The term "mental triggers" refers to techniques and strategies that exploit the psychological and emotional aspects of people to influence their decisions and behaviors. Attracting patients through mental triggers can be an effective strategy for the growth of your clinic. However, these triggers must be applied in an ethical and responsible manner.
Mental triggers are widely used in areas such as marketing, advertising, sales, and persuasive communication. These triggers are based on patterns of thinking and behavior that are common to most people, so they are designed to evoke emotional responses, motivate action, and influence decision-making. Depending on the type of trigger, this can be done through written testimonials, videos, or even through events where patients can share their positive experiences, which will help positively influence others.
Before we continue, we need to know: Do you already know the system for health clinics Ninsaúde Apolo? The Ninsaúde Apolo medical software has an agile and complete agenda, personalized electronic medical records for each specialty, and with legal validity, teleconsultation, financial control, health insurance billing, and much more. Schedule a demo or try the Ninsaúde Apolo medical clinic system right now!
Healthcare professionals can use mental triggers ethically and sensibly to improve communication with patients and promote the adoption of healthy behaviors. These triggers can aim to provide evidence, offer anticipated value or something exclusive, create a sense of urgency, and even arouse curiosity. Check out the following some types of mental triggers and practical ways to apply them in clinics.
Mental trigger of social proof
The mental triggers of social proof are powerful for attracting patients to your clinic because they are based on the human tendency to follow the behavior of others when uncertain about what to do. In other words, through social proof, you can build trust and demonstrate that other people have benefited from your services. Here are some examples of strategies you can use:
Testimonials and reviews - Ask satisfied patients to share their testimonials and reviews about your services. This helps build trust and demonstrates that other people have already trusted and benefited from your treatments. These testimonials can be collected through emails and satisfaction surveys and then shared on your clinic's website or social media platforms.
Case studies - Share success stories of previous patients, highlighting the improvements they experienced after receiving treatment at your clinic. Showcase the transformations achieved and the positive results obtained. It is important to exercise caution when sharing certain types of patient information, as HIPAA has specific requirements, especially when it comes to using the patient's image and data.
Partnerships with influencers or respected professionals - Collaborate with influencers in the healthcare field or respected professionals to have them recommend your clinic. This increases credibility and attracts patients who trust these authority figures.
Certifications and recognition - If your clinic has received relevant certifications or awards, highlight them in your marketing efforts. This increases the perception of credibility and competence for your clinic.
Numbers and statistics - If you have data that shows the effectiveness of your treatments or the satisfaction of your patients, use this information to strengthen social proof. For example, "90% of our patients reported significant improvement after treatment."
Social media and online media - Make use of social media and online platforms to share the positive engagement of your patients. This can include positive comments, tags, and public interactions that demonstrate patient satisfaction.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to pay attention to the regulations imposed by the Council of your specialty to avoid any issues in the way you attract patients. To learn more, check out our article "Mistakes to Avoid in Medical Marketing."
Mental trigger of scarcity
The mental triggers of scarcity exploit the perception that something is limited or at risk of being lost, leading people to take actions and make decisions more immediately. In this regard, it is important to use scarcity triggers ethically and transparently.
Make sure that the information provided is true and that patients are informed clearly and honestly about any restrictions or limited availability. This will help create a genuine sense of urgency and avoid any disappointment or breach of trust with patients. Here are some examples of how to use scarcity as a strategy to attract patients:
Limited-time offers - Create promotions or special discounts with defined timeframes. For example, "Offer valid only this week" or "Schedule your treatment by the end of the month and receive an exclusive discount." This creates a sense of urgency in patients, encouraging them to take action more quickly.
Limited spots - If you offer a service with limited availability, such as consultations with a specific specialist or specific treatments, highlight this scarcity. Inform patients that there are only a limited number of spots available, which can motivate them to schedule their appointments more quickly.
Limited or exclusive editions - If you offer exclusive or limited edition treatments or procedures, emphasize this exclusivity. For example, if you have introduced a new innovative treatment in your clinic, inform that it is available only for a limited number of patients for a specific period.
