5 Ways to Get More Private Physiotherapy Patients

As a self employed physiotherapist it’s up to you to acquire new patients and keep your schedule filled. In this guide we give you 5 actionable strategies that you can use to encourage more new patients through the door.

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Published on
February 20, 2024

With competition fierce and patients more discerning than ever, the quest for growth is on, but how do physiotherapists get clients in such a challenging environment?

It's all about strategy, being marketing savvy and, yes, some solid networking. Otherwise, even the most skilled physiotherapists might find their appointment books too light for comfort.

The traditional ‘build it and they will come’ approach just doesn't cut it anymore. That's where we come in. This article is your toolkit on how to get new patients for a physio clinic, packed with strategies you can implement to attract more private patients and grow your practice.

1. Establish a Strong Online Presence

In the digital age, your online presence is your first handshake with potential patients. And it’s true what they say – first impressions count. It's crucial to refresh your website, making sure it's both professional and also as user-friendly as a Sunday morning. A digital front door that's inviting and easy to walk through. Think: easy navigation, clear Call-To-Actions (CTAs) and mobile responsiveness. It should showcase expertise and display qualifications while sharing personal stories of success and testimonials that build trust.

If you don’t have a website already, check out this guide to setting up your own website. It’s written for personal trainers, but all of the same principles apply to physiotherapists.

And let's not forget social media. Keep those posts coming consistently, mixing in content that showcases your expertise and personality. Regular, engaging posts keep your audience tuned in and your practice top of mind. Be mindful that you’re not broadcasting – it’s more about crafting a narrative that draws people in. After all, how do physiotherapists get clients if not by connecting genuinely and consistently?

2. Build Referral Networks

The age-old adage, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know’ holds a nugget of truth (though, let’s be honest, knowing your stuff is non-negotiable!). For physiotherapists pondering how to get new patients for a physio clinic, the answer often lies in the strength of your network. Collaborating with other healthcare providers and professionals in related fields can open a floodgate of referrals.

How? Start by rubbing elbows at industry events, and don’t be shy about singing your own praises. UNTIL’s network is a goldmine for these connections, offering a platform to meet like-minded professionals ready to collaborate and cross-refer. Remember, networking isn’t just about swapping business cards; it’s about creating a web of mutual support that elevates everyone involved.

Check out our networking guide to learn more.

3. Enhance Patient Experience and Satisfaction

Happy patients are returning patients. Focus on providing exceptional customer service and a professional environment that makes patients feel welcomed and cared for. It's the little things—like a comfortable waiting area and attentive care—that can make a big difference in patient satisfaction. Turning a one-off patient into a lifelong client.

And when patients are happy? They talk. They leave reviews. They tell their friends, their family and maybe even their mildly interested coworker. Positive reviews are like gold dust in getting new patients for a physio clinic. Make gathering feedback a part of your process, and don’t be shy about showcasing those five-star experiences.

UNTIL offers premium spaces for physiotherapists in a modern, welcoming environment that you and your patients will enjoy visiting.

4. Expand Your Marketing Approach

How can new clients find out about you?

Visibility is key, and a robust marketing strategy is your megaphone. Because if you’re not shouting from the rooftops about your clinic, how will people know you’re there?

To really stand out and get new patients for your physio clinic, you need to get savvy with your marketing. This means targeted online campaigns (i.e. Google and Facebook ads) that put your clinic front and centre. SEO strategies that ensure you’re the answer to ‘the best physio near me’.

And content? It’s king! Share your knowledge, write blogs about common conditions and offer tips that position you as the go-to expert. Email marketing and seasonal campaigns can also nudge potential patients right into your booking system.

This isn’t just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks; it’s about crafting a multifaceted marketing strategy that draws patients in and keeps your practice front of mind.

Our personal trainer marketing guide contains lots of great tips that physios can utilise for their businesses too.

5. Offer Specialised Programmes and Packages

Specialisation will set you apart. By offering targeted programmes and tailoring your services to specific client needs, you can carve out a niche that attracts a dedicated client base. Whether it's focusing on sports injuries, chronic pain management or post-surgery rehabilitation, showing that you're an expert in a particular area can make all the difference.

Consider offering bundled services or package deals to sweeten the pot. Tailored packages not only meet the diverse needs of your patients, but can also enhance loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.

And speaking of referrals, why not introduce a loyalty program? Discounts for returning patients or rewards for referrals can be a game-changer in patient retention and acquisition.

Join the UNTIL community

Feeling revved up and ready to boost your patient list? Excellent! Remember, the journey to growing your private physiotherapy business is a marathon, not a sprint. And you don’t have to run it alone. Joining the UNTIL community connects you with a network of health and wellness professionals all rooting for each other’s success. Together, we can achieve more, learn from each other and build practices that not only survive but flourish.

Don’t let another quiet week pass by.

Arm yourself with these strategies, step into the UNTIL mindset, and watch as your clinic transforms from a hidden gem to the go-to physiotherapy practice in town. Let's make those appointment books overflow!