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Start Spreading the News…
Read all about it! A newsletter is the perfect way to keep clients informed of the latest happenings in the practice. It also serves as a way to make them feel part of a community and provides an opportunity for promoting new services and publicising special promotions, offers and events.

There are several key factors to consider when planning the creation of a practice newsletter.


Frequency

Firstly you need to consider how regularly you would like your newsletter to go out. It’s important to be realistic about this as it can be noticeable if you later miss an issue. The commitment is not only in producing and mailing the newsletter but also in dealing with the interest that arises from it.

Content

This is critical when it comes to a successful newsletter.  Your content needs to be engaging and relevant so that existing and potential clients take the time to read it and form a positive perception of the practice. A newsletter is great for sharing positive news about staff members and this also affirms the human face of the veterinary practice. Why not feature a ‘Pet of the month’ column as this actively encourages clients to interact with your newsletter? Being seasonal also makes the newsletter pertinent and appealing to readers.

Events & Promotions

A newsletter is an important vehicle for publicising practice events and promotions. You can inform clients about an open day, coffee morning or a puppy party that is going to take place. Keeping your clients aware of what is happening at your practice ensures uptake of participation and creates a sense of community.

It also provides an opportunity to publicise any current and upcoming promotions – microchipping discount month, Pet Smile month or a vaccination amnesty perhaps. If you have 3 for 2 offers on dental products or parasite control then this is a great way to shout about them.

Always an Angle…

The fact that you do all your x-rays on-site may seem run of the mill – in fact, almost all practices have in-house radiography facilities these days – but don’t assume that your clients know that. A ‘did you know we take and develop all of our x-rays on-site’ type story may well be of interest to clients. It can take them through the process and explain what x-rays are used for – most will be familiar with the broken bone scenario but some may find it fascinating to read about foreign bodies and all the better if you have x-rays to illustrate this; a dog which has swallowed a clearly portrayed fish hook, for instance.

Service Reminders!

Use your newsletter to remind them about all the services you currently offer – obedience classes, grooming, nurse consults, pet weight clinics, programmes for elderly pets, flea/worming products and so on. You can remind clients about the importance of preventives so features on parasite control and tips for good dental health are perfectly placed in a newsletter. If you’re thinking about launching a new service or opening another surgery then it’s certainly worth highlighting this.

Mix it Up

For mixed practices, a newsletter provides the perfect means of introducing clients to other parts of your business. For instance, maybe your equine clients are unaware of all the small animal services you offer. For all practices, it’s the ideal place to drive people to your website.

Newsletters really are worth their weight in gold when it comes to practice communications and strengthening client relationships.

If you would like further information on newsletters and how your practice can benefit from having one, please contact Central Marketing on 01359 245310 or email marketing@centralvet.com

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.