April 2024 - Pharmacy Mentor

Pharmacy Business Conference 2024

Pharmacy Mentor are delighted to extend a warm invitation to all pharmacy owners, pharmacists, superintendents, and decision-makers across the UK to join us at the Pharmacy Business Conference 2024. Scheduled for Sunday, April 28th, 2024, at the esteemed Hilton London Wembley, this conference promises to be a transformative event for the community pharmacy landscape.

In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, where NHS funding is increasingly directed towards service-led contractual frameworks, pharmacy professionals face unprecedented challenges. The Pharmacy Business Conference 2024 aims to confront these challenges head-on, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate this dynamic landscape effectively.

What You Can Expect

The conference boasts a comprehensive program designed to explore the future of community pharmacy from various perspectives. Here’s a glimpse of what attendees can expect:

Insights from the NHS: Gain invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of pharmacy services directly from NHS representatives. Understanding the shifting priorities and expectations from the NHS is crucial for aligning pharmacy services with broader healthcare objectives.

Innovative Strategies from Community Pharmacy Owners: Learn from successful case studies and innovative strategies implemented by community pharmacy owners who are pioneering new business models. These insights will provide actionable ideas to adapt and thrive in a changing market.

Perspectives from Pharmacy Leaders: Engage with pharmacy leaders who will offer valuable information on industry trends, providing actionable insights to drive success. Drawing from their extensive experience, these leaders will share valuable strategies for navigating challenges and capitalising on opportunities.

Interactive Workshops: Participate in interactive workshop sessions designed to address key challenges and opportunities. These workshops will facilitate practical learning and skill development, empowering attendees to implement effective strategies in their own pharmacy practices.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry peers, experts, and decision-makers during the conference. These networking opportunities are invaluable for fostering collaborations and connections that can propel pharmacy practices forward.

The Highlights

One of the highlights of the Pharmacy Business Conference 2024 is the participation of our Founder and CEO, Saam Ali. With over 18 years of experience and expertise in helping pharmacists enhance their marketing and online presence, Saam will be providing attendees with invaluable insights and strategies for success in this digital age.

The Agenda

The conference agenda features an array of engaging sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, presentations, and interactive workshops. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from esteemed speakers such as Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council, Janet Morrison, CEO of Community Pharmacy England, and other industry experts.

The agenda is carefully crafted to cover various aspects of community pharmacy, from clinical governance and OTC business growth to branding and marketing strategies. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and actionable insights that they can immediately apply to their pharmacy practices.

Here’s what you can expect:

10:00 Registration / Breakfast
11:00 Shailesh Solanki, Executive Editor, Pharmacy Business. Welcome speech.
10:35 Conference Chair. Why community pharmacy must create its own future.
10:45 Opening Keynote. Pharmacy of Tomorrow.
11:15 PANEL DISCUSSION Innovation in community pharmacy services (NHS and private)
11:45 TABLE WORKSHOP Interactive table discussions utilising mobile app and action planning on the outcomes of the panel discussion.
12:05 IQVIA PRESENTATION Based around data on how community pharmacists are performing, as opposed to how the multiples are performing. So what is the sweet spot in terms of where community pharmacists can operate?
12:20 PRESENTATION The implications for good clinical governance when innovating community pharmacy services.
12:35 Networking break (20mins)
12:55 PRESENTATION Tips for growing your OTC business.
13:10 PRESENTATION More than just a logo
13:30 TABLE WORKSHOP Interactive table discussions utilising mobile app and action planning on the previous two sessions
14:00 Closing Keynote with questions Janet Morrison, CEO, CPE will explore the current situation and how their vision and plans will create the pharmacies of tomorrow.
14:25 PANEL DEBATE Q&A with Pharmacy Leaders The panel will debate what needs to happen in the next 12-18 months to facilitate the pharmacy of tomorrow.
14:55 Sum-up and close Conference Chair
15:00 Lunch / networking

Who Should Attend

For those who are wondering whether this conference is suitable for them, the answer is simple: if you are a pharmacist, pharmacy owner, pharmacy manager, superintendent, or decision-maker, this event is tailored specifically for you. Whether you’re looking to expand your range of services, enhance your marketing efforts, or simply stay informed about the latest industry trends, the Pharmacy Business Conference 2024 has something valuable to offer.

How To Register

Registration for the Pharmacy Business Conference 2024 is free, but seats are limited. Interested individuals are encouraged to secure their place early to avoid disappointment. To register, simply visit the conference website and complete the registration form. Upon registration, attendees will receive a confirmation email with their tickets and additional information about the event.

Book Your Spot Today

The Pharmacy Business Conference 2024 presents a unique opportunity for pharmacy professionals to gain actionable insights, network with industry leaders, and equip themselves with the tools needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of community pharmacy. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay ahead of the curve and shape the future of pharmacy practice. Register now and join us for this exciting event!

April 15, 2024/by Courtney

Case Studies, Pharmacy Practice

Which Pharmacy First Service Has The Highest Earning Potential?

With the Pharmacy First (PF) program rolling out in the UK, pharmacists have a great new opportunity to engage with their community and offer treatments for a range of common ailments. This makes care more convenient for patients and eases the burdens on traditional healthcare facilities. Many pharmacists are also looking at Pharmacy First as an opportunity to increase revenue.

After all, each consultation is £15 and if you meet the minimum activity threshold you earn an additional £1,000 each month. The question is, which service has the potential to bring in the most traffic, and sales, to your pharmacy?

Here at Pharmacy Mentor, Brad, our Marketing Manager who has 11+ years of online marketing experience sat down and ran the numbers. He found that if you are interested in bringing in the largest number of pharmacy first appointments, UTI treatment is likely the way to go.

