4 Ways to Use Text Messaging in Your Practice ? New Media OD

Posted: July 23, 2012 in Uncategorized

Remember when cell phones were just, well?phones?? Nowadays we increasingly rely on those little hand-held devices to perform everything from paying bills to making dinner reservations.? People of all ages and economic backgrounds are becoming more mobile savvy.? Mobile cell phones have become the epicenter of all digital convergence ? fixed telecoms, the internet, banking, social networks, and even advertising are all migrating to mobile. Morgan Stanley reported in 2007 that 91% of the owners of mobile phones keep the phone within arm?s reach 24 hours a day, and Nokia reported in 2010 that the average cell phone user glances at his phone 150 times per day. In just over a decade, the mobile phone has become the most widely owned and used technology in the world.

While the primary use of cell phones is still communication, the past few years have shown a dramatic shift from voice calls as the primary use of cell phones to SMS (simple message service) texts.? SMS text messaging is used by 59% of the planet?s population, and nearly every mobile phone is capable of receiving text messages.? There are almost 3 times as many active users of SMS as there are total number of personal computers on the planet, and nearly twice as many people text than email.?As more or our patients rely on text messaging as their primary means of mobile communication, it may be time to consider this a viable patient communication tool.

Here are 4 ways to connect with patients via text:

1. Appointment reminders.? Due to the time-sensitive nature of SMS texts, appointment reminders are ideal for this mode of communication.? This will likely be more popular with the younger patients, although the generational lines are becoming blurred when it comes to texting.? Most offices that offer text appt reminders also offer traditional methods such as email, postcard, or phone calls.
2. Notifications.? Glasses ready to be picked up?? Trial contacts arrived?? Many of your patients might prefer a text?rather than a?phone call or voicemail, especially when they?re ?on-the-go?.
3. Coupons.? If you advertise coupons or discounts, offer patients a way to receive?these promotions?on their phone.? For ex. Text?ICARE to 96372 to receive 25% off Rx sunglasses?.? This can be integrated into your current marketing strategy, and the promotional offer is sent right to their mobile phone.?? Nothing to print out, cut or download.
4. Video marketing.??? Video is a great way to engage viewers emotionally?and establish your authority.? Create short, compelling videos that highlight your area of expertise.? Similar to above, offer patient a way to view your videos on their mobile phone.? Once they opt-in, send them occasional SMS texts with a?video link demonstrating the value you provide your patients.

Commercial text messaging is permission-based and patients must opt-in.? Because of this, we can be sure that we are only sending these messages to people who prefer to be contacted this way.? The important thing is to offer your patients a way to communicate the way they prefer.

Steve Vargo, OD, MBA is president of iMobile Communications.? He can be reached at svargo@iMobileCommunications.com

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Source: http://newmediaod.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/4-ways-to-use-text-messaging-in-your-practice/

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