Veterinary Digital Marketing: Do’s and Don’ts to Attract New Clients
If you want to attract more pet owners to your veterinary clinic, a strong veterinary digital marketing strategy can help. Since many pet parents turn to the internet for reviews and local search results, your ability to reach new clients depends on how and where you show up online.
Here are do’s and don’ts for improving your veterinary digital marketing efforts, building trust, expanding client growth, and keeping your vet practice top of mind in a competitive market.
Do: Optimize your local SEO and online presence
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the art of designing webpages that rank well in online searches. Local SEO focuses specifically on search rankings in your region so you can attract potential clients and book more visits.
Claiming your Google Business Profile and ensuring your contact information is accurate across online directories can give you a head start over other local businesses. Online reviews can also boost your search rankings and spark organic word-of-mouth marketing.
Don’t: Let outdated information cost you clients
If your phone number, address, or hours are incorrectly listed online, frustrated users may move on to the next search result. Inconsistent or missing information damages your credibility and local search visibility. It takes only a few minutes to audit online listings so your vet clinic presents a professional image across all platforms.
Do: Prioritize a fast, mobile-friendly website
Your website is often a new client’s first interaction with your veterinary practice. To garner more traffic, the website should be mobile-friendly and easy to navigate, and communicate who you are, what you do, and how to get in touch. Use your website to highlight your veterinary services and include calls-to-action, such as directing readers to book a visit or call the clinic.
Don’t: Treat your website like a brochure
Regular website updates help improve SEO and keep the site’s information and design up to date. Old websites with outdated graphics, service listings, or bios can deter new clients by showing them that your primary web presence is not important to you. An out-of-date website can also send the message to new clients that your team doesn’t value advances in technology and, therefore, may not provide the best medicine to their pets.
Do: Show up consistently on social media
Social media marketing is a cost-effective way to connect with local pet owners. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow you to share updates and educate pet owners by meeting them where they already spend time: online. Pet care tips, clinic news, and photos from community events help you stay top of mind with your client base while also reaching new clients.
Don’t: Post without a purpose
A few sporadic posts every few months won’t attract the social media traffic you seek. Social media is most effective as part of a comprehensive veterinary digital marketing strategy, not an afterthought. Aim for consistency and avoid posts that feel promotional or disconnected. Every post should serve a purpose, such as educating, informing, or encouraging an action.
Do: Create and share educational content
Content marketing helps build trust and establishes your team as a reputable resource for pet care. Blog posts, videos, and infographics on common topics like vaccinations, dental care, and seasonal pet health tips can help you rank higher in searches while providing valuable information to your clients. Sharing that content via social media and email campaigns increases visibility and shows that your clinic is proactive about patient education.
Don’t: Publish content and forget about it
Great content won’t impact your readers if they can’t find it. Regularly share blog posts and educational materials across your social channels and through email marketing campaigns or newsletters. For a broader reach, consider repurposing content into new formats, such as converting a blog post into a social media graphic or short video.
Keys to digital marketing success
Successful veterinary digital marketing requires a consistent, coordinated effort across multiple channels. From local SEO and content marketing to social media posts and email campaigns, each marketing touchpoint is a chance to connect with pet owners.
A thoughtful veterinary digital marketing strategy will help you attract more clients, strengthen retention, and boost long-term profitability. Additionally, choosing the right cloud-based veterinary software can help you integrate marketing efforts and improve the efficacy of your campaigns.
