the pharmacy shows

The Pharmacy Mentor team, are thrilled to have developed an exceptional platform dedicated to enhancing the pharmacy sector’s landscape: pharmacyshows.co.uk.

Managed by SF Media Ltd, this specialised pharmacy event planning and management company is deeply ingrained in the pharmacy industry, passionately creating events that exceed expectations and drive professional growth.

The team at pharmacyshows.co.uk, understand the dynamic nature of the pharmacy world and the critical role that events play in fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and showcasing the latest trends. With a focus on conferences, exhibitions, workshops, and networking events, they curate experiences that bring together professionals, enthusiasts and thought leaders, creating a vibrant ecosystem for learning and development.

Pharmacy Shows Website

Building The Website

Our team at Pharmacy Mentor collaborated with SF media to develop a website that serves as a central hub for pharmacy professionals, event organisers, and exhibitors alike, catering to their distinct needs and objectives:

Pharmacy Professionals: pharmacyshows.co.uk offers our esteemed pharmacy colleagues a platform to explore a diverse range of pharmacy events and shows throughout the UK. Whether you’re seeking educational conferences, networking opportunities, or industry exhibitions, the website provides easy access to all relevant events under one roof.

Event Organisers: For those looking to host or list pharmacy-related events, pharmacyshows.co.uk provides a seamless platform for event promotion and management. Our listing services are fully optimised to ensure maximum visibility and engagement, helping organisers reach their target audience effectively. By leveraging the platform, event organisers can streamline the planning process and attract a diverse range of attendees, ultimately elevating the success of their events.

Exhibitors: Companies seeking to exhibit at pharmacy events can leverage pharmacyshows.co.uk to connect with the SF Media team and explore exhibition opportunities. They understand the importance of exhibitor engagement in creating a dynamic event environment, and their dedicated team works closely with exhibitors to ensure a seamless and impactful presence at the curated events. Whether you’re showcasing innovative products, services, or solutions, pharmacyshows.co.uk provides a platform to amplify your brand visibility and connect with key stakeholders in the pharmacy industry.

Are you going to The Welsh Pharmacy Show 2024?

Following the success of the Scottish Pharmacy Trade Show last year, SF Media Ltd have expanded to create the Welsh Pharmacy Trade Show which is set to take place o May 15th 2024 at The Vale Resort in Cardiff.

This event presents an efficient opportunity to engage with a wide array of leading industry providers and services within the pharmacy sector, all congregated in a single venue for one day. It features an extensive line-up of exhibitors, alongside educational sessions accessible to all attendees, focusing on pertinent topics related to the Welsh Community Pharmacy contract.

Esteemed speakers from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), and Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW) will address critical aspects of pharmacy in Wales. Additionally, an exclusive social dinner on the evening of the 15th of May offers a prime networking platform, although attendance is by invitation from the exhibitors only. Sign up for free here.

The Technology Partner

As technology partners, we at Pharmacy Mentor are proud to have built the website, and will continue to develop new features to ensure we’re adapting to the needs of pharmacy professional and exhibitors. Our mission aligns perfectly with this collaboration, as we strive to improve access to healthcare and empower professionals within the pharmacy sector. We love building projects like this and collaborating with fellow industry professionals!

This initiative stands as a testament to the collective dedication and passion of both the Pharmacy Mentor and SF Media teams, who are deeply committed to delivering exceptional experiences for the pharmacy industry. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to foster meaningful connections, help exhibitors and other event organiser develop traction, and educate, to drive the industry forwards.

Find Out More & Sign Up!

pharmacyshows.co.uk will be your go-to platform for many pharmacy events and experiences. Whether you’re a pharmacist seeking educational opportunities, an event organiser looking to promote your event, or an exhibitor aiming to showcase your offerings, pharmacyshows.co.uk offers a comprehensive solution tailored to your needs. Visit their website today and stay connected for the latest updates on upcoming events, insightful resources, and networking opportunities within the pharmacy sector.

alphega

Pharmacies serve as crucial touchpoints for people in Communities seeking medical guidance, products and services, often acting as the first line of defence in healthcare provision. In today’s digital age, the healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on accessibility and convenience through digital platforms.

Alphega, a leading pharmacy network in the United Kingdom, recognise the need to enhance the online presence of their members to better serve their customers, and reached out to our team at Pharmacy Mentor. Alphega wanted to develop a cost-effective yet impactful website solution, aligning with its mission to improve access to healthcare through pharmacies.