Waiting list - If you have a waiting list for certain services or procedures, mention it to interested patients. Let them know that there is high demand and a waiting list, which can encourage people to take action to secure their spot.
Packages or extra benefits - When offering treatment packages or services with additional benefits, such as free additional consultations, complementary therapy sessions, or exclusive giveaways, emphasize that these benefits are available only to a limited number of patients.
Mental trigger of reciprocity
Reciprocity occurs when people feel compelled to repay a favor, gift, or value received previously. In this sense, mental triggers of reciprocity can be effectively used to attract patients to your clinic, as they tap into the principle that people have a natural tendency to reciprocate when they receive something of value.
Remember that reciprocity should be genuine and offered without hidden expectations. By providing value and care to patients, you build strong and lasting relationships while increasing the likelihood of them choosing your clinic as their trusted healthcare provider. Among the reciprocity strategies you can use are:
Free informative content - Offer relevant and helpful content for free, such as e-books, guides, educational videos, or articles. This can be done through your website, blog, or social media platforms. By providing valuable information without charging anything, you create a sense of reciprocity in patients, increasing the likelihood of them seeking your services.
Free initial consultation or evaluation - Offer patients a free initial consultation or evaluation. This allows them to get to know your clinic, address their concerns, and receive expert guidance. By demonstrating your commitment to providing value from the very beginning, you create a sense of reciprocity in patients, who may be more inclined to choose your clinic for ongoing treatment.
Free giveaways and samples - Offer free giveaways or samples of products related to your services. This can include healthcare products, supplements, or personalized promotional items. By receiving something of value at no cost, patients may feel the desire to reciprocate by scheduling a consultation or seeking your services.
Loyalty program or exclusive benefits - Create a loyalty program for your patients, offering exclusive benefits, discounts, or extra advantages to those who return regularly or refer new patients. By rewarding patient loyalty, you stimulate the feeling of reciprocity and strengthen the bond with them.
Gratitude and recognition - Show your gratitude and appreciation to your patients. Send personalized thank-you messages, acknowledge their birthdays, or engage in other small gestures of recognition. By valuing your patients, you strengthen the relationship and create a sense of reciprocity.
Mental trigger of authority
In this type of mental trigger, you should demonstrate your expertise and credibility in the healthcare field through educational content, articles, blog posts, or social media publications. When you position yourself as an authority on the subject, you gain the trust of potential patients.
When using authority mental triggers, it is important to act with honesty and transparency. Ensure that your credentials and experiences are authentic and avoid making exaggerated or misleading claims. The goal is to establish a solid reputation as a respected and trustworthy professional in the healthcare field. Some ways to use this type of strategy as a mental trigger are:
Experience and qualifications - Highlight your professional experience, certifications, and relevant qualifications. This helps establish your credibility as an expert in the healthcare field.
Education and knowledge - Share informative and educational content about health, treatments, and procedures. This can be done through blogs, videos, articles, or webinars. Demonstrate your knowledge and provide valuable information for patients.
Participation in events and lectures - Take part in events, conferences, or symposiums related to your field of expertise. Give presentations and workshops to share your knowledge and enhance your visibility as an authority in the subject matter.
Publications and media - Publish articles in specialized magazines, and contribute to blogs or columns in relevant media outlets. This helps build your reputation as an expert and expands your reach to attract new patients.
Testimonials from other professionals in the field - Ask respected healthcare professionals to share their opinions about your work and expertise. This strengthens your authority in the eyes of potential patients.
Strategic partnerships - Establish partnerships with other recognized clinics or healthcare professionals. The association with respected names in the field can increase your credibility and attract patients who trust these partners.
Online presence - Maintain a professional and updated website with comprehensive information about your clinic and your team. Use testimonials from satisfied patients to reinforce your authority and reputation, as well as provide social proof, further establishing your presence as an authority in the field.
Mental trigger of curiosity
Curiosity triggers exploit people's natural desire to seek information and discover new things. Therefore, you can arouse the curiosity of patients through advertisements or content that leaves questions unanswered. By stimulating their interest, you create an opportunity for engagement and obtaining more information about your services.
