In the fast-paced digital world of today, healthcare providers are always in search of an effective medium through which they can connect with their patients. Amongst the most powerful and underestimated tools in their sheds is SMS marketing. Let’s understand through eight key insights into SMS marketing some of the hidden benefits in healthcare services.
1. Instant Communication
Did you know 98% of text messages are opened? Through SMS, communication instantly occurs between health care providers and their patients. Whether it be appointment reminders, medication alerts, or general health tips, SMS ensures this communication occurs in real time.
Interactive Tip: Consider your own preferences in terms of communication. How often would you check your messages versus your emails?
2. Higher Engagement Rates
The response rate or engagement rate of SMS marketing is higher than that of conventional channels. It is more likely for the patients to respond to a text message, hence being a great way to ensure two-way communication. This works just fine for surveys or feedback gathering.
Poll: Have you ever responded to a text message from a health care provider? Yes/No
3. Improved Patient Compliance
Sending appointment and medication schedule reminders by SMS can increase greatly the compliance of patients with healthcare providers. A simple reminder can reduce no-show percents and guarantee the highest level of patient conformance to treatment plans.
Action Point: Consider how your practice currently handles appointment reminders. Could SMS help reduce missed appointments?
4. Cost-Effective Marketing
It is affordable and much cheaper compared to traditional marketing means that include printing and posting, which are eliminated herein. This ensures that in healthcare, providers can reach a bigger audience without breaking the bank.
Quick Quiz: What do you think is more affordable for your practice: SMS marketing or traditional mail?
5. Personalized Patient Experience
You can also customize SMS marketing for each individual to further enhance their experience. You may also want to segment by other demographics and health conditions and create messages that best relate to each of your patients.
Reflection: How personalized is your current strategy for communicating with patients?
6. Improve Patient Loyalty
Regular SMS communication builds a bond of trust and ultimately, loyalty. When your patients feel valued and informed, they are much more likely to come back to your practice and recommend it to their friends.
Challenge: Try sending a follow-up message post-visit with your patient. What is the response?
7. Effective Crisis Communication
SMS allows for very rapid dissemination of information in times of crisis, such as a public health emergency. Whether it is updates regarding health guidelines or any availability of service changes, SMS can let your patients know what is going on to keep them safe.
Discussion Prompt: What type of information do you believe should be considered top priority to be communicated following a healthcare crisis?
Most SMS marketing platforms will give you analytics, so you can track open rates, responses, and engagement with the patients. These insights will actually contribute toward churning out improved marketing strategies and help communicate effectively with your patients.
Thought Starter: What metrics are most important for evaluating the effectiveness of patient communication?
Conclusion
The subtle benefits of SMS marketing in health care are immediate: instant communication, better compliance, and increased overall engagement. If you are intending to enhance the performance of your practice digitally and increase online presence, SMS marketing is a good option worth considering.
Call to Action:
Interested in learning more about how SMS marketing can revolutionize your healthcare practice? Contact Madavi Agency today, for expert digital performance and online presence enhancers. It’s time to take patient engagement to the next level!