The Challenge

Alphega approached our team to understand what was possible. They sought a website solution that could be developed swiftly, integrating seamlessly with their existing app and booking calendar. While our team at Pharmacy Mentor are renowned for crafting bespoke, high-end websites, Alphega were keen on a more economical option to cater to businesses hesitant about digital transformation.

Our Approach

At Pharmacy Mentor, we understand the importance of providing value to our clients, regardless of the project scope. While we excel in creating top-tier websites, we completely understand the need for getting online quickly and developing a presence. We devised a unique solution – a beautifully designed landing page-style website that offers a powerful identity while remaining incredibly cost-effective. We aim to turn this type of website around in 2 weeks.

This website solution, though streamlined compared to our standard offerings, is fully optimised, flexible, and, importantly, owned entirely by the pharmacy. Unlike other providers, we ensure that our clients retain full control and ownership of their digital assets. While the functionality may be scaled down, the website still provides a robust online presence, enhancing the pharmacies visibility and accessibility to its customers. The website remains completely scalable and allows patients to book in for vital services. Take a look at the full website here.

The unique Alphega – Pharmacy Mentor website starter offering

Case Study

An exemplary illustration of our collaboration with Alphega is the development of this website, showcased at Broomwood Pharmacy in Timperly. By leveraging our expertise, we transformed their online presence into a user-friendly and visually stunning platform. The quick turnaround time and seamless integration of a blogging platform enables us to develop technically optimised content to promote more of their offering. With Pharmacy Mentor’s deep understanding of the pharmacy landscape, Broomwood Pharmacy simply had to fill out a form, and we took care of the rest.

Improving access to healthcare through pharmacy

Pharmacy Mentor is dedicated to supporting Alphega Pharmacy Members with their websites and digital marketing needs to enhance their online presence and drive tangible results. Both organisations are superbly aligned in improving access to healthcare through pharmacies.

Saam Ali, CEO and Founder of Pharmacy Mentor, gives us the following statement about working with Alphega on this initiative:

“Our partnership with Alphega Pharmacy, led by Rob and his team, has been a pivotal step in helping pharmacy owners get digital. By co-creating a unique website offering for Alphega Members, we’ve merged a top-class website with affordability, while ensuring minimal turn-around times, great impact, and importantly scalability and flexibility. This is a great starting point for Alphega Members, and the site can naturally evolve with their ever-evolving business. This collaboration is a testament to what innovative thinking and strategic partnerships can achieve.”

Rob Spooner of Alphega Pharmacy also had this to say:

“Collaborating with the Team at Pharmacy Mentor has elevated our digital offering for Alphega Members, blending innovation with our core values. Saam and his Team at Pharmacy Mentor brought our vision to life, offering a standout online platform that will help the pharmacy extend their healthcare offering. This partnership not only highlights our commitment to digital excellence but also marks a significant leap forward for our members.”

Order Your Website Now

If you’re keen on ordering this new website solution, simply book in for a quick consultation using the form below, where we can talk to you about it. If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll get you on your digital way!

pharmacy first checklist

The Ultimate Pharmacy First Digital Checklist

The Pharmacy First Scheme is a pivotal and proactive approach to managing common ailments and promoting public health within our communities. It is vital to align your pharmacy’s marketing strategies to this proactive approach for patients to find and utilise the services you now offer. This may seem daunting and time-consuming, but our team at Pharmacy Mentor are here to help you. We have composed the ultimate Pharmacy First Digital Checklist to help you deliver the service faster and reach more patients.

 

Pharmacy First Digital Checklist

 

In the evolving land of healthcare, digital optimisation has become essential for pharmacies to effectively market and manage schemes like Pharmacy First in England. This guide provides pharmacy owners with actionable strategies to enhance their online presence and streamline operations through various digital tools and platforms.

Website Optimisation

The first thing pharmacy owners need to look at is their own website, their digital pharmacy home, as this where everything will stem from.

  • Develop a New Website Banner: Create an eye-catching banner that prominently features the Pharmacy First scheme to grab visitors’ attention and communicate the pharmacy’s participation in the program.
  • Develop a Pharmacy First Landing Page: Design a dedicated landing page for Pharmacy First, integrating a booking calendar embed for easy appointment scheduling by patients.
  • Develop Condition-Specific Pages: Create individual pages for each Pharmacy First condition, embedding booking calendars to facilitate appointment bookings directly from the respective condition pages.
  • Website Pop-up: Implement a website pop-up to highlight Pharmacy First benefits, services offered, and encourage visitors to book appointments or explore the scheme further.
  • Add Live Chat Feature: Incorporate a live chat feature to provide real-time assistance to website visitors, answering queries related to Pharmacy First eligibility, services, and appointment bookings.

