Whenever I hear the term “professional services” in pharmacy, I shake my head. This is because pharmacies are in the business of helping the community with their health, not to complete their tax returns.
Since I am a marketer through and through, I will always use terminology that makes the most sense to the consumer. So, in this instance its patients and for them I believe health services is the perfect messaging. Besides, every health service is designed to assist someone with their health!?! So, bam that term is like songbirds to my ears.
Ok, I am about to make another bold statement! Health services are the future of pharmacy. Recently, I was reading the Guild 2021 Digest and they noted there is
“a need for pharmacies to diversify into services beyond dispensing prescriptions to maintain growth in their businesses. Indeed, this is what is occurring, with many successful community pharmacies responding to the changing business landscape by moving to a greater services orientation through, for instance, incorporating dedicated consultation rooms for the provision of professional health programs and services.”
So, as you can see if you’re not already dedicating some time strategising about the health services in your pharmacy, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage.
Today, I am going to talk you through the marketing side of health services. I think you will be surprised with some of the suggestions as marketing isn’t as hard as one might assume.
Let’s begin!