Beginner’s Guide to SMS Marketing for Your Clinic
If you’re pondering new and improved ways to grow your practice, SMS marketing could be exactly what you’re looking for. As head of all things communications at Zanda, I want to let you in on a little secret: if you want to get ahead of the pack, stand out in your field, and develop stronger relationships with your clients, texting is the way to go. It’s quick, easy, and most importantly… read by (almost) all.
What makes text messaging so valuable?
Think about the last time you received a text notification. What did you do? Did you ignore it? Did you think, “Oh, I’ll get to that later”? Did you open it up, close both eyes, and hit delete? Chances are, you answered no to all of the above. (Especially that last one). And that’s exactly why this really is The Age of Text Marketing.
If you’re only taking advantage of appointment reminders, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. Now’s the time to go full steam ahead with SMS.
Here are some text messaging statistics that illustrate my point.
- 95% of all text messages are opened and read within 3 minutes.
- 5 billion people worldwide regularly send and receive text messages.
- 85% of consumers prefer receiving a text over a phone call or email.
Does texting really apply to the allied health space?
Yes, absolutely. Think of texting like email 2.0. It’s a new and improved way to keep in touch with your clients. Now, that’s not to knock email—but just comparing the open rates alone, texting reigns victorious.
While 99% of all text messages are opened and read, only 20-30% of emails get that same attention. If you’re solely relying on email for service promotions, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
Before we hop into examples of text promotions for clinics, let’s first review some best practices. The last thing you want to do is annoy your clients. So, as with any marketing method, discretion is always key.
- Avoid texting before 9 AM or after 9 PM. Ideally, you want to keep all your messages business-hour-friendly. Don’t interrupt family time, or even worse, wake someone up with a sunrise SMS.
- This isn’t about overloading your clients with promotions. Instead, it’s about serving them with messages that are worth the read. Whether that’s a tip, holiday hours update, or an amazing discount-don’t make them regret opening your message.
- Keep it consistent. When applicable, echo the same message across multiple platforms. For example, if you send a text out promoting a holiday special, make sure you feature this same special on your Facebook page, on in-office signage, etc.
- If it works within your schedule, set an expectation. Let’s say you’re sending out wellness tips. Try to reach out to your clients on the same day every week.
Extra bonus points for the same time each day.
Being consistent in your communication sets an expectation, and more importantly, builds trust. Imagine being on the receiving end of a text promotion from your favorite massage therapist. Wouldn’t it be unsettling to get one message at 9 am on a Wednesday, the next at 3
pm on a Friday, the following at 9 pm on a Saturday?Now, let’s hop into some fun campaign ideas.
I’ve put together a top ten list-listed below are my favorite SMS marketing campaigns for clinics. Although I tried to make them widely appealing, some may not apply to your practice, and that’s ok. Feel free to substitute in your own ideas. Get creative, and keep it fun. If done correctly, this is a great way to stay connected.
Send out a new product or service announcement.
This one is pretty standard, and something you probably expected to see in this guide. But, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. After all, you are in business to make money, correct? So don’t be shy. Tell people about what you do. Spread the news about an amazing discount. Here’s a great example.
From now until May 21st, show this text at Dayton Spa for $10 off your next full body massage. Limit one redemption per client.
From now until May 21st, show this text at Dayton Spa for $10 off your next full body massage. Limit one redemption per client.
Offer up a client appreciation or loyalty discount.
Doesn’t it feel nice to just be thanked for being you? That’s why I love the occasional “hey, we appreciate your business” discount. It makes people feel valued, and that type of client nurturing will help grow your practice.
You scheduled your first appointment one year ago–thank you! Show this text at your next appointment for 20% off a session pack.
You scheduled your first appointment one year ago–thank you! Show this text at your next appointment for 20% off a session pack.
Don’t forget about birthday well wishes.
This goes hand in hand with the “people like to feel special” concept mentioned in the campaign above. But truly, making someone smile on their special day is worth its weight in gold. Even if you don’t include a gift, it’s nice to let them know you care.
Happy birthday, Stacey! From all of us at Wellness Psychology, we hope your day is amazing.
Happy birthday, Stacey! From all of us at Wellness Psychology, we hope your day is amazing.
“Show your stuff” with weekly tips.
As I mentioned in the best practices section, there’s true value in keeping the timing of these messages consistent. But, beyond that-have fun with it. Let’s say you own a yoga studio. Send out a weekly message; maybe an optimistic quote that gets the wheels turning and promotes wellness.
Did you know that one kg of muscle burns 3 times more calories than one kg of fat? All the reason to get your workout on!
Did you know that one kg of muscle burns 3 times more calories than one kg of fat? All the reason to get your workout on!
Keep clients in the know with holiday hour updates.
Closing up shop at the end of December? Temporarily changing your hours for renovations? Keeping your clients informed is and always will be in your best interest. It makes you look professional and organized.
We will be closed on Wednesday, 5/10, while we add a handicap accessible ramp to our front entrance. Thanks for your patience!
We will be closed on Wednesday, 5/10, while we add a handicap accessible ramp to our front entrance. Thanks for your patience!
Introduce a new smiling face.
Did you recently welcome a new clinician to your staff? Let people know. This brings a sense of familiarity with the new staff member and helps increase comfort level and trust among your clients.
We just welcomed Danielle Smith to our team. Call now to book your first session with her at 50% off!
We just welcomed Danielle Smith to our team. Call now to book your first session with her at 50% off!
Link to your client portal.
This is probably the simplest of all the campaign ideas, but still effective. A regular reminder about the ability to book online can never hurt.
Don’t forget! We now offer online bookings and payments: yourclientportalurl.com
Don’t forget! We now offer online bookings and payments: yourclientportalurl.com
Bundle, bundle, and then bundle some more.
Who doesn’t love a 2-for-1 special? Or even better, a package deal? An offer like this is great around the holidays. It brings in more revenue for your business and gives clients the biggest bang for their buck. It really is a win-win.
Happy Holidays! Show this text to receive a $10 gift card for every $50 spent–now until Jan 31.
Happy Holidays! Show this text to receive a $10 gift card for every $50 spent–now until Jan 31.
Contests are always fun.
What a great way to reward your clients and also up those engagement numbers. Pick an appealing prize that also won’t break the bank, set parameters, and you’re done.
Reply YES to enter a drawing for a $100 gift certificate. Reply by 3
PM today, winner announced at 4.
Reply YES to enter a drawing for a $100 gift certificate. Reply by 3
PM today, winner announced at 4.Ask for feedback.
Client feedback is priceless. It should always be welcomed, and when the time is right, requested.
We count on your honest feedback to keep improving. Fill out our 5-question survey here: linktoyoursurvey.com
We count on your honest feedback to keep improving. Fill out our 5-question survey here: linktoyoursurvey.com
Well, there you have it! 10 SMS campaign ideas for your clinic.
I bet you’re ready to start sending out text messages. Before you hit the ground running, hop over to our Knowledge Base and review these tutorials on recording client preferences for marketing communication and bulk sending an SMS campaign.
Happy texting!