Market research values the LASIK and laser vision correction industry at roughly $5.2 million. By 2027, that number is expected to reach $8.8 million. These statistics show that there’s a big market for LASIK. But as a provider, what are the best ways to serve as many patients as possible? This article explores how providers can take advantage of the growing demand for LASIK surgery to expand their businesses.
1. Publish Informative Content
Though LASIK surgery is no new phenomenon, many still have hesitations and misconceptions. Education is one of the best ways to dispel patients’ fear of LASIK.
Publishing informative, educational, and easy-to-digest content about LASIK surgery provides multiple benefits to your business. Firstly, you present yourself as an authority on the topic. When potential patients visit your site, you can give them helpful information about what LASIK is and how it’s done. Publishing a medical blog on your site will ease the fears of possible patients as they learn the truths—and myths—about LASIK surgery. Finally, as you consistently present scientific yet accessible information, you show patients you have a thorough, up-to-date understanding of LASIK.
Additionally, publishing LASIK-focused content boosts your Search Engine Optimization. As you post blogs, people searching for information on LASIK surgery are more likely to come across your site in the search results. You get noticed when you publish helpful content, and people looking for LASIK providers come to your site to read what you’ve written.
2. Focus on Local SEO
SEO is crucial for the growth of any business. And if you’re running a local LASIK surgery center, your local SEO will be one of the most effective methods of gaining new patients. Local SEO targets internet searchers in your area who are looking for the types of services you offer.
SEO is a digital marketing strategy that puts your business’s site before people likely to take advantage of your services. And while there are many aspects of a professional SEO strategy, you can begin with these steps:
- Claim Your Google My Business Page – Your Google My Business page allows you to connect with potential patients. It acts as an online listing where you can include location, hours, and anything else that makes your LASIK center appealing to patients.
- Conduct Local Keyword Research – Find out what people in your area are searching for when looking at LASIK services. Then, when you optimize your keywords for your immediate audience, you have a good chance of appearing in their internet searches.
- Hire a Digital Marketing Agency – The easiest and most effective way to boost your local SEO is by hiring a professional to manage your SEO strategy. Digital marketers know how to research your audience and craft your site to get you the desired traffic. And the more people who visit your site, the more patients you’ll have in your office.
3. Connect Through Social Media
LASIK surgery businesses have the opportunity to connect with current and future patients more intimately than ever before. Social media lets patients get an insidinsider’s perspective of your LASIK center. People want to see the faces behind the masks and scrubs, and you allow them inside your world through Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms.
Social media also lets you answer questions and chat directly with potential patients. You provide instant customer service and support when you engage on social media with patients or talk about your LASIK business. And these social media connections can be great for growing your business! Seventy-five percent of people will post something positive about your business if you create a meaningful engagement with them via social media. If they have a positive experience with you on socials, seventy-one percent will likely recommend you to others.
Social media gives you access to patients like never before—and vice versa. With a consistent presence on these platforms, you can build your business and reach new levels.
4. Ask Patients to Review Your Business
Few things boost your marketing efforts, like a positive customer review. Asking patients to leave reviews of your business, responding to reviews, and posting those good reviews on your social media gives credibility to your LASIK business. Online reviews influence nearly 70 percent of customers. That means a great review could encourage a new patient to come to you for a consultation and then book their LASIK procedure. In addition, having good reviews facilitates positive talk about your LASIK services. And when you respond to reviews, it shows your office cares about what patients have to say. When patients feel cared for, they’re happy to share, which helps you grow your business.
5. Offer 2nd-Look Consumer Financing
As a LASIK provider, you aim to serve as many patients as possible. Unfortunately, many people don’t qualify for your primary financing program. By offering consumer financing from UCFS, you open up opportunities for more patients to proceed with LASIK instead of postponing LASIK – or not getting it at all.
When choosing a 2nd-look consumer financing firm, choosing a company that offers approval percentages for patients who don’t have optimum credit quality is essential. Plus, you don’t have to make sure online credit applications are approved fast, eContracts are executed in a snap, and the company is highly qualified to serve you. United Consumer Financial Services offers all this with personal, knowledgeable U.S.-based (Cleveland, Ohio) underwriters and client service that you can count on, seven days a week, from 8 am – 1 am ET on weekdays. We typically answer our phones by the third ring!
UCFS specializes in consumer financing. The program has no registration fees, set-up fees, or per-contract costs. They offer fixed, low monthly payments so patients can access this life-changing procedure. UCFS takes care of all patient repayments, which saves your business resources, allowing you to focus on patient care. Consumer financing enables everyone to have access to LASIK. When you work with UCFS, you can give more patients the gift of clear vision than you were before.
Conclusion
The LASIK industry is growing, and the market is on track for rapid expansion in the next ten years. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to implement strategies to help your LASIK business grow. Our five tips will have you well on your way to expanding your clinic so you can provide improved sight and quality of life to as many patients as possible!