Online Booking Calendar

The next item to look at is your booking calendar (embedded within your website). This is going to be essential in streamlining your operations and saving time for you along this scheme.

  • Categorise Pharmacy First: Integrate Pharmacy First as a distinct category in the online booking calendar, allowing patients to easily identify and schedule appointments under the scheme.
  • Service Pages for Conditions: Create separate service pages for each Pharmacy First condition, providing detailed information and embedding the booking calendar for seamless appointment booking.
  • PGD Questions for Data Capture: Utilise Pre-Registration Questionnaires within the booking system to capture patient data efficiently, saving time during appointments and ensuring compliance with Pharmacy First requirements.
  • Integration with Video Conferencing: Integrate video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Hangouts within the booking system for remote consultations, enhancing accessibility and convenience for patients.
  • Delivery and Payment Options: Provide options for home delivery of medications and flexible payment methods through the online booking system to accommodate patient preferences.
  • Automatic Feedback Mechanism: Integrate an automatic feedback mechanism within the booking system to collect patient feedback post-appointment, enabling continuous improvement of services and maximising social proofing.

Bookmarking Essential Sites

Bookmark essential websites such as PharmaOutcomes, NHS Profile Editor, CPPE, and others mentioned in the above guide, ensuring quick access to valuable resources related to the implementation and management of the Pharmacy First Scheme. Create a folder in chrome now and bookmark those important websites and tools:

Social Media Activity

Establish, maintain and optimise active profiles on platforms like:

  • Google Business – This channel is particularly important as people will begin to use Google Maps as a Search Tool
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Nextdoor
  • TikTok

This will help you to engage with the local community, share updates about Pharmacy First, and attract potential patients.

Other Useful Apps

Utilise apps like Google Hangouts/Zoom for virtual consultations, BNF for medication information, MD Calc for medical calculations, Drugs.com for drug information, and others to enhance pharmacy services and support Pharmacy First implementation.

Download the Pharmacy First Digital Checklist

By implementing the strategies outlined in this Pharmacy First Digital Checklist, pharmacy owners can effectively market their participation in the scheme, streamline appointment bookings, and enhance patient engagement and satisfaction. Embracing digital optimisation not only strengthens the pharmacy’s online presence but also facilitates efficient management of Pharmacy First services, ultimately benefiting both the pharmacy and their patients.

Download Checklist    Contact Us

 

 

Please note we can also provide support and guidance for marketing the Common Ailments Scheme in Wales. Contact us to find out more. 

the new pharmacy model

The New Pharmacy Model

Pharmacies in the United Kingdom are undergoing a profound transformation. Gone are the days of simply dispensing medicine from the back of the pharmacy. The emergence of new compliance standards and regulations, alongside advancements in technology and a shift towards more patient-centric care, has paved the way for what can be aptly termed as “The New Pharmacy Model”.

This model, envisioned by our CEO, Saam Ali, encompasses a comprehensive approach to pharmacy spanning four key pillars: products and services, marketing and sales strategies, operational enhancements, and human resources development.

Take a look at the infographic below, which we’ve developed, that showcases The New Pharmacy Model in the industry. Let’s delve deeper into its intricacies.

new pharmacy model

The New Pharmacy Model, as depicted by our CEO and Founder

Products & Services

NHS Services: Pharmacies are at the forefront of providing essential NHS services, with a primary focus on prescription fulfilment. The integration of fully automated prescription fulfilment systems has streamlined the process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, pharmacies offer advanced services such as New Medicine Service (NMS), hypertension management, Pharmacy First consultations, flu vaccinations, and access to emergency contraception like the Morning After Pill.

Private Services: Expanding beyond NHS services, pharmacies now offer a plethora of private services under the same roof. These include travel vaccinations, ear wax removal, blood testing, aesthetics procedures, and over-the-counter (OTC) sales of various healthcare products and supplements, catering to diverse consumer needs. In the New Pharmacy Model, the pharmacy is a true health hub in the community.

Online Services: The digital era has ushered in a new era of accessibility and convenience. Pharmacies now offer online prescribing services allowing independent prescribers to sell prescription-only medication (POM), pharmacy-only medicines (P-lines), and General Sales List (GSL) items safely and securely online.

Marketing & Sales

Engagement Strategies: Utilising web-based platforms, pharmacies engage with customers through online bookings, AI-powered health assistants, live chat support, email opt-ins, and dedicated mobile applications, ensuring seamless communication and accessibility.

