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Survey Says: Will People Move Homes During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Survey People Moving Coronavirus

May’s National Moving Month kicks off the start of the summer moving season. The weather is starting to warm up and it’s a great time to make the transition to a new location. While the unfortunate Coronavirus pandemic has no doubt made an impact on the economy, a new national survey commissioned by Our Town America shows many people are actually looking to move – some as a result of the current crisis. The survey of 1,000 people across America answers the question of whether or not people will relocate homes due to Coronavirus and offers responses that might shock you! Getting Personal The survey first gathered personal information to gain a better understanding of the context for responses. Our diverse pool of respondents is a good representation of the general population’s thoughts during the moving season. When asked, what is your age? 9.6% said Generation Z (18-23 years old) 32.7% said Millennials (24-39 years old) 27.5% said Generation X (40-55 years old) 26.7% said Boomers (56-74 years old) 3.6% said Silent Generation (75+ years old) When asked, do you identify as male or female? 49.2% said Male 50.3% said Female 0.5% said Neither When asked, Which State do you live in? 10.0% said California 10.0% said Connecticut 10.0% said Florida 10.0% said Illinois 10.0% said Louisiana 10.0% said Massachusetts 10.0% said Michigan 10.1% said New Jersey 10.0% said New York 10.0% said Pennsylvania When asked, what is your current marital status? 31.5% said Single, never married 48.4% said Married 7.9% said Divorced 0.7% said Separated 3.5% said Widowed 7.8% said Living with partner or significant other 0.3% said Prefer not to answer When asked, how many children do you have? 45.5% said 0 17.6% said 1 23.4% said 2 8.0% said 3 3.4% said 4 1.3% said 5 0.5% said 6 0.3% said 7 0.1% said 8 or more When asked, in what type of area do you currently live? 32.4% said City 52.8% said Suburbs 14.8% said Rural When asked, how long have you lived in your current state? 1.7% said A few months 2.0% said One year 7.3% said Two to five years 6.1% said Six to ten years 6.6% said Eleven to fifteen years 5.4% said Sixteen to twenty years 19.8% said More than twenty years 51.1% said My whole life How people view the effects of Coronavirus Next, we had to identify concerns of Coronavirus in the survey takers’ current state. If someone lives in a hotspot for Coronavirus, would they consider moving? Would they consider moving because of something related to the Coronavirus? Understanding the feelings of this crisis, we were able to paint a clearer picture of our respondents’ situations. When asked, how concerned are you about Coronavirus in your area? 51.0% said Very concerned 31.7% said Somewhat concerned 12.4% said Moderately concerned 4.9% said Not at all concerned When asked, how do you feel about where you live right now? (Choose best answer) 4.5% said I hate it 7.3% said I don’t like it 26.2% said It’s OK, but I feel as if I need a change 31.1% said I like it 11.2% said I love it, but I feel like I need to move 19.8% said I love it and I’m never moving When asked, you live in one of the hotspot States for Coronavirus. Would you consider moving? 41.7% said Yes 58.3% said No When asked, would you consider moving because of anything related to the coronavirus? 26.0% said Yes 74.0% said No When asked, how strongly would you consider a move? (Choose best answer) 36.5% said Very strongly 50.8% said Somewhat strongly 12.7% said Would mildly consider When asked, what is it related to Coronavirus that makes you consider moving? (Select all that apply) 41.5% said the coronavirus may take (and/or has already taken) a toll on my health or the health of my family member(s) 43.5% said the coronavirus may take (and/or has already taken) a toll on my finances 37.3% said the coronavirus may take (and/or has already taken) a toll on my mental well-being 25.8% said Because of the coronavirus, I lost work/my job and/or my business is suffering 33.1% said I’m tired of stay-at-home orders 35.4% said I want my freedom and want lesser restrictions 23.8% said the coronavirus may take (and/or has already taken) a toll on my relationships Driving forces to move because of the pandemic The next section shows when, where and why people would move due to Coronavirus. So many options for people to consider! When asked, when would you move? (Choose best answer) 19.6% said as fast as I can. I want out! 8.1% said This spring 16.5% said This summer 12.7% said This fall 6.5% said This winter 17.7% said Sometime next year 18.8% said Sometime in the next few years When asked, how strongly would you consider a move if there’s a second wave of Coronavirus where you live? (Choose best answer) 16.2% said Very strongly 18.2% said Somewhat strongly 27.0% said Would mildly consider 38.7% said Would not consider at all When asked, would you want to move to an area that was less effected by the Coronavirus? (Had fewer Coronavirus cases and deaths compared to where you live now) 53.3% said Yes 46.7% said No When asked, why do you want to move to an area less effected by the Coronavirus? (Select all that apply) 29.0% said Fewer people 39.5% said Less chance of me and my family catching coronavirus 26.6% said Less chance of another resurgence of coronavirus that shuts down the whole area 9.7% said My area will have bad memories of coronavirus and I need to get away 27.0% said Need a new place for a fresh start 16.7% said I want to live in an area that has/had looser restrictions or no restrictions at all. 44.2% said I want peace of mind for me and my family 31.8% said I want somewhere less expensive to live 27.7% said I want to […]

