Do you receive text messages from companies telling you about offers, benefits, or just sharing news? If the answer is yes, you have opted in to SMS (Short Message Service) text message marketing. SMS text message marketing uses a variety of platforms and software to send personalized, timely, and sometimes interactive messages.
You might be getting the latest buy-one-get-one-free entree offer from your favorite restaurant, but is SMS marketing really worth doing? And what does it look like? What are the benefits? If you’re looking for a way to communicate more regularly with your patients, but don’t have the staff to follow up with phone calls or direct mail, SMS marketing is the best option. It can be an effective and affordable option.
communicate directly with patients
SMS text messages have high open rates, much higher than emails, and are almost never marked as spam. This means your messages are delivered directly to patients and are more likely to be read. With SMS text marketing, you can send a direct line to your patients to send them updates, appointment reminders, or follow-ups about recent visits.
One important aspect of SMS text marketing is that patients must “opt in” to the service. One way he does this, of course, is by making sure he has each patient’s cell phone number. In most cases, we simply offer this as the best way to access it anyway. After your appointment, just send a text message like, “Thanks for coming today!” If you would like to receive updates from us, please reply yes to this text. See you at your next appointment!
Provide efficient and targeted information
SMS text message marketing has higher response and open rates and higher click-through rates than email (approximately 45% and 35%, respectively). This allows her to efficiently deliver her message to patients and drive traffic to her website.
SMS is also a great customer service tool. In the age of the Internet, people can search your site and ask questions at any time. While we can’t provide 24/7 patient support, SMS text message marketing can help you answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) such as business hours, contact information, services offered, and appointment availability. can be automated.
The ability for patients to ask questions and get answers via text without tying office staff to their phones means patients can get the information they need quickly, freeing up staff to spend more time on critical office tasks. It means being able to spend on your needs.
SMS Tips: Best Methods to Use in Practice
SMS text message marketing is a great way to connect with your patient base and build trust. Perhaps the easiest and most effective way to use SMS in your practice is to send appointment reminders or reschedule appointments. Missed appointments are a common complaint in many clinics. With SMS messaging, you can give your patients the option to cancel or reschedule their appointment before their appointment time, allowing you to offer that slot to another patient.
Another option is to use SMS messaging to send health tips and office updates. By sending weekly tips, you can stay connected to your patients, stay engaged with them, and keep them top of mind. Is your practice offering a new service? Let your patients know with a personalized SMS message. Have new colleagues joined your practice? Have your business hours changed? SMS messaging is an affordable, personal and efficient way to share this information.
A quick search on Google will bring up several options for SMS text message marketing. Services like Textedly, EZTexting, SlickText, Thryv, and SimpleTextin offer different plans and platforms depending on your needs. We recommend starting with a basic, inexpensive version that you can expand with as you grow.
Many of these companies also offer free trial periods, so you can find out how they work, what features you want, and what features you need. please do not need. Prices range from about $20 per month up to $3,000 per month, depending on the number of messages you send.
For example, one plan offers 600 text messages per month for $26 per month. Depending on the size of your patient base, this may be the best option for you. Or you might end up with more than you need, so be sure to do your homework to find the best option for your practice and your patients. Most of these programs can be set up the same day, and support staff are available to help you get started. Make sure that technical support is available during business hours (or better yet, outside of business hours) in case you run into problems with your service.
Everyone likes convenience, so SMS text messaging may be perfect for your patients as well as you and your office staff. Explore your options, choose the plan that’s right for you, and start reaching out to your patients with personalized, efficient communications that connect them with you and your practice.
