Revolutionizing Pharmacy Services: The Power of WhatsApp for Business
Prior to going on our summer holidays, we had to refill a couple of prescriptions by calling our local pharmacy on their landline, and 1-2 hours later we picked them up. Local pharmacies are probably one of the few businesses that customers like me still call, as we are all moving to online engagement. In this blog, we will explore how OMNI channel messaging and WhatsApp business platform can revolutionize pharmacy customer engagement, enhancing customer experience, maintaining the personal interaction, and improving overall efficiency.
Introduction – WhatsApp business platform for Pharmacies
There are 11,000 pharmacies in England and 2,000 pharmacies in Ireland and most are still using a landline to engage their customers. Pharmacies, being an essential part of healthcare, can greatly benefit from leveraging modern communication platforms, such as WhatsApp business platform, but other messaging services like Facebook messenger, Instagram and Apple business messages are also relevant. With its wide array of features and user-friendly interface, WhatsApp business platform has emerged as a game-changer for customer engagement of pharmacies. WhatsApp business platform differs from the WhatsApp consumer and business apps, that are 1:1 between customer and pharmacy, and allow communications to scale.
Benefits of WhatsApp business platform to Pharmacies
Personalized Customer Support with a unified inbox for staff:
WhatsApp business platform enables pharmacies to establish direct and personalized communication channels with their customers. With the WhatsApp business platform, pharmacies can efficiently address customer queries, provide medication-related information, and offer personalized recommendations. The real-time nature of WhatsApp allows pharmacies to promptly respond to customer inquiries, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. A critical feature to provide personalized support is a unified inbox that staff members can see all conversations, and conversation history between a customer and the pharmacy and respond. Unlike a voice call which is always 1:1 and no history of the conversation is available to the client and the pharmacy.
Prescription Refills and Reminders:
One of the significant advantages of WhatsApp business platform is its ability to send automated reminders and alerts to customers. Pharmacies can set up reminders for prescription refills, ensuring that patients never miss their medication. These reminders can be scheduled based on the prescribed dosage or refill cycles, guaranteeing a seamless and hassle-free medication management experience for patients. Messaging apps and WhatsApp business are safer versus an SMS reminder where end users have been cautioned for fraud reasons not to click on links in texts. As the Pharmacy can have a validated business verification this will give the customers comfort that they are receiving a message from their local pharmacy and not someone pretending (or spoofing) to be.
Order Placement and Delivery Updates:
WhatsApp business platform simplifies the process of placing orders and receiving updates for both customers and pharmacies. Customers can conveniently send their prescription details and order requests via WhatsApp, eliminating the need for physical visits or phone calls. Pharmacies can then process the orders efficiently and provide real-time updates regarding order status, expected delivery time, or any delays. This streamlined process saves time and effort for both parties involved. Each pharmacy can also have their own eCommerce store for their other products such as beauty, vitamins, eye care etc.
Medication Information and Education:
Pharmacies can leverage WhatsApp business platform with a message chatbot to share valuable medication information and educational resources with their customers. Through regular updates, pharmacies can provide tips on proper medication usage, potential side effects, and general health advice. Such proactive communication not only empowers patients but also establishes the pharmacy as a trusted source of information, fostering a strong customer-pharmacist relationship.
Promotions, Offers, and Loyalty Programs:
WhatsApp business platform serves as an effective marketing tool for pharmacies. Pharmacies can utilize the platform to share exclusive promotions, discounts, and offers with their customers, incentivizing them to choose their services over competitors. Additionally, loyalty programs can be integrated into WhatsApp business platform, rewarding customers for their continued support and engagement. These promotional activities help pharmacies increase brand awareness, attract new customers, and retain existing ones.
Feedback and Reviews:
WhatsApp business platform enables pharmacies to receive valuable feedback and reviews from customers directly. By encouraging customers to share their experiences and opinions, pharmacies can gain insights into areas that require improvement or areas where they excel. Such feedback helps pharmacies refine their services, address concerns, and enhance overall customer satisfaction. As WhatsApp is on everyone’s phone there is no mobile app to download, and its very easy to use increasing the uptake of the service and increase the feedback received.
Pharmacy demo of WhatsApp business platform
The best way to see the benefits for pharmacies is to see a demo we created using the Payemoji service for Wild Atlantic Pharmacy.
Conclusion:
WhatsApp business platform has transformed the way pharmacies interact with their customers, streamlining various aspects of their operations. From personalized customer support to automated prescription reminders, order placements, and educational resources, the platform empowers pharmacies to deliver exceptional services and build strong customer relationships. By harnessing the power of WhatsApp business platform, pharmacies can stay ahead of the competition, optimize their processes, and provide an unmatched level of convenience to their valued customers. Embracing this modern communication tool is undoubtedly a step toward revolutionizing pharmacy services in the digital age.
