5 Mind-Blowing Free Marketing Ideas for Opticians

Are you looking to get more customers for your optometrist business?

It’s a tough task, considering all the competition in the optometry space from the big brand national chains.

To take on the big guns, you’ve got to stand out.

But how do you get noticed above all the noise? You provide unmatched personal service to your customers. But you also have to out-market the competition.

Not sure how to do that? Read on to discover five free marketing ideas designed to improve your customer base starting today.

Promote on Social Media

It’s free to post on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Keeping your social media accounts updated with fresh information is a cost-effective way to stay connected with your customers and future customers.

Take the opportunity to have fun and show some brand personality. Start conversations around popular topics and trends in eyewear. Hold contests for a free product or service.

And don’t forget to insert your social media feed on your website like this optometrist in Sydney.

You’ll begin to see results by posting to your accounts consistently and avoiding these social media mistakes.

Publish Quality Content

Many businesses mistakenly view their website as a static online brochure for potential customers. It’s true your website must introduce your business and the services you provide to your customer base. But to rank well in search engines like Google, you must consistently update your site with quality content.

Finding content ideas is easy. Every time a customer asks a question, make note of it. Writing in-depth articles answering the questions you receive the most is the best way to create content your customer’s care about.

Optimize your content for terms like “Optometrist + your city name” and “Optometrist near me” as these are terms people search for when looking for an optometrist.

Use Free Ad Credits

When you sign up for web hosting for your site, most hosts give you free ad credits from Google Ads and Facebook Ads. If you haven’t used these credits yet, you can usually find these promotions on your web hosting dashboard.

These ad formats are very intuitive and you can usually have an ad up within minutes. Take advantage of this free advertising on platforms most of your potential patients use daily.

Community Outreach

Involving your business in the community is a great way to shine a spotlight on your business in a positive way.

Reach out to the community and offer free screenings for those with special needs. Speak at senior assisted living facilities and retirement homes about age-related eye issues such as cataracts and glaucoma. Look for opportunities to help with fundraising events for local organizations.

Being present and actively involved in your community is the best way to separate your business from the big chains with no local ties.

Word of Mouth

Your existing customers can do more to help bring new patients than you can on your own. Reward your patients when they refer their friends and family to your practice.

Keep track of referrals through the new patient questionnaires you receive. When a patient refers someone else, send them a nice gift.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just a sentiment that shows you appreciate the referral. Everyone likes to get something for free.

Encourage your patients to leave a business review on Google or Yelp. 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. Get your business in front of them with positive reviews.

Get More Repeat Customers

Don’t focus all your efforts on attracting new customers. Concentrate on your current patients as well and keep them coming back for annual checkups and eyeglasses.

Earn repeat customers through outstanding service but also through targetted marketing efforts. Stand out from the competition by offering a discount to your current customers. One simple technique is to send a letter or email to your patients reminding them it’s time for a checkup and offer them a special discount.

Free Marketing Ideas: The Bottom Line

An effective marketing strategy can really help your business separate from the pack. You can build brand awareness and increase your customer base through free marketing ideas designed to keep your practice top-of-mind when your patients need eye care.

For more ideas about growing your business, check out our local SEO articles focused on putting your business at the top of search engine results.