Marketing Channels: To amplify their reach, pharmacies employ a mix of marketing channels including search engine optimisation (SEO), social media engagement, Google and Meta advertising, digital TV signage, email and SMS marketing, and innovative strategies like QR codes to enhance customer engagement and retention.

Partnerships

Healthcare Collaborations: Pharmacies are now forging strategic partnerships with healthcare providers including general practitioners (GPs), dental clinics, chiropodists, weight loss clinics, optometrists, and medical labs to offer comprehensive and integrated healthcare solutions.

Other Collaborations: Beyond healthcare, pharmacies collaborate with travel agents, local businesses, and corporate entities to extend their services and cater to diverse consumer needs.

Operations

Enhanced Experience: Pharmacies invest in enhancing the customer experience by providing physical premises with multiple consultation rooms designed in a clinical setting. Additionally, technology infusion ensures a seamless and efficient service delivery.

Online Pharmacy: In response to evolving consumer preferences, pharmacies offer online platforms with a smooth user experience (UX), digital communications, and trackable order systems to cater to the growing demand for digital healthcare solutions.

Technology Integration: Robotics play a pivotal role in pharmacy operations with dispensing robots, pill packs, and 24/7 prescription collection systems ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and round-the-clock service. Additionally, pharmacies leverage software and hardware solutions including Pharmacy Management Systems (PMR), websites, apps, digital records, Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems, and automated drug ordering systems to streamline operations.

Human Resources

Training Programs: Pharmacies invest in comprehensive training programs encompassing in-person sessions covering vaccinations, independent prescribing (IP), Patient Group Directions (PGDs), CPR training, clinical assessments, and workshops to ensure staff competency and compliance.

Continuous Learning and Support: Recognising the importance of ongoing learning, pharmacies offer self-learning modules and support mechanisms through online platforms, buying groups, and membership associations to empower their workforce with new skills and knowledge.

People-Centric Culture: Pharmacies foster a positive and inclusive work culture that emphasises recognition, diversity, and inclusion, creating an empowering environment for their employees. This is key for pharmacy growth and has been neglected in the old model.

Leadership Attributes: Leaders embody visionary, innovative, adaptable, resilient, and collaborative traits, steering their pharmacy organisations through dynamic healthcare landscapes and driving positive change.

Embrace Change

The New Pharmacy Model represents a huge shift in how pharmacies operate and interact with their patients and customers. By embracing technological advancements, expanding service offerings, forging strategic partnerships, optimising operations, and nurturing their human resources, pharmacies are not just adapting to change but leading the way towards a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem in the United Kingdom.

At Pharmacy Mentor, we’re playing a crucial role in helping pharmacies adapt to the New Model. Our marketing and development solutions help with two of the big pillars in this model in a variety of ways. If you’re keen on understanding how we can help you, please get in touch with us. Our team of experts have helped 1000’s of pharmacies embrace new solutions and engage with their audiences better.

Contact Us

 

This is a very clear example of how we’ve helped change the business model for this pharmacy and activate a whole new stream of business income, primarily from their Travel Clinic. Read on!

About This Pharmacy

This Midlands-based pharmacy, with a long history of providing exceptional healthcare services, has been our client for four years. They sought to expand their digital reach to grow their travel clinic, amongst other NHS and Private services. Our collaboration encompassed a full suite of digital marketing and development services, including building a new, optimised pharmacy website with integrated booking calendar, social media management, SEO, and paid advertising.

The Challenge

The pharmacy’s primary goal was to grow its travel clinic. Despite offering a quality service, they were not reaching their potential market. They needed a strategy that could effectively target and attract customers to their specialised travel clinic services.

The Solution

Following a strategy call and understanding what the main objectives were overt the next 12-months, we pursued with the following:

  • Google Ads Campaign: We launched targeted Google Ads campaigns focusing on components of their travel clinic services, leveraging well-researched keywords and compelling ad copy. Their campaigns were well looked after, optimised and nurtured over the duration of the year.
  • Conversion Tracking: To better measure the ROI of our ad campaigns, we implemented conversion tracking on the pharmacy’s website and booking calendar. This allowed us to track actions showing intent to visit and actual online bookings.
  • Integrated Digital Approach: Alongside the Google Ads, we continued to bolster the pharmacy’s digital presence through ongoing SEO efforts, social media engagement, and website optimisation.

