Since technology took industries by storm, the way they market products and services has changed significantly and the healthcare industry is no exception.
Earlier patients were content to wait in line, but today’s customers demand prompt attention. Patients earlier obeyed the healthcare provider’s orders, whereas today’s healthcare consumer makes their own choices. With this transformation, new ways have emerged to assist hospitals in creating, communicating and providing value to their target audiences.
Important facts about healthcare marketing you should know
- Health-related queries account for 5% of all Google searches.
- When compared to non-search, search drives 3x more visitors to hospital websites.
- Patients who scheduled medical appointments completed three times as many searches as those who did not.
(Reference: https://www.invoca.com/blog/healthcare-marketing-statistics )
5 benefits of a strong healthcare brand
- Make yourself stand out from the crowd: Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services are frequently treated as commodities. They all appear to be similar in some way. A strong brand distinguishes you from the competition and makes you appear to be a higher-quality option. This is why many people prefer known brand painkillers to generic painkillers.
- Attract investors and partners: A well-developed brand demonstrates that you know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. You aren’t just another business competing in a crowded market. You’ve set out on a mission. When investors and partners see that you have everything organized, they will be more willing to work with you.
- Create a foundation based on your values: People are curious about your values. They want to know if you care about the same things as they do. A strong brand allows you to share your values with customers and employees alike. This can assist you in attracting the right people to your healthcare brand and motivating your team using your core values.
- Create a set of guidelines for your marketing team: Your marketing team will find it easier to create on-point and consistent messages and visuals if your brand is strong. Your brand guidelines may also prevent them from publishing anything that might harm your company’s image.
- Charge according to the value your brand provides: Having a strong healthcare marketing brand can help you avoid being treated as a commodity. Your company’s brand, values, and approach are distinctive, and they may be exactly what customers require. You’re not selling a commodity when you have a strong brand; you’re selling peace of mind.
5 ways to reach your target patients using healthcare marketing
Here are the ways you can leverage healthcare tips for reaching out to your target patients;
- Recognize yourself
The goal, vision or mission of a brand are well-known among healthcare consumers. Your basic principles and the efforts you’re taking to make your vision a reality is of interest to them. Your brand identity, or the created images that bring your brand to life, must also reflect your brand, and your identity as a business. Make sure you develop a framework that connects you to your customers.
- Examine how people use the internet to locate hospital departments
The consumer in the modern healthcare system searches the internet for healthcare information. They look out for details related to services in the hospital before planning a personal visit. The search queries made by consumers aid in the collection of organic search data through the use of a variety of marketing tools.
- Patient personas can assist you in gaining a better understanding of your target market
According to today’s healthcare consumers, hospitals should be aware of what their patient wants. A renowned healthcare facility, for instance, understands patients’ perspectives and provides them with memorable experiences.
- Speak to people
Including patient surveys in the healthcare marketing strategy may help to improve the experience of a patient. Don’t forget to view completed surveys or feedback from the Internet. The goal is to collect as much information on your patients as possible to create the most accurate personas possible.
- Learn how patients use the internet to locate hospital departments
Medical information is sought by today’s healthcare consumers on the internet.
What words or phrases are they using to track you down? Organic search data may help you figure it out. Then, armed with this knowledge, you can modify your online messaging to include the details that people are seeking before deciding on your hospital. It’s also important to think about how people use smartphones to find the right hospital online.
- Develop a messaging strategy for your brand
Constantly communicating your brand online – through TV ads, social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest is highly recommended. Building a powerful messaging strategy for your brand and creating powerful content that resonates and complements your brand.
- Increase the number of people who see your content
Finally, you must ensure that today’s consumers can find your hospital through all of their online searches. Make sure you are familiar with the best methods for delivering information to today’s patients after you’ve completed your research and determined who you want to reach.
Best healthcare marketing strategies – wrapping up
Healthcare & Medical marketing is constantly evolving. It provides limitless opportunities for healthcare practitioners to contact their target audiences, expand their patient base, educate consumers, spotlight physicians, and scale their practice.
When planning your healthcare marketing strategy, find a partner who knows the industry and specializes in healthcare marketing. A healthcare marketing agency is familiar with the patient experience and the industry and can help you get where you want to go through tried and true approaches.