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As U.S. Reopens, Coronavirus Concerns Could Lead to Mass Exodus

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Survey Reveals People want to Move due to Coronavirus

Franchising.com (May 2020) – Call it the Epicenter Exodus. As the U.S. starts reopening in time for May’s National Moving Month and the busy summer moving season, a just released survey reveals a good chunk of residents from coronavirus hot spot states would voluntarily pack up and move out to areas not as crippled by the virus. It’s not only the city slickers in cramped quarters who want out. Spread-out suburbanites want to hit the road, too. The Our Town America national survey of 1,000 Americans reveals a large percentage of residents living in the ten states with the most Covid-19 cases would consider moving – even though many have lived in their state for more than twenty years, or even their whole lives. The states with the most coronavirus cases are New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Louisiana, Connecticut, and Florida. The survey, commissioned by Our Town America, the nation’s leading new mover marketing franchise, reveals: More than 40% of folks polled say they’d consider moving because they live in a coronavirus hot spot state. More than half polled live in the suburbs and more than 30% live in the city. Of those who would move, more than 1/2 (53%) say they say they would move to an area of the country less affected by the coronavirus for peace of mind (44%) and because there’s less chance of a resurgence of coronavirus (40%). Some also say it’s important to live somewhere their kids will be able to start school sooner. When would they move? Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) say they’re ready to move NOW – as quickly as possible. More than 3 in 5 (64%) say they’d want to move by the end of the year. Numb Nation The new survey of 1000 American adults from the 10 hotspot states reveals a country shell-shocked by Covid-19. As America reopens, more than 3 in 4 polled (76%) say they’re still worried about the virus. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) say they’re also concerned about the future and 1 in 3 (33%) said they don’t believe the state they live in will ever get back to pre-pandemic normal. Folks are most worried about their families, health, and finances. More than 1/3 (35%) say they or someone in their family lost work or a job. And almost half (46%) say they want better mental health. Those with kids also ranked their children’s well-being as a top worry. The South Atlantic states rank as the top areas people would move to right now- states on the east coast from Florida up to Delaware. (DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, WV, FL) More than 1 in 4 (28%) eager to move say they’d move to a warmer climate. More than 1/2 (53%) of those folks say warm weather is better for their physical and mental health and more than 1 in 6 (17%) believe the virus has less chance of spreading in warmer temperatures. Pandemic Prisoners Want Out! Folks polled say the country can’t open soon enough. Nearly 1/3 (30%) say the Stay-At-Home orders in their state were too severe. They describe their neighborhoods during quarantine as the “Apocalypse,” “Armageddon” and “Hitler-esque”. Nearly 2/3 (65%) of respondents are ready for the country to open now! And when asked if the lockdowns were necessary, more than 1 in 4 (28%) say they would have preferred NO Stay-At-Home orders and would have taken their chances on contracting the virus. Almost a third (27%) of those eager to move say they’d relocate as a chance to move on from the virus in a new place, for a fresh start. “It’s clear the coronavirus has scarred people physically, mentally, financially and geographically. We could see a mass exodus of people leaving these hot spot states to begin a new chapter of their lives for different opportunities for them and their families,” says Our Town America’s CEO Michael Plummer. “Our new mover welcome packages stuffed with certificates to try out new area businesses is more critical than ever because social distancing may keep neighbors away from new families so there won’t be anyone to welcome them.” Covid Concerns In fact, in the survey, people who want to move from hot spot states fear new neighbors will keep their distance for fear of contracting the virus. More than 2/3 (68%) say they worry neighbors might stay away because they come from a state heavily infected with the virus. More than 2/3 (69%) say receiving a housewarming gift would make them more comfortable, but more than half (60%) also say the best way for neighbors to welcome them is to flag them down in the front yard and introduce themselves following social distancing guidelines. “In this coronavirus era, we probably won’t see neighbors welcoming new families with dinner invitations and home baked goods because people will keep their distance,” says Plummer. “A free meal, haircut or service that comes in our envelope, will be the boost and welcome new movers need to feel part of the community.” The survey suggests Americans agree with Plummer as respondents say they’ll continue supporting local businesses after the Coronavirus chaos dies down, especially the places that stick to curbside/takeout and share more information online. More than 4 in 5 (81.4%) say they’ll take advantage of a proven offer (i.e. free meal, haircut, etc.) from a local business that welcomes them to their new community but nearly 1/2 (49%) say they’ll be sticking to takeout and curbside when they do. The responses also prove folks are craving a new online directory that lists restaurants open for takeout and delivery. More than 7 in 10 (70.6%) say they would have used that type of directory while living in quarantine and even more (73%) say they’ll use it when the quarantine is lifted. *Editor’s Note: *Please cite Our Town America as the source for this survey *This online survey of 1,000 American men and women was conducted by a third party and commissioned […]