The Results

The campaign delivered outstanding results:

  • Impressive ROI: With an ad spend of just £3,929 across the 12-month period, the campaign generated 4,870 website clicks, 1,680 actions showing intent to visit, and 628 digital bookings made through their booking calendar. If we’re assuming an average revenue of £100 per consultation, this equates to £62,800 in revenue, yielding a staggering 15.9X ROI. This is from paid advertising and online booking conversions alone. If we had spent more, we would have generated more bookings. However, we were constraint to clinic space availability.

 

The pharmacy has seen great returns from Paid Advertising on Google, from only a small monthly spend

 

  • Booking Surge: The pharmacy saw a total of 1,100 bookings across services, averaging 92 clinic bookings per month. The travel clinic emerged as the top service, followed by ear wax removal and NHS flu vaccines.

The pharmacy has recorded a total of 1100 bookings across 12-months

What’s next for this pharmacy?

With the travel clinic’s success, the pharmacy is now focusing on expanding its Pharmacy First services and existing clinics. Our agency is poised to continue our support with:

  • Enhanced Digital Marketing: Tailoring our digital marketing strategies to promote the expanded services.
  • Website Evolution: Further developing the website to highlight new services and streamline the user experience.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Utilising the data gathered from current campaigns to refine our approach and target new market segments.

Ready to take your pharmacy to the next level?

Whether you are just starting out in providing clinic services, or you have been dispensing vaccines for years, Pharmacy Mentor can help you grow. We’re a team of talented individuals helping pharmacies of all shapes and sizes drive revenue in new ways. Talk to us to see how we can help you:


old pharmacy vs new pharmacy

In the ever-evolving industry of healthcare, pharmacies stand at the forefront of a significant transformation. The traditional, manual methodologies of old pharmacies are giving way to a new era of streamlined, digital operations. This transition not only boosts operational efficiency but also expands the range of services and improves patient engagement. Here we delve into the profound differences between old and new pharmacies across various dimensions of operations.

Old Pharmacy vs. New Pharmacy

Old vs. New Pharmacy: What Are The Differences

Operations Overhaul: The Digital Revolution

  • Old Pharmacy: Manual data entry, reliance on paper folders, sticky notes cluttering desktops, and limited computer use for Patient Medication Records (PMR).
  • New Pharmacy: Embracing digital advancements with electronic record-keeping, cloud-based storage, advanced integrative PMR systems, sophisticated websites and/or apps, digital communication with patients, adoption of multiple payment methods, and the implementation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

Service Spectrum Expansion: Beyond Medication Dispensing

  • Old Pharmacy: Primarily focused on dispensing NHS items, New Medicine Service (NMS), and NHS Flu Jabs.
  • New Pharmacy: A dynamic shift towards hybrid services, combining NHS and private offerings. This includes services such as travel clinics, ear wax removal, blood testing, weight management programs, pain clinics, Prescription Only Medicines (POM) treatments, and a commitment to providing complete holistic healthcare.

Patient Engagement Revolution: From Counter Interactions to Multi-Channel Engagement

  • Old Pharmacy: In-person interactions at the counter with minimal focus on customer loyalty programs.
  • New Pharmacy: Embracing a multi-channel approach to patient engagement, fostering full team involvement. This includes real-time communication through WhatsApp and live chat, implementation of digital loyalty schemes, strategic email marketing, maintaining a robust social media presence, and offering mobile apps and online portals for enhanced accessibility.

Convenience Redefined: 24/7 Accessibility and Delivery Services

  • Old Pharmacy: Restricted prescription collection hours, phone-based prescription ordering leading to a flood of calls, and a lack of delivery services.
  • New Pharmacy: Redefining convenience with 24/7 prescription collection, an online platform for ordering and tracking prescriptions, multi-channel communication options, offering delivery/postal services (both paid and free), and introducing automated feedback systems to enhance the overall patient experience.

Patient Care Transformation: Pharmacists at the Frontlines of Healthcare

  • Old Pharmacy: Pharmacists often situated in the background, with minimal team education, limited patient education efforts, and infrequent patient interactions.
  • New Pharmacy: Placing pharmacists at the forefront, emphasising continuous learning and development, maximising patient interactions, embracing digital healthcare initiatives, fostering connected healthcare approaches, and implementing ongoing healthcare tracking systems.

Business Model Evolution: From Brick & Mortar to Omni-channel Presence

  • Old Pharmacy: Traditional brick-and-mortar establishments confined within four walls, catering to a one-mile radius catchment area, and limited scalability.
  • New Pharmacy: A paradigm shift towards embracing both in-person and online models, adopting an omni channel presence, expanding the catchment area to 15 miles, and focusing on unlimited scalability through digital avenues.

