When bariatric surgery was popularized only a few talented surgeons to perform laparoscopic gastric bypass . It was easy enough to open their doors and possibly patients start call. Today it is very different.
Today, there are many bariatric procedures "approved" . These include gastric banding , gastric bypass , sleeve gastrectomy , and duodenal switch surgery. Surgeons quickly realized that certain procedures, such as gastric banding , were technically easier than gastric bypass . They were also very profitable. In recent years, bariatric surgery is available in all major cities of the country.
Today, highly skilled , talented surgeons are struggling to build their bariatric practice. Be a good seller seems to have more surgical skills . However, marketing is just another skill that can be mastered. This article analyzes the most effective way to market your practice in 2013 bariatric ways means.
4 ways to promote your bariatric practice
Top 4 ways to promote your bariatric practice have not changed much in recent years, but some of the techniques and tools they have.
A . patient
As it was when the first bariatric surgery patient referrals are the best form of advertising. And free.
The volume of references friend is less than the volume of new leads you get from online marketing. But the quality is much better. Patients are referred by other patients usually go all the way to surgery. Derivatives and patients generally have expectations and the family and friends of appropriate support. I found that these patients are often more successful with weight loss long term.
How to increase patient referrals :
A . Consult. This is very difficult for most surgeons . So your task bariatric coordinator liaison with patients or work.
At the annual visit of the patient, provide their before and after photos and let them share .
Note: Give your patients a custom Smartphone App that tracks your progress is a great way to encourage the exchange .
Create marketing materials and references that asks you to give the patient during the visit of six months the patient. An easy way to do it without being open is to include it in the bottom of brochures for existing patients.
For example:
Create a brochure entitled " What to expect 6 months after gastric bypass "
In the lower portion of the sheet of the order of remission . " At 6 months to lose a lot of weight and you should be proud . Tell your friends! And please let your friends who might be good candidates know about our practice. Way to continue to support your loss weight and references help support our practice. "
Two . Online marketing
There is evidence that increasing the number one avenue for new patients through online marketing . This includes social media, search engine optimization , payment online marketing (SEM) and online forums .
Each potential patient has access to the Internet. Make sure your online presence is strong.
With recent changes to the search algorithm of Google (Google accounts for 70% of search traffic ) is more than ever to "optimize" your website. There are many things you can do, but link building and some of the old tricks no longer work as before. Consider investing your SEO ( search engine optimization ) money in other ways this year.
Note: SEO and SEM ( search engine marketing ) are different.
Search engine marketing involves purchasing advertising on popular websites through Google AdSense, and write high quality content to attract online traffic. The surgeon who first appears in Google gets about 40% of people on the internet that the 10th person listed site. The fastest way to the top of search results is to pay per click.
A marketing expert with experience in bariatric surgery search engine is usually money well spent. Make sure you find the settings that show exactly how their money is used SEM and the results you create.
Finally, if you do not have a website, however, you must get one.
Three . medical Referrals
Medical references are a tough guy . Currently most surgeons have their preferred doctors will see on a regular basis . But if you provide your patients with something valuable that will be more likely to refer to you.
For example:
Create a brochure that includes pocket NIH guidelines for bariatric surgery.
The back features a BMI chart and 5 fun facts about the benefits of losing weight.
At the bottom of your site and include some of your practice.
If you have your own Smartphone App can include a QR code to make it easier for patients to download your App right on the spot.
Or consider letting him know that your PCP refers Smartphone App is a free and easy way for patients to monitor their weight.
April. Traditional marketing and Seminars
TV commercials , brochures and seminars still work to some extent , but everyone is already doing this to some extent . And the cost and time can be significant.
If you choose to enter these more traditional marketing channels prepare to capture customer information as quickly as possible. Why online advertising has become very popular because it is very easy to "high" on the spot. And it is easy for bariatric practices to capture new patient information and follow up with them quickly. So do not forget to include a clear call to action in your marketing message.
When you have finished your seminars and say, " Thank you, please call our office to make an appointment , " is likely to get 10% of people who attended his seminar to call.
Instead of saying : "We have , we created a free application to help you before and after weight loss surgery . Search for " bariatric example " on the App Store. Take a minute to download . Even if you decide not to undergo weight loss surgery , which is a great application that simply slide your weight and stay focused. "
Leaving the seminar and turn on the computer, you can see everyone who has downloaded the application, your e- mail address and telephone number. The day after his personal call to make an appointment . This should grow 10 % to over 50%.
New tools to improve your marketing
smartphone App
Smartphone applications are beginning to appear in bariatric surgery. Clinics and bariatric surgical practices have begun to offer their patients free smartphone apps to improve your experience. These applications typically include information on the services offered, the ability to schedule appointments , and characteristics such as weight and diabetes control . Although not tested , this offer interesting applications such as marketing opportunities.
social Media
Social media is not new , but more and more common. At a minimum, you should consider a Facebook page for your practice. Assign someone in the practice of management page. You can also link your group online support for this product. This is easy for your patients "as" a practice does not help with the search engines. If you 're not familiar with Facebook and how you create a page , there are many SEM companies out there that can help you .
