Reverse declining veterinary visits and grow your client base

Veterinary practices are experiencing a decline in client visits, especially when compared to the pandemic surge. This is largely due to economic pressures have reduced visit frequency. Practices are trying to offset this by a broader range of services and increased prices*. This creates a dual challenge - retaining existing clients while attracting new ones - and calls for targeted strategies to ensure long-term success.

Retain existing clients by staying top of mind

1. Collect and update client email and phone numbers
this information is essential for your client communication!

2. Communicate regularly, with customized messaging
Communicating 4-6 times a year with relevant content keeps clients engaged and builds trust. Send relevant follow-up messages based on appointment types, or pet diagnoses and provide educational information tailored to the pet's needs. Add a personal touch, like fun pet birthday greetings to ensure that your practice stays top of mind and encourages more frequent visits.

3. Reactivate clients that you have not seen for over a year Reach out to the clients who have not visited your practice for a long time. Talk to them about preventative care, dental health or their pet’s chronic conditions, nutritional needs and other educational subjects.

Grow your client base

1. Ask new clients how they found you. Most of new clients come from the current client referrals. Make sure that you are visible on local business listings.

2. Create promotional offers

Leveraging your existing clients and implementing a 'refer a friend' promotion, rewarding both, an existing and a new client is a proven method to attract new customers. Another great option is a free initial consultations or discount on services for new clients. Make sure that these offers are prominently featured on your website and social media channels.

3. Ensure modern, client-friendly online presence
According to AutoRemind proprietary research, 90% of new clients will check your website before making an appointment. Your website should be modern and easy to navigate. It should focuse on your practice's unique expertise and values and provide clear contact information. Strong online review scores are critical as well! Use technology to encourage your clients to share their experiences and tell the world about the great work you do.

4. Engage via Social Media
Maintaining an authentic presence on social platforms helps connect with new and existing clients. Sharing educational posts, pet care tips, and celebrating client success stories builds engagement and trust. Authenticity of the posts matters more than volume: posts written by the practice members get more engagement then mass-produced, generic communication. There is no need to over-post just to say something. 1-2 quality posts per month generate enough digital footprint to engage with the current clients and be attractive to the new ones.

Implementing these targeted strategies would help veterinary practices reduce visit decline and attract new clients to ensure long-term success.

(*Source: Vetsource)