 

The New Pharmacy Model

The New Pharmacy Mode, curated by our CEO, Saam Ali

 

Negative Implications of the Old Pharmacy System

The traditional pharmacy system, rooted in manual processes and limited technology, is laden with various drawbacks that hinder both operational efficiency and patient care. Manual data entry and reliance on paper records not only increase the likelihood of errors but also slow down the overall workflow. Storing patient information in paper folders and relying on sticky notes on desktops made information retrieval a time-consuming and sometimes chaotic process.

Basic desktop Patient Medication Records (PMR) lack the comprehensive capabilities offered by advanced systems. Additionally, the constant disruption caused by phone calls further impedes the smooth functioning of the pharmacy, leading to delays and potential errors in service delivery. These inefficiencies not only compromise the accuracy of patient records but also limit your profitability and ability to spend more time with patients.

Positive Implications of the New Pharmacy System

The adoption of modern pharmacy systems represents a paradigm shift that brings forth a multitude of positive implications for both pharmacies and patients.

The transition to digital record-keeping and cloud-based storage enhances data accuracy, streamlines operations, and enables seamless information retrieval. The implementation of advanced integrative Patient Medication Records (PMR) systems and sophisticated websites and applications empowers pharmacies to offer a broader spectrum of services, from travel clinics to weight management programs.

Moreover, digital patient communication channels, multiple payment methods, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems enhance patient engagement and satisfaction. The introduction of online prescription ordering and tracking, coupled with 24/7 accessibility and delivery services, redefines convenience for patients. Pharmacies harnessing these advancements not only provide more comprehensive and efficient healthcare services but also contribute to the overall modernisation and improvement of the healthcare industry.

Are you operating Old or New?

The metamorphosis from old-school pharmacy practices to the adoption of new, technology-driven models is pivotal in ensuring that your pharmacy both survives and thrives in this economy. It is imperative for pharmacies to adapt and incorporate new and transformative practices.

If you’re keen to find out more about how you can revolutionise your pharmacy, be sure to get in touch with our team today.

Contact Our Team

The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to the ultimate guide for transforming your travel clinic into a bustling hub of activity. In an era where travel is more than just a luxury, it’s a lifestyle, ensuring your clinic stands out in this competitive market is crucial. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to revitalise your existing clinic, this guide, developed by our CEO, will provide you with essential strategies to skyrocket your bookings and establish your clinic as a top choice for travellers.

Key Channels:

 

Generate_100_s_of_bookings_per_month_for_your_Travel_Clinic

 

Generate £1000’s in revenue per week

Embarking on the journey to increase your travel clinic’s bookings requires a blend of innovative strategies, patient-focused services, and smart marketing. By implementing the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’re not just aiming for incremental improvements; you’re setting the stage for a remarkable transformation.

Remember, success in this domain isn’t just about numbers; it’s about becoming a trusted, go-to destination for travel health needs. So, start today, embrace these strategies, and watch as your travel clinic becomes the preferred choice for hundreds of adventurers and travellers.

Keen on discussing this? Get yourself booked in!

Contact Us

 

Did you see this on LinkedIn? Check it out!

 

The Omnichannel Approach

In an age where pharmacies are rapidly evolving beyond traditional roles, embracing innovative strategies to stand out and succeed is crucial. With the advent of Pharmacy First and the growing trend of private clinics, pharmacies are at a pivotal point.

Enter P.R.E.S.C.R.I.B.E.S, a marketing methodology designed to catapult your pharmacy into the forefront of healthcare services.

 

P.R.E.S.C.R.I.B.E.S

 

The Need for a New Approach

As pharmacies expand their scope to include clinics, both under the NHS and Privately, the competition intensifies. It’s no longer just about dispensing medication; it’s about becoming a comprehensive healthcare provider. This shift demands a robust, dynamic approach to marketing and patient engagement. That’s why we developed the P.R.E.S.C.R.I.B.E.S Method – to help you strategise and implement what’s needed for growth in the new era.

