, hire a physical therapy marketing company to help you out. If you choose to do it yourself, here are some tips to help you pursue it effectively:
When you meet doctors, take the time to convince them of your abilities. Doctors are often asked to recommend a physical therapist, so take advantage of this physical therapy marketing opportunity and work towards referrals. Ask physicians if you can demonstrate your techniques to them to gain credibility and promote a working relationship. Find every opportunity to tell others about your practice
Try and spread flyers and information brochures at several different locations, with non competing service providers. These can include orthopaedic surgeons, chiropractors, massage therapists and fitness professionals. There is nothing like word of mouth publicity to generate referrals from your current patients. Each one of these providers as a large circle of influence and is likely to know at least 10 individuals they can refer to you. Over the course of a lifetime, this can be worth several thousand dollars. Adopt a bedside manner that makes your patients return to you and keeps your physical therapy marketing efforts worthwhile. Prepare yourself for additional workload, as the friends and family of former and current customers start calling your practice.
Find opportunities to market to large groups, such as public speaking. Search the internet or contact your local chamber of commerce to get a list of civic groups in your area and contact them for speaking opportunities. If you are having trouble establishing your practice, it may be time to consult with a professional. Qualified public relations teams have the skills necessary to take over your marketing efforts and normally possess a great rapport with local media representatives. Such individuals would call, leave messages and follow up with members of the local media. Building relationships with members of the media can get you free publicity, which in turn will build credibility in the eyes of patients and doctors. Dedicate at least one hour every other week to the development of media relationships.
Never hesitate to revamp your physical therapy marketing strategies. As time progresses, your current plan may become stale. To keep things fresh, consult with an expert regularly. Determine what’s working and what’s not, and make the necessary changes. Bring your practice to the next stage with a physical therapy marketing plan that is current and effective.