Running an optometry practice is no small order. You’re juggling patient scheduling, managing your staff, keeping track of inventory, and ensuring your practice’s marketing efforts stay on track. It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why our team at Total Vision has put together a list of five marketing strategies you can start implementing!
If you’re looking to drive up traffic, some helpful marketing strategies include:
- Offering a limited-time promotion
- Starting a social media campaign
- Organizing or joining a community event
- Implementing a referral program
- Partnering with our team at Total Vision
1. Offer a Limited-Time Promotion
Who doesn’t love a good deal? If you don’t know where to begin marketing your clinic, try creating a limited-time promotion. These can often boost traffic by creating a sense of urgency.
If you’re not sure where to begin, consider offering:
- A family package
- Discounts on specific services
- Seasonal promotions like a back-to-school sale or a summer sunglasses sale
This can help to attract new patients looking to see what you have to offer, as well as incentivize current patients to book appointments to try out new services.
2. Start a Social Media Campaign
Social media is an excellent place to connect with potential patients if you use it right. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer a place where you can connect with potential patients and showcase your eye care clinic’s unique offers. You can promote services, interact with the community, and build a strong online presence as a reliable local clinic.
To start your social media campaign, try sharing educational content about eye health. Try to match your language to your desired demographic. Other social media strategies you can try include:
- Promoting a unique sale with a code on your social media page
- Showcasing products and services
- Running a contest or giveaway to drive up engagement
Don’t forget to interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages!
3. Organize or Join a Community Event
Getting involved in your local community is an excellent way to raise awareness about your practice. Take a look at what’s happening in the community—there may be events like art shows or concerts you can get involved in. You can partner with nearby businesses to sponsor an event or set up a booth at a local fair or festival. You can give away information booklets and raise awareness of your clinic.
Consider designing:
- Brochures about your services
- Coupons for future visits
- Exclusive event-only deals for attendees
- Information about upcoming sales or promotions
By organizing or joining local events, you can help establish your business as a caring member of the community. It also allows you to interact with the people in the area while promoting your business to potential new clients.
4. Implement a Referral Program
Referrals can be an extremely effective marketing strategy, and it all really boils down to a simple thing: word of mouth.
People trust the recommendations of their friends and family. By implementing a referral program, you’re encouraging your patients—the people who already know about your clinic and what it has to offer—to spread the word about your practice.
These are the people who already trust you to care for their eyes, and giving them something back is a way to show your appreciation in a mutually beneficial way. Think about offering:
- A discount for services if you refer a family or friendly member
- A small gift (like a microfiber cloth or a glasses case)
- A points-based system where each referral earns points that can be redeemed for services or products at your clinic
Don’t be afraid to get creative. You could even set up a contest where, if someone refers several friends, they get entered in a draw to win a free pair of frames or lenses. This can even bring the spirit of competition into the mix—all while promoting your clinic in the area as a caring and trustworthy practice!
5. Partner with Our Team at Total Vision
At Total Vision, we’re here to help. By joining our team, you gain access to a group of trained professionals who can assist with everything from marketing to HR to financial support. It’s a fantastic way to reduce your stress and focus on what you do best—caring for your patients’ eyesight.
Contact us today to discuss joining the Total Vision family. We’d love to hear from you!