When using this type of trigger, make sure to deliver the promised content when arousing patients' curiosity. Be authentic and provide relevant and valuable information to build trust and engagement. By cultivating curiosity, you encourage patients to explore your clinic and discover what you have to offer. You can do this through the following tactics:
Intriguing headlines and captions - Use titles or captions that pique the curiosity of patients. For example, "Uncover the secret to radiant skin" or "The 5 steps to a healthy and balanced life." By arousing curiosity with an intriguing promise, you encourage patients to want to learn more about your clinic and services.
Videos and interactive content - Create videos or interactive content that stimulates curiosity. For example, a video showcasing behind-the-scenes of your clinic or an interactive quiz to determine which treatment is most suitable for a specific condition. This keeps patients engaged and interested in exploring more about your clinic.
Exclusive events and workshops - Organize exclusive events or workshops related to health and well-being. Create an environment where patients can learn something new and engage in interesting discussions. By offering unique and valuable experiences, you spark curiosity and attract patients to your clinic.
Tips and insights in your marketing - Share tips, insights, or intriguing information related to health and treatments in your marketing materials. For example, "Discover the secret to a healthy and balanced diet" or "The surprising benefits of Treatment X." By providing information that sparks curiosity, you encourage patients to seek more information and potentially reach out to your clinic.
Mental trigger of exclusivity
The triggers of exclusivity tap into the human desire to belong to something special and unique. Such exclusivity should be genuine and offered transparently. Make sure to fulfill the promises made to patients and ensure that the exclusive benefits truly add value. By creating an exclusive experience for your patients, you encourage a sense of belonging and differentiation, attracting and retaining them to your clinic. The following are classified as uniqueness triggers:
VIP or membership programs - Create an exclusive VIP or members-only program for your patients. Offer additional benefits such as priority consultations, special discounts, early access to new treatments, or exclusive services. This creates a sense of exclusivity and encourages patients to strive for that special status.
Customized treatments - Highlight your clinic's ability to offer personalized and tailored treatments to meet patients' individual needs. Show that each patient is treated in a unique and exclusive manner, receiving personalized and differentiated care.
Exclusive partnerships - Establish exclusive partnerships with other businesses or healthcare professionals. This can include partnerships with spas, gyms, and nutritionists, among others. By offering special benefits or exclusive discounts through these partnerships, you create a sense of exclusivity for the patients of your clinic.
Product launches and pre-sales - When introducing new treatments, procedures, or products, offer your patients the opportunity to be the first ones to experience or purchase them. This creates a sense of exclusivity and anticipates the launch for the patients who feel privileged to have exclusive access.
Exclusive events - Organize special events such as workshops or exclusive lectures for the patients of your clinic. These events can offer privileged information, demonstrations of advanced treatments, or access to renowned experts. This creates a sense of exclusivity and makes patients feel valued.
Limited access - Offer limited services or spots for certain treatments or specialists at your clinic. Highlight that these opportunities are limited and exclusive, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity for patients who want to take advantage of these resources.
Ethics and responsibility when using mental triggers
When using mental triggers in the healthcare field, it is essential to act ethically and responsibly, considering the well-being and integrity of the patients. Prioritize transparency by ensuring that the information provided is accurate, clear, and not misleading, avoiding exaggerations or false promises about treatment outcomes or benefits.
Respecting patients is essential. Do not pressure or manipulate patients into making hasty decisions or ones that are not aligned with their needs and desires. In this regard, obtaining informed consent from patients is crucial. Clearly explain the procedures, risks, and potential outcomes so that they can make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, ensure that the mental triggers used are based on scientific evidence. Do not promote treatments or therapies that lack proper scientific validation or may jeopardize the patients' health.
By using ethical mental triggers in healthcare, you strengthen the trusting relationship with your patients, help them make informed decisions, and promote a responsible approach to their healthcare.
Did you like the tips? Keep following the blog to stay updated with more content like this. Are you a healthcare professional but still not using a management software? Get to know Ninsaúde Apolo, the clinic management system.