Though digital healthcare marketing is incredibly effective, let’s not forget the essential form of marketing – word-of-mouth marketing. Patient referrals, which bring in new patients to your medical practice, are among the best ways to earn more revenue. So, how to get more patient referrals? Simple, just follow these tips:
1. Implement simple referral programs
Make sure your referral program isn’t complicated or multi-tiered with a complex set of rules. In fact, rewarding your existing patients for sending you referrals should be as simple as gifting them a free consultation. Remember, your referral program isn’t set in stone. You can always go back and revise your referral system to create more incentives for patients who recommend your practice to others.
2. Ask existing patients
“Ask for referrals” is one of the most common tips you’ll hear from healthcare marketing experts. You must engage your existing patients to attract more new patients. Why? This is because your existing patients trust you with their health and have a favorable view of your medical practice. Also, when you reach out to ask your patients for a referral, take the opportunity to check in with them, and see how they perceive your service.
3. Educate patients about your referral program
Many medical practices miss out on referrals because their patients aren’t even aware of any referral programs. To let your patients know that you are open to referrals, consider adding a line to your promotional emails about your interest in referrals, or send a personalized email or card to your patients, thanking them for trusting you and asking for referrals. Whatever you do, make sure patients are aware that you are open to referrals.
4. Ask patients for reviews
This might not seem like a direct or instant way to get referrals, but by talking to your existing patients about what they like and don’t like about your services, you can get a sense of what it’ll take to get them to refer patients to your practice. Remember, a patient who is satisfied but not impressed by your service might continue to visit you, but he or she will probably not recommend your practice to family and friends.
Having a proven, foolproof referral marketing strategy is a cost-effective and less complicated way to build your medical practice. Talk to experts at Practice Builders to understand how we can help you build the medical practice of your dreams!