Marketing The Family Practice

Successfully marketing the family practice can be done by several different methods. The best methods are those that fit the practice style, the community or city the practice operates in and any that show measurable results.

Internet Marketing for Family Practice

The Internet is becoming more and more available, even in rural areas. Every family practice should have at least a webpage, if not a website, representing the practice online. The website should reflect the style and tone of the family practice. Practices where younger patients are seen will probably want to use a younger style in web design. For practices focusing more on older or even elder patients, the website tone should probably be more classic.

Ideally, the family practice homepage should be simple and to the point. Added pages can target the different age groups, different treatments offered, and other such divisions. This way, the page about pediatric treatments can be more child friendly. Teens are a class unto themselves and pages targeted toward teen patients should include more technology, even video or audio.

Every page of the website should include not only contact information but also a signup form for viewers to provide name and address in return for free health information and inclusion on the family practice email newsletter.

Email Marketing for Family Practice

Family practice newsletters can sent out regularly via email as well as being available in print form in the facility. Regular newsletters can contain health information, clinic news, customer news and appreciation information, games, trivia and more.

The newsletter should be specifically targeted toward those who will be receiving it. The tone should reflect the tone of the practice and the style should fit the community as well as the market. Family practices may wish to encourage user generated content by allowing comments and/or encouraging visitors to post tips, healthy recipes, etc.

Newspaper Marketing for Family Practice

In addition to standard newspaper ads, health information articles and blog excerpts linking to the family practice website or blog can be used. Newspaper readers who pay little attention to ads are likely to read articles or blog excerpts. A weekly column is another good way to market the family practice in local and area newspapers.

Professional Publications

Published articles and information in professional publications is a good way to build credibility and professionalism. Notice of such publications can be posted on the family practice website, blog and in newspaper announcements.

Community Participation

Family practices can greatly increase visibility by participating in community activities. In addition to joining appropriate clubs and organizations, clinic staff members can speak at area schools and day cares, participate in community fund raising events, parades and holiday celebrations and even sponsor community events. Providing tours for young schoolchildren can help ease the fear of physicians and medicine in young minds. Providing tours for older students who are considering careers and college is a good way to interact with the community and encourage education.

Branding Publications

The family practice can have standard health information booklets printed with the practice logo and give them away in the clinic, at the Chamber of Commerce, at health fairs, and other venues. Community health fairs are an excellent way to come in contact with potential clients.

There's a multitude of ways and means to market the Family Practice. The best ways are those that fit the tone and style of the practice and fit the community or city where the practice is located. Marketing styles should blend well with the targeted population. Take the audience into consideration when looking at marketing methods.