Domicillary Practice Advertising

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Hi All

Im relatively new to this and and am like a kid in a sweet shop searching out answers and useful tips to most of my questions!

I work part time for someone else but am just trying to move forward with my own domicillary practice. However at the moment its a bit slow going. Everyone keeps telling me that word of mouth is the best advertising however this relies on having a client base to 'spread the word' in the first place.

Can anyone give me any tips on advertising that has worked for them? Im running short on ideas to get my name out there and business coming in!

Many thanks

 

As many podiatry clinics don't offer a domicilliary service, I would start by contacting existing podiatry practices in your area and introducing yourself to them.

 

Find out where the warden controlled housing for the elderly are in your area and introduce yourself to the wardens (personally or by post). I sent posters to local hairdressers and offered a free treatment if they would put up a poster in their salons. It's surprising what ladies (and maybe men) talk about when they are having their hair done. How about an 'infommercial' in your local papers? If you have an Age Concern day centre in your area they may be interested in having you work there, or be willing to pass on your details to service users.

 

I'm not sure what country you are from, but if you are from Australia, check your advertising guidelines. In Australia, offering discounts and free treatments in advertising is not allowed.
Good Luck

 

Over the last 10yrs or so there has been an explosion of directory sites on the interweb and even grumpy old men like me are now using the web to find suppliers of this or that.
Almost all the directory site offer free listings.
I am assuming you are in the UK. So try a google for "Podiatrists in" your area or "Chiropodists in" your area and see how many directory sites pop up.
I have lost count of the free sites I am on, and most importantly, it works.
Plus there are other threads on this site which you will find help.

Regards
David

 

thanks guys, there are some useful ideas there! its just knowing how to get yourself known in the first place.............a lot of work to do I think!!

 

Hi.

Having been there and done this (and still do) may I suggest that you look at where you really want to work and then find the local newspaper and ask for distribution figures etc and then get the best advertising price you can (you should get discount for ordering a 'run' advert.. i.e. every week) and start to put yourself in there.

I found that many cut my advert out but waited a bit to see if I kept advertising or if I was just 'the new kid around'.

Speak to as many people as you can ... don't bother with postcards at every corner store/newsagent etc probably not worth your time and expense and after a while the word does get around (if you are good and they like you).

It took me a good year or so to get established and then the referrals started coming in from patients I had treated. I still advertise in the local papers as it doesn't do any harm to keep my name around and draw in extra clients every week.

It's not easy and they say the first 3 years are the hardest and I think that is dead right.

Good luck with starting up
Nick

 

Thanks Nick,

I have put advertisements out in the local papers and have had a few clients through that but not many as yet, I know it will take time, will just have to keep plugging away!!
Nicki