This is a question I ask offices regularly, as it should be a piece of your marketing strategy. I will frequently hear that an office started a program such as a buyback of Halloween candy, or put out a collection container in their office for donations to help support a local food bank or troops overseas. These are indeed great community involvement type programs.
There are many ways your office can be actively involved in the community. You can host an open house for your office, giving new patients the chance to check out your current technology, meet the staff and doctor and tour your facility. Hold a summer barbeque in your office parking lot that includes games for kids, informational brochures about your practice, etc. How about organizing an ice cream social or a community car wash and giving the donations you’ve collected to a local charity? Get involved with your local cancer foundation breast cancer walk and set up a table on location where you can meet new people and tell them about your practice.
At these events you might hand out coupons for discounts on first-time visits or a free whitening. It’s also good to offer coupons or gift cards that can be used at other local businesses if patients make an appointment with you. In doing this, you help build a relationship with other local businesses while promoting yours, and this relationship builds a referral stream.
Of course it’s important that you advertise these events within the community. Hand out flyers, put up posters at local businesses, post about events you will be present at or hosting to your company’s website, Facebook page, Twitter account and other social media platforms. After each event, make sure to post pictures online and provide information about significant occurrences at the event, such as total donations received for a charitable cause.
Marketing your practice takes many, many forms. Being involved in your community is necessary in order for your practice to grow.
Patterson Office Supplies has recently added a full line of community event tools to assist you in your planning. Talk with your Patterson rep or front office specialist today so we can help you develop this strategy!
Kim, you always have the best marketing ideas. I use a lot of your ideas as part of my marketing plan for Dr. Spingler’s Office.
Thank you for being so creative and for sharing!
Thanks Angela, glad to help! It’s fun to share these types of ideas with our customers.. Our job is to help make your job easier!
have a great day!
Kim