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North Carolina Local Businesses Begin to Safely Reopen

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
North Carolina Local Businesses Begin to Safely reopen

Spectrum News (May 2020) – Bassam Safi of Our Town America shares how local businesses in North Carolina are preparing to reopen since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Local businesses have been largely impacted by the Coronavirus, and need support now more than ever. Safi’s partnered local businesses continue to take precautions in order to ensure employees and consumers are safe. Triangle Family Dentistry of North Carolina, for example, are “going above and beyond all ADA and CDC guidelines and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of their employees as well as their patients” according to Safi. Safi encourages consumers to consider shopping at local businesses whenever safe and possible. Our Town America wants small business owners, as well as consumers, impacted by the Coronavirus to know they aren’t in this alone Watch the full Spectrum News clip below. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local business in the Wilmington, Cary, Raleigh, or Durham, NC area looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, you can reach Bassam Safi at 910-352-5776 or safi.bassam@ourtown.net. If your business is located outside the Wilmington, Cary, Raleigh, or Durham area, you can reach Our Town America corporate at 1-800-497-8360 to get connected with your local representative. Source:   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Local Businesses Meet Consumer Needs During Coronavirus | KTVU San Francisco

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Local Business San Francisco

KTVU San Francisco Live — Our Town America of San Francisco owner, Suzi Dupries, says that local businesses are open and ready to serve their community during the Coronavirus pandemic. Small businesses continue to meet consumer’s shopping needs by implementing new ways of delivering goods and services.  Dupries’ partnered local businesses have also transitioned during this time, one example of this is contactless ordering and delivery. Consumers can order products from their favorite local businesses over the phone or online and have their products delivered to them without breaking social distancing rules.  Dupries stresses the importance of shopping local during this time, here are some small business facts to consider: Small businesses account for 99.7% of all businesses in the U.S. For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately $0.67 stay in the community. Our Town America wants small business owners, as well as consumers, impacted by COVID-19 to know they aren’t in this alone. Watch the full KTVU San Francisco clip below.       — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local San Francisco-area business looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, reach out to Suzi Dupries at 415-755-4574 or dupries.suzi@ourtown.net If your business is located outside the San Francisco area, you can reach Our Town America headquarters at 1-800-497-8360 to get connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Local Businesses Adjust their Services due to Coronavirus | KQCA Sacramento

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
local businesses sacramento