You may be saying to yourself, but PF only covers UTIs in women which means half my potential customers are not eligible for treatment. While that is true, there are some great reasons as to why it is still likely the most profitable of the Pharmacy First offerings.

First of all, there is the amount of search in the UK. Check out the monthly search in the below chart. You can see that UTIs get more searches (volume) each month than any other treatment-based search for a PF condition.

This indicates that by sheer volume of demand, UTI treatment is more likely to earn you money.

Seasonality

Next, we can look at seasonality. Infected insect bites are most likely to happen when bugs are out and active so those searches spike in summer and drop way down in the colder months. That makes them a great service to market starting in spring but if you want consistent volume and high numbers, this is not the service to focus on.

Sinusitis is most common after a cold or the flu. These are far more likely in the colder months of the year. As such, we can see a drop in search volume as the weather improves in spring and summer. The seasonality for these conditions is less drastic than for infected insect bites. That is likely thanks to pollen and lower air quality in spring and summer.

Vaccination and Age

Shingles and impetigo have relatively stable demand across the year but they have their own issues. Shingles are very uncommon in people under 50 and people who got the chicken pox vaccine are far less likely to get shingles according to the centres for Disease Control and Prevention. That means the market is technically shrinking for shingles patients.

Impetigo can be caught at any age but it is most common in younger children. That means most of the population is unlikely to need help with this ailment.

The final two conditions are sore throat and earache. These are not directly tied to any seasonal factors, nor are they restricted to a certain age group or vaccination status. However, they have significantly less search than UTI treatment. This could be because these conditions tend to go away on their own or they may just not be something people need help with as often.

By contrast, demand for UTI treatment is high and there is not much seasonality. The below graph shows Google search data from the past 5 years on UTI searches.

While there is some fluctuation, it is remarkably stable.

Finally, we look at something that is very important, repeat business. For most of the 7 conditions Pharmacy First covers, once they are treated, they may never recur. However, according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, 4 in 10 women who get a UTI will get at least one more within 6 months! That means if you provide a good service, you could see them again multiple times in the same year.

This means UTI treatment offers high demand across the year, a large audience and the opportunity for repeat business. As such, it may very well be the most lucrative PF service you can offer at your pharmacy.

Let Pharmacy Mentor Help You

If you are interested in advertising/marketing your pharmacy first or other services, Pharmacy Mentor is here to help. We offer a variety of solutions to help you build your business and improve your online presence. Contact us today to learn more.

April 12, 2024/by Courtney

Business and Innovation

Grow Your Business With Google: Cheat Sheet for Pharmacies

Google Business Cheat Sheet for Pharmacies

Get your clinical services found online easier. With 90% of consumers turning to search engines to find healthcare providers, harnessing platforms like Google Business can significantly impact your pharmacy’s visibility and credibility. In this cheat sheet, we’ll walk you through six essential steps to optimise your pharmacy’s Google Business profile and generate business organically.

Image & Video Upload: Build Trust Through Visuals

Uploading high-quality images and videos of your pharmacy team, the interior of your pharmacy, and consultation rooms can greatly enhance trust and credibility. Visual content provides potential customers with a glimpse into your pharmacy’s environment, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in choosing your services. Showcase your friendly staff, well-organised shelves, and welcoming atmosphere to make a positive first impression.

Update Business Categories: Reflect Your Services

Ensure that your business categories accurately reflect the range of services you offer. If your pharmacy provides specialised services such as a Travel Clinic, Ear Wax Removal, or Prescribing, update your category accordingly. This makes it easier for potential customers to find you when searching for specific healthcare needs in your area.

Update Products & Services: Highlight Your Offerings

Take advantage of Google Business’s feature to showcase the products and services available at your pharmacy. From vaccinations and blood testing to Pharmacy First and free delivery, list all the services you provide. This not only informs potential customers about your offerings but also improves your chances of appearing in relevant search results.

Add Your Booking Links: Simplify Appointment Scheduling

Make it convenient for customers to book your services by adding direct links to your pharmacy’s booking calendar. Whether it’s for a consultation, vaccination appointment, or prescription refill, allowing people to schedule appointments directly from your Google Business profile streamlines the process and encourages more bookings.

Update Your Business Title: Reinforce Your Brand Identity

Don’t limit your pharmacy’s identity to just being a dispensary. Consider incorporating additional descriptors that highlight your expanded services. For example, renaming your business to “My Pharmacy & Travel Clinic” or “My Pharmacy & Pharmacy First Clinic” signals to potential customers that you offer more than traditional pharmacy services. This can attract a broader audience and drive foot traffic to your establishment.

Get More 5-star Reviews: Build Social Proof

Positive reviews play a significant role in influencing consumer decisions. Encourage satisfied customers to leave 5-star reviews on your Google Business profile by incentivising your staff to request feedback. Consider implementing strategies such as providing a Tap Reviews Card or automating feedback emails after each service. The more positive reviews you accumulate, the more trust and credibility you’ll gain, ultimately driving business growth.

Boost Your Online Presence Organically

Optimising your pharmacy’s Google Business profile is an effective way to increase your online visibility, attract new customers, and build trust within your community. By following these six simple steps, you can enhance your pharmacy’s online presence and position yourself as a trusted healthcare provider in your area. Embrace the power of digital marketing and watch your pharmacy thrive in the competitive landscape of today’s healthcare industry.

Want more advice on how to grow your pharmacy’s online presence? Get in touch and organise a call with one of our experts.

April 3, 2024/by Courtney