Some years ago, big-box pharmacies were taking over the industry, but nowadays, the sector is starting to see a trend of small and independent businesses taking over. However, like with any niche, startup pharmacies don’t last long without maintaining proper operations, marketing, and customer interaction.
In fact, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) revealed that independent pharmacies in the United States experienced a net drop of over 700 locations in recent years. This doesn’t exempt you even if you have an online pharmacy business, as consumers expect only the best for their healthcare.
To help you boost your online pharmacy business and expand your reach, here are five effective ways to keep your brand afloat, business running, and income flowing.
Provide Smooth Services
The main advantage of running an online pharmacy business is that consumers can order prescription medication and refills, allowing them to place orders and receive their medicine from the comfort of their homes. Nowadays, consumers expect businesses to have a functioning and robust app in place. However, technology also has its mishaps, so it’s best to be prepared.
Vendors offering business continuity software will help you run your business even when emergencies happen. As a pharmacy, you must deliver medicine and other essential healthcare supplies to your customers no matter what.
Offer Easier Means of Communication
Phone calls can be a hassle, especially for pharmacies, but it should still be an option for consumers to contact your business. Fortunately, you don’t need to buy landlines and settle for professional communication applications such as WhatsApp Business and PharmZap to provide accessible and smooth communication. Doing this helps you provide excellent customer service to consumers—significantly boosting your brand.
Use the Right ‘PMR’ System
Every pharmacy, regardless if it’s running physical or online operations, uses a patient medication record (PMR) system as their dispensing system. However, it should also double as a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to let you access a broader scope of marketing. You can achieve this by looking for a PMR system supporting functions like SMS and emailing features.
Social Media Marketing
Like with every great digital marketing campaign, never neglect social media. The best social media platforms for pharmacies are Facebook and Instagram, as the two are heavily connected and are the best methods to reach a local audience. To establish an online presence on these massive platforms, you must post informative content and get seen. You can do this by purchasing Facebook and Instagram ads.
Incorporate Local SEO
Finally, to give your online pharmacy business the ‘boost’ it needs locally and virtually, incorporating local search engine optimization practices is essential, especially when you’re delivering clinical services. That’s because today’s consumers usually look for pharmacy services online, especially on Google—the top search engine in the world. So, take your time to list your online pharmacy in Google My Business, Yelp, and other local directories.
Most consumers are getting tired of pharmacy chains. They are now continually seeking small and independent pharmacy businesses to help them feel more confident that they’re properly cared for. So, take advantage of this and keep your business and consumers alive with the practices mentioned.