You’ve chosen a career in podiatric medicine and for many reasons. Perhaps it’s the aspect of caring for others in your community that allows you to thrive, or the vast interest you had in the science that initially started your career, but there is always one aspect of a job that keeps you coming back for more day after day. Whatever your motivation is to strive to earn the “best podiatrist in town” title, your patients are looking for the same passion and professionalism when in search of the right doctor for their individual needs. While there is no secret for running the most successful podiatry practice in your community, there are easily obtainable methods available to successfully market your business and expand your services.
Maybe you are the best podiatrist in town and consider your practice and your staff the staple hold of your reputation. How will the local citizens realize this without you pinpointing it first? They won’t. Without efficient advertising your business is established but not growing. Try running an advertisement in the local newspapers or radio to reach a wider audience. Building a reliable and easy to use website is another advertising outlet for your business and provides the opportunity to extensively highlight your services and staff. From printing business cards to handing out pens with your practice’s name, you must remind consumers that you are in business and motivated to serve them.
Someone in need of a podiatrist notices your advertisements or is recommended by others in the community and are considering your practice. They call your office to schedule an appointment and your reputation is immediately in jeopardy. Your advertising campaign has promised exceptional service and your expected to deliver great results. How can you achieve this goal? By simply dedicating your practice to caring about your patients. You began this career for a reason and genuinely caring about your patients is the best form of service you can offer. From staffing your business with compassionate employees, to following through with excellent patient care, the way you treat your customers can have the most impact on your practice’s reputation. When hiring staff, be sure that they meet the professional standards and requirements for the job but that they also value the needs of the patients. Whether it’s a first time visitor or a repeat customer, making your patients feel assisted and comfortable in your office is crucial to running a successful business.
Advertising doesn’t always mean a billboard next to a major intersection or handing out business cards, but it can also mean putting your reputation where your mouth is, or your patient’s mouths, for that matter. Networking with others throughout the community is crucial for sustaining your podiatrist office and word of mouth can be the most impactful marketing tools available. When you provide outstanding service your patients will reflect this with recommendations, repeat business, and loyalty. This form of networking not only builds a strong patient database but it allows for free advertising and perhaps the most reliable and easiest source of promotion available. Networking with other local doctors or hospitals for patient referrals can also help build a positive reputation among the community and prove your willingness to serve to the best of your potential while also getting your name out there.
Even though there is no specific or correct way to successfully brand and market your individual business, by establishing the core values of offering remarkable customer service and patient care along with advertising, the basics for running a successful podiatry practice are already in place.
Article by Amy at Crown Foot & Ankle Center.