KQCA Sacramento Live (April 2020) – During the Coronavirus pandemic, local businesses must come up with creative ways to stay open and safely serve the public. Dave Frisch, owner of Our Town America of Greater Sacramento, discusses the ways that local businesses have implemented new service methods including curbside or contactless delivery, virtual appointments, or at-home workouts in order to safely reach consumers. Frisch’s partnered sponsor business, Pizza Guys, has incorporated these new methods by offering contactless delivery. Consumers can simply call in an order and it will be delivered in a protective bag on their doorstep, consumers will then be notified about their delivery through a text or knock on the door. Pizza Guy, along with other local businesses, is offering deals during this time to ensure that consumers are getting the most bang for their buck. Street Tech Auto Care has also adjusted their services during this time. By staggering appointments and taking extra sanitary precautions, they continue to serve their community and keep their customers safe.  Frisch encourages consumers to shop locally whenever possible. Some small business facts to consider:  The economy of Sacramento, CA employs 240k people About half of the state’s private-sector employees are employed by small businesses in California For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stay in the local community Our Town America wants small business owners, as well as consumers, impacted by COVID-19 to know they aren’t in this alone. Watch the full KQCA Sacramento clip below.           — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local Sacramento-area business looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, reach out to Dave Frisch at 916-474-1494 or dfrisch@ourtown.net. If your business is located outside of the Sacramento area, you can reach the Our Town America headquarters at 1-800-497-8360 to get connected with your local representative.  Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Buy Local while Following Coronavirus Social Distancing Rules | Raleigh, NC

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Buy Local while Following Coronavirus Social Distancing Rules Raleigh Local Business Our Town America

WRAZ Raleigh Live (April 2020) – Sally Hanson of Our Town America of the Triangle based in Raleigh, NC, shares ways in which consumers can help support their local economy while still following Coronavirus social distancing rules. Hanson’s partnered local businesses are doing what they can to stay open during this time – curbside pickup, delivery, etc. She urges consumers to tip essential workers if able to help keep local businesses afloat through the global COVID-19 pandemic. “These essential workers are the backbone of our community right now,” Hanson points out. “You can go online, find out which businesses are open – we have fitness facilities that had to close, but they’re now offering online services. You can donate to these businesses,” Hanson says. “As a company, we’re actually mailing out postcards for these businesses letting people know that they’re still open for business. They need your business, so please come on in, but keep with the social distancing and keep safe, of course,” she urges. Some small business facts to consider: For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately $0.67 stay in the community. 28.8 million small businesses in the U.S. Small businesses account for 99.7% of all businesses in the U.S. Our Town America wants small business owners, as well as consumers, impacted by COVID-19 to know they aren’t in this alone. Watch full WRAZ Raleigh clip below. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local Raleigh-area business looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, reach out to Sally Hanson.  If your business is located outside of the Raleigh area, you can reach the Our Town America headquarters at 1-800-497-8360 to get connected with your local representative.  Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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How to Support your Local Economy during the Coronavirus Pandemic | Denver, CO

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Support Local Economy during Coronavirus Pandemic

KUSA Denver (April 2020) – Unfortunately, Coronavirus (COVID-19) has made it’s mark on the US, but small business owner, Kurt North of Our Town America Northern Colorado, shares how partnered local businesses are supporting the economy during this global pandemic. North encourages consumers to shop virtually or over the phone – using delivery & drive-up methods. Houska Automotive, a local Fort Collins business who reaches out to new residents year-round through North’s New Mover Welcoming Program, is following all WHO and CDC recommendations in order to continue serving their community. “Automotive repair is necessary and needed, especially for those who are working diligently at hospitals, grocery stores, etc.,” says owner L.J. Houska. His shop is offering free pick-up & delivery from the customers’ homes, curbside check-in at the shop & even overnight envelopes in order to remain contactless and avoid human interaction. “We’re so grateful for our customers and want them to know that we’re here for them in the case of automotive issues,” Houska says. North encourages consumers to shop using delivery & drive-up methods at other local businesses as well. Some small business facts to consider: 97.6% of businesses in Colorado are small businesses. (Colorado SBDC) Colorado small businesses employ 1 million people. (Colorado SBDC) 97.6% of businesses in Colorado are small businesses, with over 572,546 in total. (SBA) “Other than Automotive Repair Shops, I’m also partnered with liquor stores & restaurants who are doing curbside & delivery,” North says. “Help your neighbor – even if we have to be physically distant – that doesn’t mean we have to be completely alone. We’re all in this together”. Our Town America wants small business owners, as well as consumers, impacted by COVID-19 to know they aren’t in this alone. Watch full KUSA News Clip below. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you are a small/ local business looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, visit ourtownamerica.com. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Support Small Businesses during the Coronavirus Pandemic | Phoenix, AZ

