Another question we're frequently asked on How to grow your veterinary business is:

How can get more new clients into my veterinary practice?

Our view is this:

There are lots of strategies to get new clients into your veterinary practice but before you use any of them you need to lay some foundations to make them successful.

You must have a Unique Selling Proposition (USP). In other words you must have something that differentiates your veterinary practice from every other veterinary practice available to your clients and prospects. If you don't have anything that differentiates you then why should prospects choose you?

Once you have laid the foundations there a lots of strategies you can use to attract new clients, here's seven you can use:

1. Develop a referral program - referrals are on one of the least expensive but most effective ways to attract new clients.

2. Direct Mail - mutli-step sequential mailings are very powerful providing you send them to the right people. For example, did you know it's possible to rent lists of affluent pet owners in your area?

3. Internet - Did you know one in three Americans use Facebook? That means a third of your clients and prospects are probably using Facebook. You must have a website and a Facebook page.

4. Local Advertising - advertorials (adverts disguised as articles) are the best way to attract clients within local newspapers and magazines. Your advertorial should have a powerful headline to attract interest, be benefit laden, have a compelling offer and a deadline to take action.

5. Public Relations - a good way to raise your practice profile and stake your claim as the veterinary experts in your area. Local newspapers, radio stations and TV stations are always looking for new stories to fill their programs so don't disappoint them.

6. Public Speaking - local clubs and groups are always looking for speakers so offer your services.

7. Radio/TV - radio and TV commercials can work as long as they are benefit laden and you make a compelling offer with a deadline.

That's just seven ways but there are many more. The key is actually taking some action and using them.