Summer can be a welcome break for both practitioners and patients, but it also brings a shift in routine that can affect how consistently patients engage with their care.

Whether it’s travel, childcare, or just taking advantage of the sunshine, many patients put off appointments or tune out health reminders. This season, instead of waiting for patients to return in the fall, why not meet them where they are?

With the right tools and a light touch, summer can be a strategic time to build relationships, fill appointment gaps, and improve long-term health outcomes. Here's how.

1. Warm-Weather Email Campaigns: Keep It Light, Timely & Relevant

Email remains one of the most powerful ways to stay top of mind, especially when it delivers value rather than just reminders. Summer is the perfect time to send short, engaging emails that reflect the season’s tone: friendly, informative, and relaxed.

Here are a few campaign ideas:

• "Top 5 Summer Health Tips"
  Include hydration reminders, sun protection advice (e.g. SPF 30+ reapplication every 2 hours), and staying safe during heatwaves. Link to reputable resources like the Canadian Dermatology Association or Health Canada.

• "Going Away? Here’s What to Check Before You Travel"
  Share travel vaccination info, medication refill tips, and how to access virtual appointments while away. Consider linking to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s travel health notices.

• "Mid-Year Health Check: Have You Met Your Wellness Goals?"
  Encourage patients to schedule routine screenings, physicals, or lab tests, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

• Email Format Tips:
  Use a clean layout with one main topic per email. Include a clear call-to-action like "Book a Check-In Appointment" with a direct link to your GoodX appointment system. Add a friendly photo of your team or a short message from a clinician to humanize the message.

2. Smart SMS Reminders: Personal, Helpful, and Efficient

SMS messages cut through the noise, particularly in summer, when inboxes and calendars are full. Patients appreciate gentle nudges that help them stay on track without being intrusive.

Effective SMS use cases:

• Upcoming or overdue appointment reminders:
  “Hi Sara, just a quick reminder that you're due for your annual physical. Book online today: [link]”

• Wellness tips sent mid-month:
  “🌞 Tip of the Month from GoodX: Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated in the heat!”

• Follow-ups for chronic care:
  “Hi James, your last blood pressure reading was in March. Ready to check in? Call us or book online: [link]”
  

Pro Tip: GoodX Healthcare clients can automate these through our communication module, customizing frequency, tone, and patient groups, making patient outreach feel more personal without extra admin.

3. Educational Content with a Seasonal Twist

When educational content is seasonal and relevant, patients are more likely to engage with it and remember it. Summer is a great time to offer quick reads and visuals that support healthy habits and reinforce your practice’s expertise.

Ideas for high-impact content:

• “Did You Know?” Social Series
  Post short, surprising facts on social media or your blog:
  • “Did you know that dehydration is one of the top causes of fatigue in summer?”
  • “Sunscreen expires! Check the date before you apply.”
  • “Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Protect yourself with repellent approved by Health Canada.”

• Downloadables & Infographics
  Create print-friendly or digital resources to share through email, SMS, or your patient portal:
  • “Family Summer Safety Checklist” – includes bike helmet checks, bug bite treatment tips, and sunscreen rules.
  • “Packing for Healthy Travel” – a visual reminder of essentials like medications, first aid kits, and hand sanitizer.
  • Tools like Canva or Venngage can help you design visually appealing handouts in minutes.

• Mini Video Messages or Reels
  Share a 30-second clip from one of your practitioners with a quick tip (e.g., “Don’t forget your sunglasses—your eyes need UV protection too!”). These are especially effective on Instagram, Facebook, or embedded in an email.

Why It Matters

These light, value-based touchpoints keep your practice visible, trusted, and appreciated, even when patients aren’t actively booking. Regular communication boosts patient retention, reduces appointment no-shows, and positions your team as a partner in their ongoing wellness, not just when they’re in crisis.

Summer may slow some things down, but it’s the perfect time to build trust, educate, and connect that translates to better outcomes and stronger loyalty year-round.

GoodX can help

GoodX Healthcare makes it easy to send emails, SMS messages, and educational content to your patients, all from one place. Automate seasonal reminders, create targeted lists, and monitor engagement with just a few clicks.

Let’s make this summer not just quieter, but smarter.

📅 Need help setting up your summer campaigns?
Reach out to your GoodX Support Team or explore our communications tools directly from your system.