A creative use for digital picture frames

Use a digital picture frame for more than snapshots

We've discovered that you can use a digital picture frame as an excellent marketing tool in exam rooms. This is how we do it:

1. Buy a digital picture frame. I use a 10-inch frame. If you buy one without internal memory, you'll need a flash drive to use with the frame. Flash drives are inexpensive and available at office supply stores.

2. Make your pictures. Use a publishing program (we like Microsoft Publisher) to create a document with photos or clip art along with words to describe services you offer. You can include seasonal information as well as healthcare tips. Save the document as a JPG and save it to your flash drive. You'll want to start with 15 to 20 documents to provide your client with enough information to keep them watching.

3. Place your frame. Hang it on the wall of an exam room at eye level from where clients will sit. This lets them comfortably view the screen while they wait.

Some picture frames also allow for audio, although this can be distracting unless it's turned off during the exam. Some frames can also play videos, so if you're computer-savvy you can include these as well.

—Julie Culbreth, practice manager, Jefferson Animal Hospitals, Louisville, Ky.