7 Things Every Veterinary Practice Owner Should Do in 2024

The veterinary landscape is continually evolving at an ever-quickening pace, driven by technological advancements and a heightened focus on pet care. But, as these changes emerge, veterinary practice owners find themselves at the intersection of tradition and innovation, tasked with ensuring the well-being of their patients while staying abreast of the latest industry trends. In this era of change, it's crucial for veterinary professionals to not only adapt but also thrive by proactively embracing new strategies and technologies.

From harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to redefining your practice's culture, there should be a number of "must-do" items on your to-do list to elevate your practice and encourage growth. Let's discuss 7 key actions that are designed to position your practice at the forefront of veterinary excellence.

1. Embrace AI

AI is the hot topic in just about every industry, and rightfully so; there are now AI tools to create efficiencies in a majority of jobs – veterinary services included. By strategically incorporating AI technologies, veterinary practice owners can improve operational efficiency, enhance patient care, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

AI and machine learning usage in the veterinary field is still emerging, and veterinarians and researchers are working diligently to identify the challenges and opportunities of incorporating AI into areas of veterinary practice, such as diagnostics and imaging, which may be able to increase efficiency and data availability. According to a 2002 study published by the American College of Veterinary Radiology, "Further development of artificial intelligence has the potential to help meet the growing need for radiological services through applications in workflow, quality control, and image interpretation for both general practitioners and radiologists."

AI can be utilized more readily outside of the exam room in its current state, streamlining administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling and record-keeping, allowing veterinary professionals to focus more on patient care. Practices utilizing AI-powered management systems can potentially experience a notable reduction in administrative workload, freeing up valuable time for veterinarians and support staff to engage more meaningfully with clients and their pets.

2. Support Your Staff’s Personal & Professional Development

Investing in your team's growth is an investment in the success of your practice. When you put the time and resources into helping your staff grow, both professionally and personally, you're increasing their capacity to serve your team.

Encourage ongoing education, attend conferences together, and provide opportunities for skill development. A knowledgeable and skilled team contributes significantly to the overall excellence of your veterinary services. Supporting your staff's growth isn't limited to technical skills; it also extends to fostering a positive work environment. Veterinary professionals face unique challenges, and addressing their well-being is paramount. 

3. Create a Better Culture

Similar to the diligent maintenance of medical and veterinary equipment within your office, nurturing your practice's culture is essential for ensuring seamless operations and fostering employee satisfaction and commitment. Whether you've recently welcomed new team members or are collaborating with seasoned staff, it's crucial to recognize that your practice's culture is not a "set it and forget it" component. Cultivating and evolving your practice's culture requires active engagement and ongoing assessment to align with the evolving needs and dynamics of your team.

Evaluating your practice's current culture and taking the steps toward fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture should be a non-negotiable item on every practice owner's to-do list. To start, prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and team collaboration. Happy employees lead to a thriving practice.

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An amazing practice culture isn't just good for your staff; it can also help you provide a better experience to your patients. A healthy work environment not only boosts staff morale but also translates into better patient care and client satisfaction.

4. Publish Content

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: publishing original content is crucial to reaching the right audiences and beating out local competition. 

In 2024, every practice owner should be using content as an additional avenue to establish their practice as a trusted resource. Start a blog, engage in social media, and share informative articles related to pet care to educate patients and keep them in the loop of practice news and updates, service offerings, and even your workplace culture. Practices that consistently produce and share content are more likely to witness increased website traffic and a higher likelihood of attracting new clients. By addressing common pet care concerns, sharing insights into veterinary practices, and showcasing your team's expertise and unique value over competitors, you not only educate your audience but also build trust and credibility – which can go a long way with attentive pet parents.

Content creation and sharing have benefits beyond enhanced trust and credibility, too; content that adheres to EEAT standards significantly contributes to your practice's visibility in online search results on engines like Google, Yahoo!, or Bing. Search engines favor fresh and relevant content, and a blog filled with informative articles can boost your practice's search engine ranking. This means that potential clients searching for veterinary services in your area are more likely to discover your practice online.

5. Get to Work on Optimizations

Optimizing your veterinary practice's website and the content you publish is a critical step in staying competitive and ensuring a seamless online experience for new and existing patients. In today's digital age, where everyone has a website, exceptional user experience is paramount, and studies show that a well-optimized website not only enhances visitor satisfaction but also contributes to improved search engine rankings. Utilizing responsive design and optimizing page load speeds are key elements in creating a website that caters to the diverse needs of pet owners, whether they're accessing your site from a desktop computer or a mobile device.

But don't stop there. Optimizing and refining the content you publish can further enhance your online presence. Conducting keyword research and incorporating relevant terms into your articles and blog posts improves search engine visibility, making it easier for pet owners to find your practice online. Regularly updating and expanding your content not only keeps your website fresh but also positions your practice as a reliable source of information in the veterinary field. 

6. Keep the Pressure on Your Marketing Efforts

Consistent and strategic marketing efforts are indispensable for veterinary practice owners looking to thrive in a competitive market. While it may be tempting to cut back on marketing budgets during challenging times, studies in various industries, including healthcare, consistently emphasize the long-term benefits of maintaining a robust marketing strategy. A well-executed marketing plan not only attracts new clients but also fosters loyalty among existing ones, creating ideal opportunities for growth. 

Whether it's engaging with the community on social media, optimizing your website for search engines, or investing in PPC advertising, maintaining marketing efforts ensures that your practice remains visible and relevant in the evolving landscape of pet care. At the end of the day, consistent and targeted marketing efforts will help your practice stay top-of-mind for pet owners in your community.

7. Review Your Vendors Carefully

Choosing the right vendors is a pivotal aspect of running a successful veterinary practice. From suppliers to technology partners, each vendor plays a role in the efficiency and quality of your services. Utilizing platforms like Google Reviews to evaluate and review potential vendors provides valuable insights into their business practices, customer satisfaction levels, and employee experiences. By considering not just the products or services offered but also the vendor's reputation and commitment to customer support, practice owners can make informed decisions that positively impact the overall functioning of their clinics.

In addition to doing your due diligence in terms of ensuring you'll be getting a quality product or service, it can be extremely beneficial to look beyond a business's traditional reviews and look into what their employees think. Glassdoor is a great platform for evaluating a business's employee satisfaction and overall workplace culture, which can help you determine if that vendor's values and priorities align with your own. 

Lastly, partner vetting shouldn't start and end with initial research; in order to ensure every partnership is still serving your practice well after a contract has been signed, regularly review vendor performance, pricing, and customer support to make informed decisions.

While this may seem like the start of a daunting to-do list for 2024, you don't have to go it alone. Platforms like GeniusVets are here to help and take over crucial marketing tasks for you so that you can get back to what matters most: animal care. 

Ready to learn how GeniusVets can transform your marketing efforts in 2024? Schedule a demo today.