Do I need to give my patients gifts for Christmas?

With the holidays approaching, the get-togethers, secret friends and all those appointments that fill the December agenda begin.

Amid this closing cycle, many companies take advantage of the date to give their customers a gift. It's a way of thanking you for your partnership throughout the year and building that person's loyalty.

In addition, a personalized branded gift is also a form of marketing. The business name will be on the customer's home and wherever he or she is, if it is a useful gift.

So for dental offices is no different. Giving patients may be a good strategy, but it is not required and not ideal in all scenarios.

When to send holiday gifts?

First of all we need to know if this is the time to invest in pampering for patients.

Study your finances and cash flow well to see if you can spend on it without damaging your business.

Also check if there is time, especially if you choose to do something personalized. One option is to send your gift in January to renew your relationship with patients in 2021.

If your office is in a moment of patient acquisition and not loyalty, it is best to invest in other strategies. Put your money into marketing actions like SMS messaging, social networking, photos and videos.

Office Giveaways Options

Ideally, a personalized gift bearing the brand of your office. This ensures that your name will be seen by more people and will always be remembered by your patient. However, personalized gifts can be more expensive and time consuming. Alternatively, if you don't have that much time or money, you can do a simple customization, like putting a sticker on your office. Putting a handwritten letter next to the gift is also something that impresses the recipient.

Your holiday gift can be an oral care kit, a necessaire, mugs, cups, wipes and other things that have to do with your brand. You can deliver it to patients who visit your office during the holiday season or mail it to those who are older or more frequent.

More economical strategies

If you are at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey and have a small office, it may be more difficult to get patients as you wish. Low-cost options are year-end SMS marketing campaigns wishing you a happy Christmas, letters, personalized emails, and other communication actions. For making a custom card or artwork, you can use Illustrator, Photoshop, and even Canva, which is a free desktop and mobile tool.

Source: Dentista Organizado. Available at: https://www.dentistaorganizado.com.br/noticia.html?id=288&Preciso-presentear-meus-pacientes-no-Natal.htm. Access on: 11/30/2020.