How to Digitally Engage with Your Patients
Given the abundance of pharmacies on the market, pharmacists must endeavour to attract new customers. With more people taking numerous prescription drugs and pharmacies offering a wider array of services, the interaction between patients and pharmacies will only keep rising, giving you the ideal chance to bring in new clients. The following are some of the top pharmacy marketing ideas you can implement to help connect you with your community and get more patients in through the door.
1. Advertising to Specific Audiences
Identify target groups for this marketing strategy to attract new clients to your pharmacy. Consider placing ads in nursing homes, doctors’ offices, large company human resources departments, and nearby businesses and health-related groups. New consumers can be alerted to the pharmacy’s special offers through advertising. Consider introducing a private “consulting room” for discussing delicate pharmacological concerns with patients, and then publicising this service through the newspaper, radio, or another medium.
Find out what makes a pharmacy successful in our previous blog post here:
2. Promotions and sales are some of the best pharmacy marketing ideas
Attract new clients to the pharmacy with a special offer, such as free healthcare information, a free helpful item, like a paper fan in the summer or a recyclable shopping bag, or reductions on health-related pharmacy products like OTC pain medications, sunscreen, or vitamins.
Another marketing strategy for attracting new clients is to give healthcare promos, such as free cholesterol and blood pressure checks. Service gift certificates, such as flu vaccines, can also be utilised to attract new consumers.
3. Pharmacy screens and merchandising are the top pharmacy marketing ideas
When a pharmacy is placed within another retail establishment, such as a drugstore or a grocery store, merchandising and pharmacy screens can be quite effective in attracting new consumers. Merchandising displays can draw in new consumers who might otherwise pass by your pharmacy.
4. Publicity and Public Relations
Another great marketing strategy is to provide excellent customer service. Avoid phrases such as, “I’ll join you in a minute,” when new clients approach the counter. Instead, greet the client with a friendly hello and ask for their name for reference purposes. Prepare to talk about health issues and pharmacy items with knowledgeable facts.
Develop marketing activity calendars for events at the pharmacy that may attract new clients. An “allergy season” briefing in the spring and diabetes information ahead of the winter holidays, when patients may wish to know how to enjoy the season’s delights without jeopardising their health, are two ideas. Make these events known to the media for publicity and probable coverage.
5. Online and digital presence is also among the top pharmacy marketing ideas
It’s critical that your pharmacy has an internet presence because so many consumers (and prospective customers) do their purchasing and health research online. This can take the shape of a website, a presence on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, a presence on review sites such as Yelp, or both. Ensure your business is featured in web search services such as Google Maps so that people in your neighbourhood may find you when they are looking for medical information.
Learn more on how to engage with your community in our previous blog post here:
What advantages does digital technology provide to patients?
The following are some of the areas in which digital technology has had a significant impact on healthcare:
Improved Medical Data and Information Access
The ability to retain and access data has been one of the most significant advantages of the digital revolution. Healthcare providers can now access patient information from any location. Furthermore, the intranet and internet have enabled healthcare practitioners to quickly share medical information. This means that patients receive more effective care.
Improved communication channels
There was a time when health providers communicated via a beeper. However, today’s digital technology is making it easier for patients and healthcare practitioners to communicate. Patients can communicate with ease through smartphones, email, text messaging, and other methods.
Telemedicine and Telehealth
There are still a good number of rural areas in the world where healthcare providers are in limited supply. Video conferencing is a significant aspect of digital technology for patients. Telehealth is not only cost-effective, but it also can assist in determining which patient requires emergency attention.
Apps for Health
Dozens of health apps have emerged as a result of the digital revolution. These apps allow patients to track their health and condition, receive medical information, view test results, and be reminded when it’s time for their check-ups.
Pharmacy marketing ideas: In conclusion
The fulfilment of prescriptions and the selling of medicines are the fundamental services provided by all pharmacies. To stay competitive, you must take steps to distinguish your pharmacy from the competition. You may also have to contend with mail-order pharmacies, large chains, and other local, individual pharmacies. To accomplish this, you’ll need to create a cohesive plan, a policy for maintaining connections with patients, and a marketing campaign tailored to your region and customers.
Check out our pharmacy screens that can help you market your pharmacy faster and more successfully.
