Therapist Marketing Tip #8: Take a look at this!
Our last post “To tweet, or not to tweet, that is the question!” examined whether Twitter was an effective tool for therapist marketing. We received feedback both supporting and disagreeing with our points. In this therapist tip we go right back to basics and look at first impressions. As it has been said “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”
In this video Sam the therapist marketing guru/ maintenance man is called in to solve another problem. It seems Tim the Therapist has potential clients calling and dropping in but then they aren’t contacted him again. Sam points out that the problem is most likely in regards to the initial impression Tim was creating. While “initial impressions” are not as exciting as social media right now it is critical to any businesses success. (see: Social Media – Are you wasting your time? )
There are several areas of initial contact for most therapists which are creating an impression with every potential client who interacts with them.
Here is a list of the contact points and some questions to examine the impression you are giving out:
1) Phone calls – for many people this is their first direct contact point often after coming across your website.
- Do you have an informed and capable person answering your phone?
- If not, do you have a proper message system that contains enough information?
- Remember the frustration you experience when you have to keep pushing buttons to try to leave a message. Try to avoid making your potential clients navigate through voice mail purgatory.
- Do you return calls in a reasonable time (24 hours or less)?
- Do you use the Mental Health Pros Online Scheduler? This can help reduce phone calls and allows clients to book appointments 24/7.
2) Office – people may drop in to your office for more information. This means their first impression of you will come from the way your office looks. Also your regular clients experience your office every time they come to see you.
- Is it clean and inviting?
- Do you have décor that creates the right atmosphere for your clients?
- Do you have business cards and brochures available?
- Up to date magazines?
3) Website – The Internet is fast becoming a major contact point for new clients. Stats say over 70% of people look online for health care information. We have covered this area in more detail with some of our previous Therapist Marketing Tips:
Therapist Tip #3 Optimize your website using kitten videos!?
Therapist Marketing Tip #6 Can a wheel really draw in more clients?
Analyze your website with this bike video!
This really just scratches the surface of what I believe is a crucial factor in the success of any business. I am always interested to hear if you have insight. Feel free to contact below.
