The modern PT patient is drastically different from what they were even 10 years ago. Patients are busy, proactive about their health, and see themselves as consumers of healthcare.
They want options.
So let’s talk about the most effective digital marketing strategies for physical therapy clinics that will actually move the needle for your practice.
Local SEO: Show Up When They Need You
Whether they wake up with sudden lower back pain or pull a muscle playing catch with their kid, these people are going to type something along the lines of “physical therapy near me”.
They are your target audience. And if you want to reach these folks, you’d better be sure you’re ranking highly in local SEO.
Here’s how:
Have a fully optimized Google Business Profile (GBP). Your GBP gives potential patients your address, hours of operation, phone number, and Google reviews. Keep the photos fresh by regularly uploading new pictures of your facility. Post updates when you hire new team members or buy a new foam roller. These little things tell Google, “Hey, we’re active, keep showing us near the top of search!”
Website: Make a Great First Impression
Think of your website as your online salesperson. It’s got to be friendly, professional, and available 24/7. But how do you build a website that achieves high patient conversion?
Easy. Make sure it meets these 3 requirements:
- Loads quickly.
- Is mobile responsive.
- Has prominent calls-to-action (buttons that tell them to do something)
However, if your site isn’t beautiful on mobile, you might as well be telling half of your target audience to go talk to your competitor.
This is why we recommend working with a company like PatientSites that specializes in websites for healthcare professionals. Their websites come loaded with a built-in appointment scheduler, therapist bios (building rapport before they even meet you! ), and space for you to show potential patients why they should click that book now button.
Content Marketing: Become a Trusted Authority
One of the best ways to build trust with potential patients is to provide valuable information to your target audience for free. Sharing your knowledge not only shows people you’re not just another “bill-stealer” but also allows you to connect with your community on a deeper level.
Sharing patient success stories is another great form of content.
Try writing 2 in-depth blog posts per month and 1 short “tip of the week” video. Before you know it, you’ll have years of SEO-friendly content that you can share on your physical therapy website and social media channels.
Final Thoughts
Ready to master how PT clinics can increase new patients and start filling your schedule with people who actually want to be there? By controlling your online presence, you are taking matters into your own hands (literally).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results with digital marketing?
Typically, it takes 3-6 months to start seeing results from SEO and content marketing. Paid advertisements can bring traffic to your website instantly, but will cost you money per visitor.
Do I have to be on every social media platform?
NO! In fact, it’s better to be really good on 1 or 2 platforms than to set up a profile and never use it. For PT clinics, we’ve found Facebook and Instagram to be the most effective for reaching your ideal demographic.
How can I measure if my digital marketing is working?
Use tools like Google Analytics to see how many people visit your website, how many call you from your Google Business Profile, how many people ask you for directions on Google, and how many of those website visitors actually booked an appointment.
Can I still use traditional forms of advertising like flyers or direct mailers?
Of course! This is called omnichannel marketing. You could very easily design a direct mailer with a QR code that links directly to a landing page on your website.