Client Relations & Marketing

Washington, D.C. -- "I was so nervous, I was sweating like a FEMA director watching the Weather Channel."

Did you know that the #2 search engine in the world didn't exist six years ago? And most people don't even think of it as a search engine! What are we talking about?....YouTube, of course. If you regularly Google your practice's name, you should start doing the same on YouTube! You might just be surprised by what you find.

Social media is a quickly changing and ever-evolving area of the Internet that many practices are embracing in order to market more effectively, and to connect and build stronger relationships with their clients.

Before you jump into using all the tools social media has to offer your practice, it's important to take a step back and develop your practice's social media strategy. What is a social media strategy? Like with any marketing strategy, you need to develop a plan for accomplishing the goals you set forth.

In today's world, you and your veterinary team cannot expect to succeed without an Internet presence. The days of NOT having access to the Internet should be long over, in your mind.

Social media has caused a fundamental shift in the way we communicate. When most people think of social media, they think of Facebook...and they should. If Facebook were a country, it would be the third largest country in the world, right behind China and India.

A new study shows that high-pressure scare tactics don't work. A positive approach, however, yields results.

Client care about their pets, so they can become frustrated with your practice. Sometimes that frustration spills over onto paper.

Tame your tweets by avoiding these networking no-no's.

How to respond to "Can I buy this elsewhere?"

Pet owners don't know as much as we think they do about taking care of their pets—and their ignorance is jeopardizing your patients' health. Here's what you can do about it.

Topeka, Kan. - It was designed to protect veterinary/client confidentiality, but pushback from the state veterinary board may table a state bill's chances to move forward this year.

If you make clients want to come back, you won't have to worry about the veterinary practice down the road

Tweak your communication and practice protocols for big dividends in client compliance and service.

Trigger Questions are questions or statements that should occur as a trigger result of hearing something else. When dealing with clients, especially new clients, phone shoppers it is important to listen to what the client is telling you and then taking that information to deliver education (triggers) as well as to be alerted to questions (triggers) that you should ask.

Time and time again veterinarians rate high in the most trusted professions. People trust us!

Seeing more senior pets? That's great. But it's important to teach clients to be on the lookout for signs of aging and corresponding behavioral changes.

Banfield: Diabetes, cats

Of the pets who end up in shelters, few are reunited with their owners. Here are a few tips for communicating to your clients about the importance of idendification.

Follow these tips to keep clients happy when they call your practice.

Veterinary Economics board member will promote the veterinary profession and his new book on a nationwide tour.

When it comes to your euthanasia clients, use extra loving, tender care.

Resolve Internet complaints and talk up your veterinary practice on the Web-before it's too late.

Q: Who should float my clients' horses' teeth?

Phoenix, Ariz. - Kennel operators will be required to microchip all dogs over the age of 3 months in order to get a kennel permit in Arizona if new legislation is passed.

Put your marketing budget to good use and start tracking your clients today.

Help clients understand exactly what's involved before their pet undergoes a surgical or dental procedure.