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Support Small Business Community Help during Coronavirus

KTVK Phoenix – Coronavirus (COVID-19) has already made an undeniable impact on the US, so small business owner of Our Town America Phoenix, David Cox, wants to urge consumers to shop local to support the local economy before its too late – whether virtually with delivery or using take-out/drive-up methods. Despite social distancing and restrictions, local businesses are open and need our support. For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stay in the local community, so spending local can be a game changer in keeping businesses afloat during what could be an economically crippling crisis. “Whether we spend online or curbside, we need to keep our dollars in our community, so our favorite shops, restaurants and service providers and their employees and families survive,” says Michael Plummer, Our Town America’s President and Founder of the ‘Shop Local Now’ Movement. “We are leading the charge to remind folks that even though our local mom and pops have new ways to deliver products and services, they’re still alive and kicking and need us to make it through this pandemic. Instead of ordering on Amazon, I urge everyone to buy locally –while following health and safety guidelines,” Cox says. Watch full KTVK News Clip below. — Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you are a small/ local business looking for a way to reach out to new or current customers, visit ourtownamerica.com.   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Local Businesses Rally to Meet Community Needs During the Coronavirus

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Think Big Shop Small at Local Businesses during Coronavirus

Yahoo Finance/ PRWeb — As Americans across the country self-quarantine to minimize the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), local small business owners are rallying to serve their communities. They’re doing their part to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers while remaining available to provide products and services people need. In this time of uncertainty, Our Town America, a national new mover marketing franchise that helps local businesses create and maintain relationships with customers, salutes these business owners and wants to remind all Americans that it’s more important than ever to shop local – whether virtually, curbside or online – and support businesses that are the backbone of the local economy. “As a consumer, when you purchase from a mom and pop – such as your neighborhood coffee shop – you’re helping pay the barista you chat with every morning,” said Michael Plummer, Our Town America’s President. “You’re helping put food on their children’s plate and helping fulfill their young daughter’s dream of going to college. You are keeping your local community alive and thriving.” Our Town America franchise owners are small business owners themselves, so they understand the importance of shopping local and the direct effects it has on a business and its employees – especially during a time like this. “As Americans, we’re tough and resilient, especially in times of crisis,” said Plummer. “The Coronavirus is real and scary, but it’s not permanent, and we will get through this. In addition to self-quarantining to stop the virus’ spread, we ask all Americans to continue buying local to help small business owners and the employees who depend on them.” There are countless examples of businesses that have adjusted on the fly to continue serving the public while doing everything possible to practice social distancing. These include, but are not limited to: Restaurants offering curbside service and delivery drops at front doors Doctors and veterinarians offering virtual appointments while remaining on call to treat more serious conditions in person Gyms and trainers sharing home-based cardio and strength workouts Commercial and residential cleaning companies working around the clock to disinfect buildings using EPA/CDC recommended products specific to Coronavirus Grocery stores and hotels operated by employees wearing gloves who are making it as safe as possible to access necessary food and accommodations “The method of delivery may be different – from curbside service to virtual appointments – but it’s imperative to support the small businesses doing everything they can to continue serving their local community,” said Plummer. “There are more than 28 million small businesses in the country and all of them could use a little love during this tough time. Please do everything you can to support local businesses so they can keep their employees and continue serving the community you call home.” For more information on Our Town America, please visit https://www.ourtownamerica.com/. For more information on the Our Town America franchise opportunity, please visit https://www.newmoverfranchise.com/.         —— About Our Town America For over 48 years, Our Town America has been providing new movers with traditional hospitality by mailing warm housewarming gifts from local neighborhood businesses in a premium welcome package. Since the company started franchising in 2005, Our Town America has consistently been placed in the Franchise Top 50, ranking top in their category for franchisee satisfaction. Our Town America’s dedication to the “sponsor exclusivity” concept, meaning Our Town America will only recommend one of each business type in any specific zip code within its welcome packages, has been one of the key catalysts for the company’s long-term success. In addition, sponsors consistently rave about other unique aspects of the new mover marketing program – such as their ability to reach a brand-new audience of impressionable new movers each month and the insightful data/metrics delivered by Our Town America’s innovative pinpoint tracking system. Due in large part to Our Town America’s devotion to those concepts, thousands of satisfied business owners throughout the United States attest to the success and effectiveness of the program. Additionally, dozens of locally owned franchisees validate Our Town America’s concept as a viable business opportunity. It is Our Town America’s mission to assist new movers adjusting to their community, help businesses gain new and loyal customers and provide franchisees with an excellent opportunity. The eight million households who receive Our Town America’s welcome packages each year prove that Our Town America is committed to following through on that mission statement. For more information, visit the Our Town America website at https://www.ourtownamerica.com or call 1-800-497-8360. Media Contacts: Graham Chapman                                 Brittany Johnson 919-459-8157                                     800-497-8360 x229 gchapman@919marketing.com bjohnson@ourtownamerica.com Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Dentists Build a Sustainable Dental Practice via New Mover Marketing

