Neighborhood or walk-in pharmacies: How to stand out online?

Pharmacies play a central role in Switzerland. They are often the first point of contact for patients. This central role is also acknowledged by new health insurance models, which offer pharmacy consultations as the first step in the treatment process. However, there are many different types of pharmacies. In this article, we’ll explore the distinctions between “neighborhood pharmacies” and “walk-in pharmacies”, as well as online strategies for highlighting their individual distinctiveness. Find out how to stand out in the competitive landscape of modern healthcare!

 

Walk-in pharmacies: Easily accessible care for all

As a walk-in pharmacy, you cater to a diverse audience who may not be familiar with you or your service.  Your patients may be travelers in a hurry, tourists or people looking for quick solutions to their medical needs. Convenience and speed are your strong points, and you can easily meet the needs of patients on the move.

Strategies to increase your visibility:

Standing out means capitalizing on your strategic location: you’re often placed in high-traffic areas, so you’re there when patients need you and when the unexpected happens. It’s these strengths that you can leverage to increase your visibility.

 

Communicate your offer online

Don’t hesitate to highlight your services on your website or, if you have one, on your OneDoc account! This will give your patients a clear view and enable them to quickly and easily access the services they need (tests, check-ups, urinary tract infections, emergency contraception, blood pressure measurement, teleconsultation or any other service you offer).

 

Improve the customer experience with online booking

As a walk-in pharmacy, offering online appointment booking can help you streamline the flow of your patients. On a busy day, you can make sure you block off time for more time-consuming services without impacting your other patients.

Online appointment booking also enables you to anticipate better and make sure you order the right number of products required for your patients.

 

Diversify your offer for patients in a hurry

Some cases don’t necessarily require face-to-face patient contact. Mobile applications, online ordering and delivery services can all contribute to improving the customer experience and building loyalty among patients who are often in a hurry!

 

Neighborhood pharmacies: A pillar of the community

As a neighborhood pharmacy, you’re often seen by your patients as more than just a drugstore. Your patients choose to come to you for the personalized service and advice you provide or for the unique products you offer.

 

What you can do to increase your visibility as a neighborhood pharmacy

The uniqueness of your services and your sound advice are the strong points you can emphasize to gain visibility.

 

Maintaining a digital presence

In a landscape where online services are gaining popularity, you may be faced with a new challenge: how to maintain your presence in an ever-changing digital environment?

Adopting online strategies seems essential to staying competitive, and as pharmacy Bédat has already experienced, it’s not that difficult! Simply investing in a website or an online profile keeps you visible and informs your patients about your services. As a neighborhood pharmacy, you may not be as conveniently located as a walk-in pharmacy, but thanks to your online presence you can make up for it!

 

Highlighting what sets you apart

As a neighbourhood pharmacy, you probably offer services that set you apart from other pharmacies. This difference is a real selling point for your current patients and may also interest future ones. Highlight your unique expertise and services on your website and online profiles.

 

Offer appointment scheduling and simplify your daily management

Online appointment booking can help you better prepare for treatment by allocating dedicated time to your patients. They will feel taken into account and wait less on busy days. It also enables you to anticipate certain needs, such as ordering vaccine doses, and better manage stocks.

 

Strengthening loyalty and visibility

Finally, your loyal patients may agree to write a positive online review, which will make you gain visibility on your Google Business Profile page, for example. This will help others discover your pharmacy and your unique services.

 

Different digital strategies for complementary pharmacy services

Ultimately, whether you’re a neighborhood pharmacist keen to maintain a link with your local community or a healthcare professional looking to take advantage of online convenience, the key to success lies in adaptability and innovation. Neighborhood and walk-in pharmacies offer complementary services.

By understanding the specifics of your patient base and developing appropriate digital strategies, you can stand out in a competitive landscape and meet the changing needs of your patients, wherever they may be.