  1. Presence Online: Your digital storefront. A user-friendly, informative website is your first step in attracting and retaining modern healthcare consumers.
  2. Regular Blogging: Become a trusted source of health information. Regular, SEO-friendly blogging drives organic traffic and establishes your authority.
  3. Email Marketing: Forge stronger connections. Regular updates, health tips, and personalised content keep your patients engaged and loyal.
  4. SEO: Be the top choice. Optimise your online content to ensure your pharmacy is easily found by those seeking healthcare solutions.
  5. Campaigns on Google Ads: Expand your reach. Targeted ads place your services in front of the right audience, increasing visibility and patient influx.
  6. Reviews: Build trust through transparency. Showcase patient feedback to enhance your pharmacy’s credibility and attract new patients.
  7. Integrated Payments: Simplify the patient experience. Offer convenient, secure online payment options.
  8. Booking System Online: Maximise accessibility. An efficient online booking system ensures patient convenience and streamlines your operations.
  9. Effective Design: Reflect your quality. A well-designed website speaks volumes about the professionalism and care you offer.
  10. Social Media Engagement: Build a community. Engage with patients on social media platforms to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community.

 

Setting you up for success

As Pharmacy First heralds a new chapter for pharmacies, adopting the P.R.E.S.C.R.I.B.E.S methodology is not just an option; it’s a necessity for those looking to lead in this new era. It’s a comprehensive blueprint that aligns your digital presence with your in-clinic excellence, ensuring your pharmacy is not just a choice, but the choice for healthcare consumers.

Keen on discussing this? Get yourself booked in!

Contact Us

 

This pharmacy, located in the Oxfordshire area, has seen tremendous growth recently, and is looking to reinvest profits back into marketing, to drive further sales and bookings. Read on to find out more.

About This Pharmacy

Located in the heart of Oxfordshire, this pharmacy has been a cornerstone of the local community, providing essential healthcare services. Despite its strong offline presence, its digital footprint was limited to a Google Business listing, resulting in missed opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital healthcare landscape.

The pharmacy is a true health hub in their community, offering an array NHS and Private Clinical services, which is the way a pharmacy should be.

The Challenge

The pharmacy’s challenges were multi-faceted:

  • Limited Digital Presence: The pharmacy’s only online representation was a Google Business listing and their NHS listing (previously, NHS choices) hindering its ability to attract and engage with a broader customer base. They were relying on people coming in via word of mouth mostly.
  • Limited Online Bookings: Without an online booking system, the pharmacy struggled to efficiently manage appointments, especially for high-demand services like travel consultations and ear wax removal. Furthermore, the pharmacy wanted to generate more bookings for their clinics.
  • Lack of Digital Marketing: The pharmacy had not tapped into digital advertising, an essential tool for modern businesses to increase visibility and drive conversions.

The Solution

Following the initial diagnosis and understanding where the main objectives of the pharmacy business, we recommended the following digital strategy:

  • Website Development & SEO: We built an optimised website, tailored to the needs of the pharmacy. This included an online booking calendar, providing patients with the convenience of scheduling appointments for services like travel health, ear wax removal, flu vaccines and aesthetics appointments. The website is fully flexible with no limitations on how it can be developed, should the business end up growing in new directions. The website launched with technically optimised content for the services they are providing.
  • Targetted Advertising: We initiated targeted advertising campaigns for their travel and ear wax removal services, tapping into unmet demand in the area. This was coupled with robust conversion tracking to measure and optimise the effectiveness of our ad campaigns.

The Results

The outcomes of our collaboration have been remarkable:

  • Fully Booked Clinics: The online booking calendar has been instrumental in managing the increased influx of appointments, resulting in fully booked clinics.
  • Increased Digital Footprint: The new website and targeted ads have significantly raised the pharmacy’s online visibility, attracting a larger and more diverse customer base.
  • Measurable Success: Through conversion tracking, we have tangible data demonstrating the effectiveness of our marketing strategies, paving the way for further optimisation and growth.

The following screenshots are taken from the pharmacy’s website, along with an understanding of the digital campaign’s effectiveness. From a spend of only £357.03 in promoting the Travel Clinic alone, in the last 30 days, it has resulted in:

  • 257 ad clicks
  • 23 phone calls
  • 77 tracked online bookings

Since this pharmacy is not taking payments online right now (which we have advised they should), we’ve attributed each booking to represent a £75 Travel Clinic sale, which is smaller than the general travel clinic spend. This means that £357.03 has generated £5775 in Travel Clinic sales. This doesn’t account for the calls to the pharmacy.

Note: this is a small travel clinic spend. Due to the popularity and demand of this service, we’re seeing higher CPC’s and recommend budgets of no less than £500 per month (and up to £2000+ per month), to maximise conversions and yield the best results.

Performance over the last 30 days across Paid Advertising

The pharmacy is completely booked up, not just for travel, but for flu vaccines and ear wax removal too.

This pharmacy’s clinic booking calendar is full

What’s next for this pharmacy?

