Purchase a domain name
Using Domain Direct , you can search for a domain name consistent with your image. The average cost is about $200/year. This comes with email and other tools to allow patients to stay in touch with you. Dot.com and dot.ca are still the best domains to own. Purchase both domains to insure others cannot use your name for other purposes.
Arrange for web hosting
Domain Direct provides the web hosting and tools for designing, uploading and maintaining websites. This company is well known and respected.
About five months before opening, it’s time to:
Design and arrange interior signage
As mentioned, ensure you work with a professional to design your signs and your interior. Investment in design for your clinic will ensure staff and clients have a positive experience.
Design and print cards
Your business card is your introduction. The “look” of your card, including the stock you us,e adds to your image. Consider printing on both sides of your card. You can list your service on the back of the card. Hand out cards to everyone you meet
Every person you meet is a potential client. Don’t be afraid to always provide a business card to everyone you meet.
Design and print advertising brochure
As with signage, website and business cards the first impression potential patients get is from your brochure. Work with a designer to create a brochure that reflects your practice. A picture is worth a 1000 words. Print on good stock and consider a mail drop in your area.
Design and arrange website
Finalize the above-mentioned direction on your website. Make sure to test your website. Have friends test it and give you an honest opinion.
Hand out cards to everyone you meet
Every person you meet is a potential client. Don’t be afraid to always provide a business card to everyone you meet.
Meet with 10 people/wk about your practice
You need exposure. Even though you’re probably not too comfortable about this part you need to get out there! Think of any excuse. Introduce yourself in the elevator, on the ski tow!
When you’re two months away from opening day:
Design and arrange outside sign
Keep working with your graphic designer to insure a consistent look for your outdoor signage. Make sure you check with property manager to make sure your sign is within the city bylaws.
Develop or obtain patient handouts
“Take away” information is great for patients. The CAND and OAND have handouts you can purchase. Consider creating your own collateral that fits with your branding. Remember, time is money, and you want to spend the most amount of time on tasks that make money (seeing patients or marketing when you are not seeing patients). Check in with friends and colleagues for forms they have already created, or get into a group and divide up a list of important forms to create and share. Don’t forget to use the RSNC’s charts and forms included in your alumni association membership package.
One month away:
Arrange two speaking invitations
While this can be difficult for some people, the ability to make a presentation to a service club, school, corporation or chamber of commerce can provide information about your new practice and attract new patients. Create a presentation about naturopathic medicine and your practice and practice your presentation.
Distribute advertising brochures
Use direct mail and newspaper to announce your opening. People can’t come and visit you if they don’t know you exist. A postcard style mailer works best. Local printers can produce this inexpensively. Work with your designer to insure consistency.
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