Take Advantage of Direct Mail Campaigns For Your Hospital, Office Or Medical Clinic

A sluggish economy probably doesn't affect the Healthcare Industry quite as much as others, such as consumer electronics or entertainment. There might be a slight decrease in elective surgery or treatments, and some folks might opt to neglect their health in order to save money, but for the most part I think "business" will remain essentially constant for the medical professionals. Regardless, hospitals, doctors, clinics and pharmacists still need to market their services and products.

Why?

Because people rarely think about which physician or facility they would choose if they needed to have something done that wasn't an emergency. (In emergencies, most people are concerned that the facility is "close," and that's about it.) Imagine the conversation at the kitchen table if the opposite were true.

"Honey...if I ever need to have a hemorrhoid removed, I think I'll go to St. Fred's hospital across town. It looks like a nice building, doesn't it?"

His wife replies, "Why? Are you having a problem?" "No. I was just thinking about it in case I ever need that kind of treatment. It's always good to have a plan, you know."

(I can't believe I actually wrote that.)

Seriously

Patients have the option to choose the facility in many cases. They are becoming a much more savvy and educated about their health, and the choice of hospitals or doctor is often being laid at their feet. Like any other business, a medical professional must compete with all his peers in the area. So...why allow them to get all the business? Advertising pays. One proven method of effective marketing is the direct mail campaign.

Direct Mail

It consists of mailing or distributing a postcard or flyer to entire neighborhoods, cities or geographic areas. In the past, direct mail products were made of paper. People get so much of that kind of product in the mail and in magazines that it is becoming less effective. People are becoming immune to its effect. There is a new product that capitalizes on direct mail's success, but reduces the chance that your mailer will be ignored.

What Is It?

The magnetic direct mailer is a recent innovation that has taken it one step further. Instead of a simple paper postcard, this one has an attractive, informative refrigerator style magnet attached to it. Instead of tossing it in the trash, the recipient is intrigued by the magnet and peels it off. Now they have something that has some intrinsic value. They aren't going to throw it away. Instead, they'll most likely attach it to the fridge, or stick in on their computer case at work, or put it on the metal cabinet in the office break room. In any case, the magnet is seen by everyone in the home or workplace, and on a regular basis. Eventually, when one of those viewers needs your services, they will recall the magnet and refer to it. The next thing you know, they will be calling your facility or walking into the admitting office.

Find a good supplier of magnetic direct mailers, often called Magna-Peel, and have then set up a direct mail campaign for your hospital, healthcare clinic or office.

Robert is currently working for ESP Promotions supplying magnetic promotional products for the Health Care Industry.