Marketing a Residential Assisted Living home can often feel like navigating a complex maze. It’s not uncommon to hit a wall or lose momentum, especially when the goal is to fill every bed with a resident who can truly benefit from the care provided. If you’re feeling isolated in these challenges, take heart in knowing that this is a shared experience among RAL owners.
You, most likely, got into Residential Assisted Living because you liked the ability to build a strong, lasting business that simultaneously did good for other people… not because you wanted to become a marketing expert.
The bad news, if marketing is something that stresses you out or frustrates you, it’s simply part of the deal and it’s always going to be something that requires your attention.
The good news?
You’re not alone, and there’s a community ready to support you.
The Power of Professional Networks
One of the most significant benefits of networking is the realization that your struggles are universal.
This sense of camaraderie can be a source of comfort and motivation.
For RAL owners who are feeling burnt out by continuous marketing efforts, professional networks like the Residential Assisted Living National Association (RALNA) can be a lifeline. RALNA exists precisely to ease the marketing burden for business owners by providing extensive support and resources.
Joining RALNA (it’s free) immediately gives you a head start on your marketing and puts you in the middle of relationships that 1) can demonstrate ways you can marketing your business and 2) give you specific steps you need to follow in order to knock out the marketing basics.
Embracing the Community
The idea of a community might seem superfluous until you find your tribe. Once you connect with like-minded individuals who understand your journey, this network becomes indispensable.
RALNA is such a community, offering a space where experiences are shared, advice is given freely, and resources are abundant and thorough, covering all issues that RAL owners and investors face.
If you want to connect with men and women working in residential assisted living, who have experienced success, and are ready and willing to share their best lessons and top tips… RALNA is for you.
Leveraging RALNA’s Marketing Resources
RALNA membership, which is free, opens the door to a wealth of marketing resources designed to alleviate the pressure of starting from scratch.
Gain insights and strategies from a library of articles tailored to RAL marketing, and stay ahead of the curve with access to continuous learning opportunities. Benefit from collaborations that can enhance your marketing reach and save on essential services and products that every RAL home and business needs.
RALNA membership offers a variety of benefits designed to support residential assisted living homeowners and managers. Here are some key advantages:
- Education: Members have access to continuing education to help maintain full occupancy, retain staff, and run a model RAL business.
- Cost Savings: Group purchasing power through partnerships with over 200 companies can significantly lower expenses.
- Marketing Support: Resources like articles, ongoing training, and partnerships are available to assist in marketing your RAL home.
- Legal Advice: Discounted legal advice from attorneys specializing in care home ownership is provided.
- Networking: A Facebook networking group for RAL home owners and managers facilitates the sharing of experiences and advice.
- Lobbying and Legal Support: Focused on the Fair Housing Act and Zoning, members receive advocacy and guidance.
- Business Opportunities: Access to investors, qualified operators, and administrators is available for business growth.
- RAL Home Locator: Your home can be listed in the largest RAL database, increasing visibility to potential residents and their families.
- Industry Events: Members can attend the RAL National Convention and industry events to learn and network.
These benefits are part of RALNA’s commitment to helping RAL homes thrive by providing resources that ease the challenges of running a successful assisted living business. And remember, membership is free!
For example, one resource that many RAL owners find incredibly helpful is the residential assisted living marketing plan put forward by the RAL Academy. Many people who begin RAL homes don’t start their journey with an extensive marketing or business operations background. Resources like the RAL Academy marketing plan article break down all the details of RAL marketing in a way that novice investors can appreciate and implement.
Another amazing resource (albeit, it does cost to enroll) is the Fill Your Home Fast training taught by industry expert Michael Marlow and presented by the RAL Academy.
Marketing resources allow you to borrow the momentum of those who have paved the way before you, providing ready-to-use marketing materials that can jumpstart your efforts and bypass the novice and brainstorming process. Additionally, with RALNA’s resources, delegation becomes a breeze. Assign team members to leverage these tools, freeing you to focus on other aspects of running your business.
The Power of RALNA Meetups: A Catalyst for Marketing Success in Residential Assisted Living
The Residential Assisted Living National Association offers monthly meetups that serve as a hub for networking and learning new marketing strategies. These gatherings are not just meetings; they are a wellspring of inspiration and a testament to the power of human connectivity.
Why Attend RALNA Meetups?
Attending RALNA meetups allows you to:
- Network with peers and industry experts.
- Learn cutting-edge marketing strategies.
- Access past meetup recordings for a wealth of knowledge.
- Reinvigorate your marketing efforts through community touchpoints.
Beyond the helpful ideas, these community touchpoints can reinvigorate your marketing efforts because you are getting feedback from people who live in this business day in and day out. It’s not just ideas, but ideas that have been tested and implemented in successful ways.
Kick Start Your Marketing with a 30-Day Action Plan
A practical step to jumpstart your marketing is to develop a 30-day action plan. Here’s how you can leverage RALNA’s resources to create your plan:
- Identify Key Focus Areas: Use RAL Academy & RALNA articles to select one or two primary marketing strategies to implement first.
- Set Weekly Goals: Break down the strategies into weekly actionable steps.
- Start with the Essentials: Consider beginning with your website, as it’s often the first point of contact for potential clients.
The marketing landscape is ever-changing, and what works today may not work tomorrow. However, with a solid marketing plan, you can adapt and evolve. RAL NAT CON, the biggest national convention for residential assisted living in the nation, is an excellent opportunity to learn about the evolving RAL industry and gain insights into future trends.
If you’re feeling alone in your marketing efforts, remember that the solution lies in community. RALNA is the fastest and most effective way to connect with like-minded individuals. By engaging with the community, you can share insights, adopt successful strategies, and tailor them to your business needs.
Take the First Step
Register for the next RAL Meetup and begin shaping the future of your marketing efforts. With RALNA, you’re not just finding a community; you’re discovering a partnership for success.
Marketing for your RAL home doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. With networks like RALNA and resources from RAL Academy, you can navigate the marketing maze with confidence, support, and a sense of shared purpose. Embrace the community, utilize the resources, and watch as your marketing efforts transform into success stories.
