While retail may be an SMS marketer’s dream, the healthcare industry is also perfectly positioned to use SMS for marketing. It’s a channel that works well for medical appointment reminders, lab result notifications, and even prescription refills.
Aside from the countless benefits SMS marketing offers marketing teams, it’s no secret that the main focus should be the patient and this type of marketing can help create better experiences for them. This is why SMS is by far, one of the best channels that healthcare providers have since it allows them to communicate with patients quickly while ensuring that any messages sent to them are read just as quickly—and the research backs this up.
Studies show that 97% of text message recipients are likely to open it and with people checking their mobile phones multiple times during the day, the potential for your SMS to be seen and read is much greater.
In addition, the response rate to text messages is much higher than emails or other channels of communication. Patients in particular prefer SMS since they’re able to see it immediately even though they’re in the middle of something. Also, text messages are a non-intrusive method of communication that customers prefer over emails or even phone calls.
Here’s how SMS for marketing can spread the word about your healthcare facility.
Securing appointments through text messaging
From signage and advertisements to mail campaigns, the healthcare industry has launched many marketing campaigns to reach patients. Shifting to SMS marketing and enticing patients to receive text messages from healthcare facilities can help facilities build a list of subscribers and encourage them to make wellness appointments or even make use of its medical services.
When it comes to appointments—whether you’re making, changing, or cancelling them—your healthcare staff will have a large portion of their time taken away by these mundane tasks. Also, while there are still a large number of patients who prefer to schedule appointments through the phone or in person, some do prefer the option of online scheduling.
Using SMS to set up appointments can also help streamline the process. As soon as an existing or new patient signs up for your SMS marketing, you can send them a link to an appointment scheduling page. By having your SMS software integrated into your scheduling system, you’ll have real-time appointment details at all times.
Sending alerts and reminders
People today are busy but their phones help them stay on track. With SMS alerts and reminders, physicians can reduce the number of no-shows and prevent office staff from being overwhelmed with work. Automated text alerts and reminders are a good way to use SMS marketing in the healthcare industry to ramp up the efficiency of your operations.
Send shortened links with your reminders, allowing patients to reschedule appointments easily. Aside from saving more time and effort for your patients, healthcare providers can also get real-time updates about their scheduling changes which could allow you to schedule urgent appointments and schedule last-minute requests more effectively.
In addition, you can also use text messages to send alerts about medication refills, lab work, and even follow-up appointments. These gentle reminders and alerts can not only keep your healthcare facility fresh in the minds of your patients, but—more importantly—they can help your patients take control of their health and well-being.
Providing important health information
SMS for marketing is one of the best ways healthcare providers can share details about their practice, such as a new medical procedure or extended hours during flu season. With the many advancements in medicine and medical procedures, healthcare providers are always introducing new treatments, whether they’re health education classes, naturopathy, or even therapy pets. SMS marketing can help you spread the word about these newest additions.
On top of that, providing health information to patients via SMS can help them remain engaged with your practice. For instance, many patients today require labs following an appointment. Once the results are available, you can send a simple automated text message with access to a secure portal that contains their lab results.
SMS messages are also used to share regular health tips or information about simple allergy treatments, the importance of staying hydrated, and much more. Short notifications can keep your patients on their toes when it comes to safeguarding their health and also keep your practice in mind should they need medical services.
Receiving feedback from patients
Reviews and feedback are often the holy grail in industries centred around people—and healthcare is no exception. Patient feedback received via SMS can help healthcare providers create long-term relationships with their patients more effectively.
While getting positive feedback is great, it doesn’t really help you improve your healthcare facility. Suggestions for improvements and complaints are an important part of SMS marketing. The moment a patient conveys that they were dissatisfied with any part of their healthcare experience with you, immediate steps can be taken to rectify the situation.
SMS channels are effective when connecting patients on a more personal level. Although confidential information cannot and should not be shared via SMS, it’s a good method for them to request administrative information, set up an appointment, or even learn about the medical services your healthcare facility possesses.
SMS for marketing: Create an accessible healthcare facility
SMS marketing in healthcare offers a unique way for healthcare providers to build relationships of trust with their patients, whether it’s through appointment reminders, lab results, medication alerts, or even news about the latest medical services.
Having a channel that keeps both patients and internal staff informed can help your healthcare facility run smoothly and make sure that your existing and new patients have the medical care they need at their fingertips.