Patient loyalty is critical to the success of your practice. Repeat visits are what keep your business ticking along. The happier your patients, the more likely they are to come back – and to recommend your practice to friends and family. Delivering great care and building rapport are two key elements that go into driving customer loyalty, but there’s one simple factor that often goes overlooked: thanking your patients.
Here’s how to show your appreciation for your patients – and build loyalty for your practice.
A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way
The simple things can often have the most impact. Include offering a sincere thank you to your patients as part of your routine. Thank them for choosing you and your practice, and for putting their trust in you as a provider. You can do this verbally, or even with a small card or token of your appreciation if you’re reaching a “milestone” in your relationship together. Thanking your patients helps them see that your relationship is a two-way street, not just something transactional.
Share The Referral Love
Strong businesses are built upon referrals. When a patient sends a friend or family member your way, they’re showing that they trust, value, and appreciate what you do and know that the person they’re referring will be in good hands. Making that kind of recommendation is no small thing. In addition to thanking the person providing the referral, send them a gift such as flowers or a candle for them to enjoy – and to spark conversation from those around them. Use their business address if you can.
Celebrate Milestones
Recognition of those important moments creates a bond that patients won’t forget. Whether it’s celebrating their anniversary with you, acknowledging a birthday, recognizing a special moment in their lives, or ushering in the holidays, sending a card is a simple but meaningful way to recognize your patients. Cards can be hand-signed, or in larger practices, digitally signed by multiple staff members on a patient’s care team.
Welcome New Patients
Thoughtful welcome packages and “onboarding” processes are a great way to build a strong relationship with new patients from the very beginning. Get in touch before their first appointment to welcome them to your practice and walk them through any questions, then provide a tailored welcome pack for them to take away after their first consultation. This might consist of branded merchandise such as pens and notepads, as well as items tailored to your specialty, such as toothbrushes or baby burp cloths.
Display Their Feedback
Patients will often share feedback by way of cards, notes, and – for younger patients – illustrations. Create a display for these to show your patients that their feedback is cherished and provide an extra trust-building moment of connection with newer patients. These sorts of display boards are also great for helping build relationships with and among staff as well.
Stay In Touch
Building a relationship means staying in touch with your patients. Whether it’s sending out a newsletter, mailing holiday cards, or sharing news and updates via your social media presence, keeping in touch helps your practice stay top of mind – and reminds patients that you’re there for them all year round.
At Gittleson Zuppas Medical Realty, we’re all about building long-term relationships with our clients. For over thirty years, we’ve been connecting medical providers and landlords in the DC Metro area – and we appreciate every referral, repeat client, and thank you note. If you’re in the market for a new location for your practice or know someone who is, get in touch!