Everyone is guilty of getting caught up in the day-to-day grind, right? We have so much to do and so little time to do it.
Sometimes, successful marketing is just about going above and beyond and delivering a great customer service experience (especially in today’s age of online reviews that can make or break your practice). Sure, part of marketing is getting the patients in the door, but the other part is converting them into lifelong lovers of your practice.
With that said, we wanted to share 5 simple ways you can go the extra mile for patients over the holidays, without creating a ton of extra work. They’ll love the office for it and you’ll look all the better to the guys in white coats that sign your checks.
1. Answer the Call on Social Media
Someone actively manages your social media accounts, right? When someone checks in on Facebook, respond to them immediately and say you’re glad to see them, wish them happy holidays, and ask if there’s anything they need. An overwhelming amount of time they won’t need anything, but they’ll be extremely glad you responded and engaged with them.
That’s a story they’ll tell their friends, as silly as it may sound. If they do need something? Do what you can to get it, or find someone who can help. They’ll be forever grateful and, odds are, their request is small and reasonable.
2. Provide a Holiday Snack or Two
A little TLC goes a long way, especially over the holidays. We suggest randomly having coffee, fruit, cookies or other holiday-like snacks in the waiting area. If you’ve got a multicultural patient base (and more than likely you do), research the different types of holiday foods and offer something similar in your office. Your patients will be touched by the care you’ve taken to recognize them.
Besides, nothing gets people excited like free food. It’s a great way to show your patients you care by giving them a little something extra. Often, your generosity will change someone’s day (and have them raving about your office). If you really want to impress them, hand out the food personally and take a moment to make them smile. Crazy, right?
3. Thank You Holiday Cards For the Slam Dunk
A great way to make patients feel special is to send them a greeting card around the holidays (or, more realistically, buy a stack of thank you cards and get the doctor to sign them). Then, just drop them in the mail as needed.
Your patients spend thousands of dollars with you; so, spending fifty cents and a few seconds to mail them a card is the least you can do…and they’ll love you and the doctor for sending out a personalized card just for them. You’d be amazed how an ‘old-school’ personal touch like a hand-delivered card will make your patients take notice and shower your practice with appreciation.
4. Create a Holiday Event
Host holiday events that allow patients to talk to doctors. There’s a doctor based in California that does a “Walk with a Doc” event every month. He and a few staff members meet up at a park to take a walk. Patients are welcome to join them, just to mingle and chat. Think about how many doctors do that in your area? Go ahead and name one.
Why not be a pioneer yourself and organize a Holiday Walk in the Park? The dividends thinking outside the box like this can pay with both existing and prospective patients and their families is astounding.
5. Holiday Food Drives
There’s that “F” word again. A lot of people host food drives and support causes around holiday time, so why don’t you? Contact a local organization and put up a display so patients can donate as they walk in. At the end of the month, mention how much you raised and share the word on social media and in newsletters.
If you really want to get crazy, host a different drive each month and at the end of the year you can recap how much you raised and the impact it had in the community. Being more active in your community never hurts, and patients will love your office even more for the amount you give back.
