2 Underrated Steps to Grow Your Clinic

Reviews and referrals are crucial for growing your clinic's business. These may sound underrated but the potential of these strategies is enormous.

According to BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, up from 81% in 2018 and 67% in 2010. Positive reviews increase your clinic’s credibility, and referrals bring in new clients, creating a steady flow of growth.

By implementing some targeted strategies, your clinic can boost its online reputation and referrals in a way that supports long-term success. So, what are these strategies and how do you implement them in your system effectively?

Let's go!

1. Encourage Clients to Leave Reviews

Platforms like Google and Yelp are the most common places where your potential clients look for authentic feedback. To maximize your clinic’s reviews, you must ensure that satisfied clients feel encouraged and empowered to share their experiences.

Most businesses fail to do this, and if you can effectively use this, the growth line for your clinic will be on the rise. Here’s how you can encourage clients to leave reviews:

» Ask at the Right Moment

Timing is crucial when requesting reviews. Clients are more likely to leave a review when they have just experienced your services and are still satisfied. Asking for feedback during the final stages of their visit or shortly after ensures their experience is fresh in their minds.

• In-clinic request: You can politely ask clients for a review at checkout. A statement like, “If you’re happy with your treatment, we’d really appreciate a quick review on Google,” can be effective.

• Follow-up request: If a client did not leave a review in person, you can email or SMS within 24-48 hours of their appointment. Clinics that send personalized follow-up emails after appointments see a 25% increase in review responses.

» Make the Process Simple

The easier you make it for clients to leave a review, the more likely they are to follow through. Complicated steps or unclear instructions often lead to lower response rates.

• Provide direct links: Include a link to your clinic’s Google or Yelp review page in your follow-up emails or SMS, minimizing the effort on the client’s part.

• Guide them through the process: When communicating, verbally or by text, include a simple sentence explaining how they can leave a review. For example, "Click the link, sign in, and leave a quick comment about your experience."

» Incentivize Where Appropriate

While platforms like Google have strict rules against rewards for reviews, other platforms or private review collections may allow it. Even when incentives are not an option, you can still use creative ways to encourage participation without breaking any guidelines.

• Discount on their next service: If your platform allows it, you can offer a small discount on future services to thank them for their review.

• Social media shoutouts: As a non-monetary reward, you can shout out clients who leave positive reviews on your social media pages. It will encourage others to leave feedback as well.

» Respond to Reviews

When clients see that their feedback is valued and acknowledged, they are more likely to take the time to leave a review. Responding to reviews, no matter whether positive or negative. Doing this shows that you care about your clients' experiences.

• Thank positive reviews: A simple thank you note can go a long way in supporting positive relationships with your clients.

• Address negative reviews professionally: Responding calmly and addressing any issues in negative reviews can turn a harmful review into a learning opportunity and show that you take feedback seriously.

2. Build a Referral Program

A referral program is one of the most effective ways to grow your aesthetics clinic. Clients referred by others are more likely to trust your services and are easier to convert. Moreover, the Cost of Acquisition(CAC) of these new clients is near about zero.

By creating a structured and attractive referral program, your clinic can benefit from a steady influx of new clients. Here’s how you can build an effective referral program:

» Offer Clear Incentives

Clients are more likely to refer others if they feel there is a real benefit to doing that. So, giving rewards to both the referrer (your existing client) and the new client makes the referral program more magnetic.

• Incentives for referrers: As a reward for every successful referral, offer discounts on future services, free treatments, or add-ons. For example, offer a 10-20% discount on the referrer’s following treatment.

• Incentives for new clients: Make the offer attractive for the new client through a discount or free consultation. A new client offer such as “20% off your first treatment” is one way to encourage them to try your services.

» Make It Easy to Share

The easier you make it for clients to refer their friends, the more successful your program will be. Simplifying the process means that more clients participate in the program.

• Referral links: Give clients a referral link they can easily share via email, text message, or social media. A straightforward, shareable link cuts down on friction and encourages participation.

• Digital cards or vouchers: You can email digital referral cards or vouchers to clients, who can then forward them to their friends, making the process even more convenient.

» Promote the Program Regularly

You must consistently remind clients about your referral program to keep it on top of mind. The more exposure your program gets, the more likely clients will participate.

• Email campaigns: Include information about your referral program in your regular email campaigns. Clients may forget about the program if you do not mention it frequently.

• In-clinic promotion: Use posters or digital screens in your waiting area so clients know about the program. Even a simple sign that says “Refer a friend and get 20% off” can grab their attention.

• Social media posts: Post regularly about your referral program on platforms like Instagram and encourage clients to share the program with their followers.

» Track and Monitor Referrals

You must track every referral and measure the results to understand how well your referral program works. A CRM system, like Consentz, can help you see which clients came via referal and how many of those converted into paying customers.

• Tracking software: Consentz CRM can help you track referrals and monitor the success of your program without manual tracking.

• Measuring success: Check how many referrals turn into paying clients. If, for example, 50% of referred clients book an appointment after being referred, your program is working well. If not, you might need to adjust your incentives or promote the program more.

» Thank and Recognize Referrers

People love it when they get recognized for their loyalty. With your clients, this appreciation can lead to even more referrals. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in maintaining strong client relationships.

• Personalized thank yous’: When a client refers someone, send them a customized thank-you note by email or handwritten. This small gesture can increase client satisfaction and boost further referrals.

• Public recognition: You can recognize high-volume referrers on your clinic’s social media channels or through in-clinic displays. Public recognition can motivate others to participate as well.

» Keep the Program Simple

The simpler the referral program, the more likely clients are to use it better. Complicated rules or too many steps involved in the process can discourage participation. Let the explanation be lengthier while the process is short.

• Clear instructions: Make sure your clients understand exactly how the program works. Include clear, concise steps for referring friends and how they can claim their rewards.

• Easy to access: Keep the referral program details accessible on your website and in client communications. If clients have to hunt for information, they are less likely to take action.

Conclusion

Your clinic’s reviews and referrals help you build a strong reputation and attract new clients. Increasing client engagement and growing your business becomes a breeze when you work on review and referral strategies, automate these tasks with CRM tools, and promote your programs. Check out our CRM for better insights into your campaigns.