New medical practices are popping up constantly over the past few years, and the competition is getting real, which is why acing your marketing strategy is a must.
“80 percent of Internet users, or about 93 million Americans, have searched for a health-related topic online, according to a study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. That’s up from 62 percent of Internet users who said they went online to research health topics in 2001, the Washington research firm found.”
With the whole world going digital, paper Ads, flyers and endless TV ads don’t seem to be doing much, in bringing in new patients. The last thing you want to do is spend money and time on non – potent strategies that would not benefit your practice.
Here are a few potential digital marketing strategies for doctors and medical practices
Update and Optimize Your Website
People tend to search the web to know about various medical establishments and practices, before walking through the doors of a medical practice or booking an appointment. Improving and updating your website will significantly lead to attracting potential patients into your practice. Make sure your website has all the details your audience needs to know, like your address, your services, business timing and about the doctors at your practice. On looking through your site, your potential patient needs to feel that he/she would be in good hands.
Local SEO
You need to invest and implement SEO strategies, into ranking your website on the top around your radius. With growing practices and doctors, you need to make sure you stand out. If in case you have multiple practices in different locations, create a landing page for each location. Your main page should be well SEO optimized and contain local ranking keywords (eg: pediatrician in Orlando). As a result, your website will gradually rank #1 on the Google landing page and outrun your local competitors.
Generate Google Ads
Online advertising is heavily competitive but crucial for generating leads and new potential customers. The main two popular Digital advertising platforms are Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Google Ads are search based Ads that target potential audiences using particular keywords in a specific geographic area. The Facebook ad manager ensures a highly accurate target audience based on the data derived from their profile. Online advertising techniques like PPC or Facebook ads do not just generate leads that turn into potential customers, but also aids in boosting your organic reach.
Social Media Presence
Social media platforms have changed the way people search for the best health care provider. Maintaining an active social media presence is a must, as it helps you share your service information and reach your ideal patients.
For a successful social media marketing strategy keep the following in mind:
• Post regularly
• Upload pictures and content relevant to your practice
• Put forward your brand name
• Be interactive and engage with your audience
• Post content that drives leads to your website
• Optimize and organize your content
Encourage Patient Reviews
When choosing a medical service provider, a person is more likely to choose the practice with the greatest number of reviews. Negative reviews impact your target audience as they will lean towards your competitors. This means patient reviews are one of the best ways to convert your audience into potential patients, and more positive reviews mean you get to the top of the list. Encourage your patients to post reviews online and be sure to maintain a good reputation compared to other health care providers.
Regular Blog Post
Regular blog posts related to your services is another way of generating clicks on your website. Marketing your practice through blogs generates brand awareness and grows your organic search. Make sure you use the right set of keywords and appropriate backlinks, which help your website rank on the top.
Post Engaging Videos
Video content is one of the most powerful ways to engage with your target audience. Study shows that video content has higher engagement and reach rates than a regular blog or image posts. With YouTube being the second most used search engine, your video content will market itself. Come up with the most common FAQ’s related to your practice and post videos explaining them, to create awareness as well as promote your brand.
Conclusion
It’s about time that you get your Online Marketing game on, that does not mean you have to cut loose the traditional advertising methods. A combination of your regular traditional advertising methods combined with the latest digital marketing strategies will ensure your practice derives maximum results.
Reference: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3077086/t/more-people-search-health-online/#.X4eNQNAzbIU