We’re not touching the sides for this pharmacy in terms of marketing. There is much more potential in paid adverting, and we’re yet to go aggressive with SEO. It just depends on how much the pharmacy can manage in terms of workload and the space they need to free up in terms of consultations. The sky really is the limit for these guys.

Ready to take your pharmacy to the next level?

Whether you are just starting out in providing clinic services, or you have been dispensing vaccines for years, Pharmacy Mentor can help you grow. We’re a team of talented individuals helping pharmacies of all shapes and sizes drive revenue in new ways. Talk to us to see how we can help you:


Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First – An Opportunity

The NHS Pharmacy First service is an initiative in the United Kingdom that is aimed at providing convenient and timely access to healthcare services through community pharmacies. The service allows patients to seek advice and treatment for common, minor ailments directly from their local pharmacy, without the need for a visit to a general practitioner (GP) or another healthcare professional.

Read more about the Pharmacy First Scheme here for Community Pharmacy.

The Pharmacy First Goal

The primary goal of the NHS Pharmacy First service is to relieve pressure on GP practices and other healthcare services by empowering community pharmacies to handle a range of minor ailments. This not only enhances patient convenience but also ensures that individuals receive prompt care for conditions that can be effectively managed within the scope of community pharmacy services.

This is huge for Community Pharmacy, and we believe that this going to help change the patient mindset from “prescriptions”s to “health clinic”, which is what a pharmacy is today.

Patients can access the NHS Pharmacy First service for the following conditions, currently:

  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throat
  • Acute otitis media
  • Infected insect bite
  • Impetigo
  • Shingles
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Under each of these conditions, the pharmacy will be able to prescribe certain prescription-only medicines under a Patient Group Directive (PGD). For example, they’ll be able to prescribe Clarithromycin for a sore throat.

This represents a big opportunity for Community Pharmacy.

pharmacy first

The Opportunity

As Pharmacy First begins to become more mainstream throughout the United Kingdom, we’re going to see increasing trends for related search terms on Google. We’re already seeing more searches for the term “Pharmacy First”, naturally, and we’ll be seeing an increase in searches for treatment and condition-specific terms like “clarithromycin sore throat”.

The search term “Pharmacy First” is naturally gaining popularity on search engines.

So where’s the opportunity?

Well, we want the patient to find you first for those search terms. We want them to land on your website, learn about what conditions you can treat, and then book in to see you.

While the funding model is relatively fixed right now, this needs to be seen as a long term strategy for success. Not only are you going to be generating revenue from the model, you’re going to be gaining a new patient (customer or user) where, if you give great service, will be loyal to you. You will have got their details (email and phone number) and if you’re GDPR complaint, can market your other services to them.

This is where the biggest opportunity lies. Repeat business acquisition.

How to Market Pharmacy First

To ensure the success of Pharmacy First and capitalise on the opportunities above, pharmacies must adopt effective marketing strategies. Yes, the NHS will market Nationally for us. However, nothing beats more targeted, local marketing. Here are three key approaches:

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Pharmacies should optimise their websites with the relevant keywords, create informative content about the common ailments and available treatments, and ensure their online platforms are user-friendly. If you do not have a website for your pharmacy or if your website has a poor user experience, it’s a good idea to get a new one. You can find out about our website development packages here.

Paid Advertising

Investing not too heavily in paid advertising can significantly boost the visibility of your pharmacy and its Pharmacy First services. Platforms like Google Ads allow pharmacies to target specific demographics and geographical locations, ensuring that their services reach the right audience. Crafting compelling ad copy that highlights the convenience, expertise, and benefits of Pharmacy First can drive increased traffic and conversions.

pharmacy first marketing

Social Media

Harnessing the power of social media is essential for connecting with your community and promoting Pharmacy First services. Pharmacies should maintain active profiles on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sharing informative content, success stories, and engaging with followers can build trust and awareness. Additionally, targeted social media advertising can further amplify the reach of Pharmacy First initiatives.

The Pharmacy First Development Module

If you’ve been following us for a while now, you know that we at PM are always pushing boundaries and developing new initiatives to help pharmacy excel. The Pharmacy First scheme is a prime example of how we’ve adapted to create something unique in the pharmacy marketing area.

We’ve built what we call a “Pharmacy First Development Module” designed to help promote your Pharmacy First service locally and help people find you easier. The module consists of (but is not limited to):

  • A specific Pharmacy First website bolt-on, built into your menu
  • Technically optimised condition pages
  • Booking calendar integration

If you’re keen to understand more about how this might work with your website, be sure to get in touch with our team today.

Contact Our Team