Marketing for healthcare organizations is changing—fast. But when you're absorbed in the world of healthcare, it's tough to know what's going on in the world of marketing healthcare. Strategies that worked just a few years ago might not work today—but then again, many tried and trued methods continue to be successful for certain medical practices, hospitals, and healthcare organizations.
Not sure which healthcare marketing tactics to tackle next? We're here to help. Our expert recommendations follow below...
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Certain strategies when marketing for healthcare organizations take time to build out. If you’re trying to build your brand and make your name known in the community, it’s not going to be easy or fast. Ranking in the organic search results can take months or even years. In the meantime, you need to find some way to attract patients now.
There are a few ways to get your foot in the door today:
There are two primary ways to build up an online presence organically (without using paid search or display ads). SEO (search engine optimization) is the art and science of getting healthcare organizations to rank at the top of Google's results. Another way of organically building a digital presence is by posting on social media sites like Facebook.
But this can only get you so far. Organic social media rarely attracts patients, and eventually, your competitors will catch up to your SEO rankings. The only way to stay ahead is to consider other options.
If your organization is largely physician referred, direct-to-consumer marketing tactics might not be your best bet—at least not as you build up your presence in the first crucial years. Physician referral building strategies include…
Related: How to Ruin a Perfectly Good Physician Liaison
Remember, the landscape of healthcare is constantly changing. People of all ages expect more from the healthcare experience, and a younger audience will have done their research before calling. If you want to compete with others targeting a younger patient base—if you simply want to improve the experience for everyone—here are some strategies that work:
Related: 6 Things You Need to Know about Millennials and Healthcare
Many people believe that targeting an older audience means using the traditional methods of advertising—mailers, daytime TV, etc. We’re here to tell you that these methods do work, but so do some of the strategies you might consider to be "younger." The majority of people over the age of 55 have a social media presence; you just have to know where to reach them.
Think you don’t need marketing to keep a steady flow of patients? There’s no way for you to guarantee you’ll maintain that patient flow forever! Marketing for healthcare organizations can serve as a backup plan—even if you are content with your current volume.
You don’t want to wait until the waiting room is empty before you worry about bringing in new patients.
Healthcare Success can help you achieve your goals. Contact our team of talented healthcare marketers at 800-656-0907.
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