Keeping it in the family -Tim Caudrelier

What’s the first thing you think of when someone says ‘marketing’?

Perhaps something like ‘advertising’ or ‘attracting new patients’, or maybe even ‘expensive’.

But that doesn’t need to be the case.

Internal marketing is an area often forgotten or not given enough attention, despite its many benefits. Promoting your range of services effectively to patients already visiting the practice can have a huge impact not only on the treatments your patients request, but it can also be a powerful tool to help increase referrals. When your patients are satisfied with the service they receive, they are more than happy to share this with family and friends and you should be making the most of this.

Here’s a few things to note when it comes to organising your internal marketing strategies:

Get the whole team involved

All members of your clinical and front-of-house team need to communicate that the practice is actively accepting more patients. They are interacting with patients throughout the day, and by training staff to ask patients to tell a friend about the service they have received, there is potential to dramatically increase referrals. As billionaire Milton Petrie famously said, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”.

Display patient testimonials

This is a great way to create a positive atmosphere within your practice, boosting staff morale as well as giving patients more confidence to recommend you elsewhere. You may even wish to show appreciation for your patients’ comments with gifts such as free oral health products or gift certificates for a meal to encourage continued referrals.

Be visual

While some patients like to read when waiting for their appointment, most are likely to notice to your wall displays if they incorporate images and colour. Use photos of the treatments or services you provide to attract attention and help your patients understand the procedures, encouraging them to ask their practitioner for more information.

Get personal

Make the most of opportunities to get involved in the local community by highlighting any relevant events or anniversaries. Showcase your practice and your staff where you can, encouraging a professional yet more personal experience for visiting patients.

Be consistent

Rather than taking a random, scattershot approach to internal marketing, your key messages should remain the same and your activities should be regular.

The MagicBox from 7connections is a great aid to help you achieve the above – and all of the hard work is done for you. A box of digital and hard copy material is delivered to your practice every month, focusing on different treatment areas and services each time, ready for you to implement all the internal and external marketing you need to encourage patient recommendations and increased business. Everything from patient referral cards to waiting room TV loops, posters and banners is included, ensuring you have all you need without having to spend the associated time and money to get it.

If you are not leveraging on the fact that your patients are satisfied with the service they receive, you need to look at your internal marketing strategies. Make sure you don’t miss such an effective opportunity to promote and grow your practice!

For more information about 7connections and the MagicBox™,

please call 01647 478145, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or visit the new website www.7connections.com