In a recession, healthcare service providers may be tempted to cut marketing budgets. However, with so many competing options for consumers’ healthcare dollars, this is the last thing you want to do if you want to grow your healthcare practice. In fact, it’s even more important than usual to stay visible and communicate with patients during difficult times.
In this article, we’ll discuss key tactics to remain relevant to patients during tough times and help you to grow your healthcare practice.
Let’s look at 5 Tactics to grow your Healthcare Practice in Recession
Identify your Top Patient Priorities
A good way to grow your healthcare practice is by identifying your top patient priorities. One way to do this is by asking your patients for their feedback through focus groups or surveys. This will give you insight into the services you offer and how satisfied your patients are with them. Be sure to actively listen to what your patients are saying and ask follow-up questions to gain more specific feedback about how you can improve your offerings.
After gathering this information, create a list of your top patient priorities. Consider how you can address these issues with your existing resources and services. If the problems are too big to fix or too expensive to address within your budget, think about putting them on hold until better times arrive.
Duplicate your Best Marketing Ideas
Don’t change your marketing strategy if you’ve had any success. The only difference between now and then is the economy. Don’t try to reinvent your approach because you think consumers will respond differently during a recession. They won’t. They’ll still be looking for what they’ve always needed just for ways to cut costs and save money, so keep doing what’s been working for you!
Harmonize all your Messages
In a time of economic uncertainty, you want to ensure that your messaging is consistent across all channels. One simple way to do this is by using the same language, tone, and style in all your communications. For example, if you are using the phrase “providing value-based care” on your website, use it in your emails as well.
A second strategy for harmonizing messages is to repeat key messages through various channels (social media, print ads). The goal here is not just repetition but consistency as well – so make sure your messaging is similar across all your platforms.
Help Patients Find Ways to Pay
Because of the recession, patients will be looking for ways to save money. While you may be unable to offer discounts or payment plans immediately, you can ask them if they have any friends or family who they can refer to you. If someone refers a friend, make sure they know that they will receive a discount on their next visit.
Also, look for ways to reduce costs and find new revenue sources. For example, consider offering incentives for paying early such as free parking or gym passes. Another idea is to look into offering aftercare services online. This way, patients can take care of their prescriptions without using an entire day off work (and incurring more expenses).
Stay Visible
Marketing is one of the best ways to grow your healthcare practice by showing that you care about your customers. It’s also an opportunity to demonstrate that you are listening and responding to their needs, particularly in difficult economic times. This strategy can be particularly important when it comes to retaining loyal customers who may be worried about losing access to the services provided by your practice during the recession.
Marketing is also a powerful tool for connecting with new clients, as it helps ensure that they turn to your practice before they look to a competitor or another business grabs their attention. According to Direct Marketing Association research, 87% of consumers consider themselves brand loyal, meaning they will prefer to use one brand over another. For this reason, it’s critical for healthcare practices to remain visible and communicate with their customer base in order to survive and thrive during recessions.
In the end, it’s important to remember that healthcare practice marketing is a long-term investment. People need to know about your services and trust you before they will sign up as patients. So even if they don’t have the money now, they will be able to pay later when their budgets allow it. You can also help them out by offering payment plans and discounts if necessary during this tough economic climate. Remember to make sure your website reflects these values, as this will make it easier for customers to find the information they need and learn how your practice is working to meet their needs.
