Marketing Your PT Practice in a Rural Community w/ Jay Schultz, DPT
Dec 16, 2024
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Jay Schultz, DPT and founder of Schultz Physical Therapy, shares innovative marketing strategies for thriving in a rural community of just over 3,500 residents. He discusses the vital role of Google reviews in attracting new patients and the significance of connecting with older demographics through thoughtful newsletters. Jay's insights reveal how understanding local needs and effective digital advertising can significantly boost patient visits and engagement, proving growth is possible even in small towns.
Networking and building personal relationships within the community are essential for fostering trust and growing a rural healthcare practice.
Maintaining a strong online presence and leveraging Google reviews are crucial components for attracting new patients in rural areas.
Deep dives
Successful Expansion in a Rural Community
The decision to open a second clinic in Franklinton, Louisiana, stemmed from realizing that many patients were traveling considerable distances to receive care. Jay Schultz was prompted by community suggestions and the understanding that there was a demand for quality healthcare within the town, despite its small population of over 3,500. He emphasized that Franklinton already housed an outpatient clinic and a hospital clinic, which validated the need for a new facility. After opening the new clinic, it experienced remarkable growth, reporting a nearly 20% increase in patients within the first year.
Building Strong Community Relationships
Networking and establishing trust within the community is pivotal for success in rural healthcare marketing. Jay indicated that being involved and visible in the community helps foster relationships that are essential for business growth. Unlike urban settings, where the patient base is larger, rural clinics depend heavily on personal relationships and word-of-mouth recommendations. This community connection necessitates that healthcare providers not only deliver quality service but also position themselves as integral members of the local community.
Utilizing Digital Marketing Effectively
Despite the common misconception that digital marketing isn't impactful in rural areas, Jay highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong online presence through platforms like Google and Facebook. He pointed out that many residents still utilize smartphones and online resources, making digital marketing essential for attracting new patients. Moreover, building a credible online reputation through consistent Google reviews has become a valuable tool for patient referrals, even from surrounding larger towns. This strategic blend of personal engagement and digital outreach enhances visibility and patient trust.
Creative Marketing Strategies for Patient Engagement
Jay's clinic employs various strategies, including newsletters and community events, to engage with patients continuously. Newsletters not only convey valuable information but also feature personal anecdotes from the clinic, such as staff updates and engaging recipes, creating a sense of community. In addition, innovative techniques like raffles for Google reviews have proven effective in consistently increasing patient feedback. This sustained effort in patient engagement helps maintain relationships and keeps the clinic top-of-mind for patients in the community.
Is it possible to GROW your PT clinic if you're in a rural community? Absolutely! Today, our guest Jay Schultz, DPT shares how he's grown his patient visits by 15% and new patients by 19%, despite being in a town of 3,562.
In this podcast, you'll learn...
Which marketing strategies work in a rural area (and which don't)
Why Google review are crucial for rural clinics
How to connect with older patients via newsletters
Schedule your PT Marketing Master Strategy Call today: https://access.practicepromotions.net/strategy-call
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About Our Guest
Today we’d like to welcome Jay Schultz, founder of Schultz Physical Therapy and a Practice Promotions client!
Recently, Jay opened his second clinic location in rural Franklinton, Louisiana – which has a population of 3,562.
Yet despite the small community, Jay’s Franklinton location has seen steady growth. My team tells me that Franklinton has seen a 19% increase in patients + a 15% increase in patient visits (compared to last year).
In this podcast, Jay will share with us how he’s marketing his rural clinic location.
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