How to use LinkedIn to generate more patient referrals

LinkedIn is an untapped resource for generating patient referrals. 

It’s the social network where practitioners and professionals spend the most time. In today’s post, we’ll be sharing with you how you can best take advantage of this social media.

Get started today and generate more referrals to your business!

How? The answer is more straightforward than you might think. 

1. Connect with others in your industry

LinkedIn is an excellent resource for finding other professionals within your industry. On LinkedIn, you have a platform for engaging with others who share your profession. 

Send invitations to connect with other professionals. Focus on those who you think your business may align well with. Send a brief, friendly message introducing yourself. 

Remember to ask questions and show a genuine interest. People love to share about what they're doing at work - that's the whole reason LinkedIn exists, isn't it?

Don't copy and paste a generic message. Get to know the person and the business you're hoping to create a referral system with. Professionals will be more likely to refer to you if you have built a rapport with them. 

2. Engage with others

Like, comment and share the posts shared by businesses and people you have connected with. The support will be appreciated, and likely, returned in kind. 

Join groups relating to your industry, and take part in discussions. This allows you to have a voice in the space, and have a discussion with those in your field. 

As you take part in the community, intentionally identify those who you would like to get to know better. This may be someone outside of your immediate profession. They may still be able to refer or use your service themselves.

3. Become more visible
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As you engage more with others, they will visit your profile. What they see makes an important first impression. Your profile and description must be excellent. 

Use a professional headshot, and keep your profile information up to date. Include what you've recently worked on, your services and post regularly to your blog. This is all-important. 

Most people do this and have a fairly good profile. But are you content with just 'good?' You don't need to be. 

Increase your visibility on LinkedIn by optimising your profile. 

What does that mean? 

By including keywords in your profile, you are more likely to appear in searches. Come up with 3-4 keywords that best describe what you do. 

Include these 3-4 keywords in your headline, summary and job titles. 

Use these keywords elsewhere as it comes naturally. 

4. Get the LinkedIn app

Business cards can get damaged, lost or forgotten about. 

Staying in touch when you meet other healthcare professionals is much easier with LinkedIn. When you meet a practitioner you'd like to refer to you, use the mobile app to connect via LinkedIn. 

It's efficient and quick, and there's more chance of you staying in touch. 
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With a little bit of effort, you can transform your online presence and see the benefits in your business. Get more patient referrals by using LinkedIn.