Digital Marketing Strategies for Independent Pharmacies in 2024

Independent pharmacies provide an essential service to their communities, but by limiting their reach to physical spaces they could be losing out on many new patients who could benefit from the unique value local pharmacies bring.

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Digital marketing is an incredibly powerful tool to reach more patients and keep current ones engaged. Let’s examine a few key strategies community pharmacies can adopt for success in the ‘digital-first’ age.

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Digital Marketing: Great for All Ages

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You might be surprised to learn that patients you interact with, no matter their age, are most likely very digitally savvy!

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A recent report by Pew Research found that 61% of those 65 and older own a smartphone and 75% of that same age group claimed to be regular internet users. 36.9 million Americans 59 and older report being social media users. 

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Most patients are probably online for a good part of their day. Statista has reported that on average, Americans spend five to six hours daily on their phone — and that is outside work of requirements.

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By embracing digital modes of communication and advertising, you can reach patients of all ages where they spend a sizable chunk of their downtime.

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Building A Website

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Think of your website as the online face of your pharmacy. It’s an essential central repository of information about your practice — and making it user-friendly and informative is the cornerstone of your online presence. A professional-looking site can make a big difference in how legitimate your pharmacy is perceived to be by online browsers.

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Include essential information like business hours, location, services offered, and contact details so patients know exactly how they can get in contact with you. You should also ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, as a growing number of users access information on their smartphones.

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And luckily for busy pharmacy owners, website building is now quite easy with many new platforms that provide pre-built templates, drop-and-drop site editing, or even full-service site-building offerings.

Utilizing SEO for Success

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Search engine optimization, or SEO for short, is the process of making sure you show up when patients search for you on Google, Bing, or any other search engine. How often you show up when your pharmacy name or common phrases related to your business (such as, “Best local pharmacy in my area?”) are searched is dependent on the quality of your website, how much information you log into service like Google, and which words you use most often within your website.

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Here are just a few other easy ways to ensure your pharmacy is searchable:

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• Claim and optimize your ‘Google My Business’ listing to enhance local visibility
• Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on services like Google Reviews, boosting your credibility
• Use location-specific keywords in your website content to improve local search engine performance

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Launching Digital Communications for Better Patient Relationships and Health Outcomes

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Perhaps the most exciting option digital marketing brings is to have more regular communication with patients. Reaching patients through digital communication methods allows them to review their health options 24/7 and on the go. 

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New technology options allow pharmacies to automate:

• Text or email reminders to refill prescriptions
• Email communications about medication compliance and best practices
• Digital articles with health and wellness advice from your on-staff pharmacist
• Call reminders for your pharmacy staff to follow up if digital reminders and messages aren’t hitting the mark

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Platforms, like Nimble, were designed with the digital era of communication in mind. These platforms allow you to stay connected with patients and ultimately spend less time leaving voicemails, printing informational packets, and tracking down patients — which leaves more time for building relationships in person and running your practice. If you’d like to see Nimble in action, you can book a demonstration here.

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Digital Marketing for Growth in 2024

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In 2024, digital marketing offers many opportunities for independent pharmacies to connect with their community and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. By embracing these digital marketing strategies, small pharmacy owners can enhance their online presence, foster customer loyalty, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of their communities.

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