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
New Mover Marketing by Our Town America for Dentists

Dentistry Today — It’s both a sad and happy fact for every dentist, business owner, patient, and person, for that matter—everything changes eventually. Right now, your dental practice may be thriving, with patients booked for months. Maybe you’re expanding and having trouble keeping up. You might even wake up every morning feeling like you’ve won the dental practice lottery. But realistically, it won’t last forever. It’s completely normal for every business to go through highs and lows. The same goes if your practice is tanking. If the patient chairs are often empty, and your slots aren’t booked, you shouldn’t despair. Things can always get better, and they probably will. Everything changes. The key is to be proactive in your approach to making the good times last for as long as possible. A steady system for attracting and retaining new patients can make a once empty dental practice full again and thriving for years to come. Even if your practice is doing great right now, don’t get complacent. For a multitude of reasons—moving away, change of insurance, even death—you may see a drop in your patient count. Whether business is up or down, you always need to be thinking of ways to bring in new customers to sustain your practice. New Mover Marketing Constant change is why I encourage dentists to actively engage in new mover marketing, regardless of their practice’s current state. Our Town America, the franchise founded by my late father, targets new movers by direct mail and has a proven business model that specializes in attracting and keeping new customers. In today’s digital age, you may scoff at the idea of direct mail. But time and time again, it’s proven to attract new movers to local businesses. When a family moves into a new neighborhood, they likely don’t know where anything is—the dry cleaner, gym, grocery store, pizza joint, and, yes, dentist’s office. The first few pieces of mail can actually be exciting for new movers. It’s a sign that you’ve arrived. You really live here. Meanwhile, email advertisements, more often than not, go directly to a spam folder without even being seen by the intended recipient. New mover direct mail marketing is the perfect way to let potential patients know where your offices are located. New movers want to know which local businesses are nearby. New movers are looking to establish new “regular” spots and basic necessities, including a dentist. By getting your name in front of those new residents so quickly, you are likely beating out your competition and appealing to a portion of the population who are actively looking for a new dentist. New movers truly are an ideal demographic to target with your marketing efforts. Paying Attention to Potential Patients Pays Off When you send a mailing to potential patients, you can increase the odds of them coming in for a checkup. This is true even more so if you give them an incentive, such as a gift certificate for your services or a small gift. You can be creative as long as the offer is appealing. We encourage you to think beyond a measly 10% off coupon. The better the offer, the more likely a new customer is to give you a chance. By appealing to new movers through direct mail, you’ll earn a reputation as a local business who cares. Your offer will come as a part of a bigger welcome package. Your practice may be featured alongside a beloved pizza joint, a favorite hairstylist, a florist shop that locals love, a respected autobody repair shop, and more. And, of course, when you’re appealing to a new set of new movers every month, not just once, that’s when you begin to have a sustainable practice. A constant influx of new patients means a steady stream of revenue for your practice. Just don’t forget to offer quality services to go along with your stellar offer. After all, the key to keeping patients coming back is a great experience, and perhaps even a followup offer to say thank you for stopping by. Marketing isn’t all that different from taking care of your teeth, really. If you want good results, you must be invested and in it for the long run. Over time, investing in marketing will pay off. Just whatever you do, don’t ignore new movers. If you do, you may walk into your dental practice one day and realize it’s not your patients’ teeth decaying, but rather your patient roster. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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