From referring doctors to patients themselves, plenty of people looking for healthcare providers are looking online—and the number of people relying on online sources, versus personal and professional word of mouth, is growing every day.
Many healthcare practices are already taking advantage of the power of online advertising and a strong online presence, but many more are still sitting on the sidelines.
And they’re getting left in the dust.
Here are three reasons you need to be investing in your online marketing, and three easy ways to start doing exactly that.
1. Online Advertising Puts You Where Searchers Will Find You
You know how search engines work: users type in a search query, and the search engine identifies keywords to deliver relevant websites.
What you might not know is that search engines like Google and Bing also use this search information to tailor advertising to individual users.
Targeted Audience
People who search for “doctor near me” or related terms—that is, people who have already shown a real interest in the services you provide and the skills you possess—are precisely the people who will see your paid online advertising.
You’re getting a targeted audience, and only paying each time your ad gets seen or clicked by a potential patient or referrer. Sure beats billboards and bus sides!
Plus, you can have your first ad campaign set up in minutes, and automate the whole thing based on your budget (or get some experts to handle it all for you).
2. Social Media Lets You Join the Conversation
Social media marketing is heavily pushed but often clumsily handled, and that turns many doctors and physicians away.
That’s unfortunate, because done right social media can be a powerful marketing tool.
Sites like Facebook and Twitter, in addition to their mobile apps, now account for a substantial portion of web traffic.
Social Media Marketing
Unlike advertising on other websites, social media marketing content can be part of the natural flow of interactions your potential patients and referral sources are taking part in.
Craft some great articles about proper joint care or new surgical technologies, and share those around on your social media channels.
Start taking advantage of the conversations that are already happening by making yourself a part of the conversation.
3. Retarget Website Visitors to Really Reel Them In
Even if you’re not actively advertising online, you probably have a website at the very least…
…right?
Assuming you do, setting up a retargeting campaign can be a quick way to increase your business almost literally overnight.
The tech behind it can be a bit complex, but the principle is simple.
Retargeting Campaigns
Retargeting campaigns specifically focus on people who have already visited your website, automatically tracking who visits and popping up in paid advertising and social media display ads down the line.
These campaigns are, dollar for dollar, among the most successful marketing options around, and when handled by the right people they can truly transform your healthcare practice.
Do a search for “your specialty near me” in your area, and we guarantee you’ll see plenty of material from your competitors. That’s what your potential patients are seeing, too—don’t you want to be up there?
Contact us today to see how we can not only get you in the game, but help you win.
