A successful optometry practice needs to grow to serve its patients better. To expand your practice, it’s essential to listen to your patient feedback, expand your online presence, and take a close look at your budget. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in growing your optometry practice.

Target the “sneezers”

Your “sneezer” patients are your biggest fans. They are the ones who will spread the word about exceptional service and a caring optometrist to their family and friends. You know who they are: They are your most outgoing and enthusiastic patients. You’ll probably hear from new patients that this person referred them. These are also some of your biggest clients.

Send them an elaborate postcard with a great deal inside, just for them. These people are your cheerleaders, and they can help bring in more clients so your practice can really grow.

Examine your budget

It can be difficult to make plans to grow your practice when you’re always on a tight budget. There may be ways to reduce your overhead and spending to free up funds for expansion, new technology, and more staff.

Examine which operations in your optometry practice can be outsourced. One primary area where many small business owners find the most savings is in outsourcing their optometry accounting services. Not only will you save money with these services, but you will also save valuable time.

An optometry bookkeeping service can also help you track your budget so you can make important growth decisions.

If you’re spending a lot of time marketing and advertising, this may be another area to cut costs. In a digital age, you may save more by creating digital coupons and utilizing social media.

Expand your online presence

A great way to showcase your technology, waiting room and friendly and welcoming staff is through social media outlets. Use visual aids such as pictures, videos, and graphics to advertise on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. While you may have to pay for some advertising costs, you can also build a loyal following and tweet out special pricing deals directly to your patients.

Use review sites, as well. Be responsive to critiques in a professional manner, and always be willing to make things right, even if you feel the criticism isn’t fair. Your online persona is your brand, and people will notice your professionalism. Creating an online presence keeps your practice looking fresh and relevant.

Donate your time

Becoming an active member of the community you serve is the best way to get new referrals for your practice. Consider donating your services to local schools, including providing free checkups and free or reduced vision tests. Word of mouth spreads quickly among parents, and many are willing to go to an optometrist they know donates their time to children.

Donate your time to local charities as well, including soup kitchens, clothing drives, or an animal rescue. Not only will you connect with more potential clients, but you’ll find a strong connection with the people in your community and build rapport.

Conclusion

If you feel ready to give your practice the jumpstart it needs, call us today. At Caro & Associates, we take care of your optometry accounting needs so you can focus on your patients’ needs. Call today at (206) 497-0671 or email us at info@caroandassociates.com.