Today, most patients are shopping around for healthcare services more than ever before. With a few taps on their smartphones or a quick search, they can easily compare providers, read reviews, and decide better on where to seek medical attention. That’s why mastering digital marketing is essential for healthcare service providers who want to stay competitive and attract new patients.

According to a recent survey, over 70% of patients research healthcare providers and read online reviews when choosing a new doctor or any healthcare provider. That statistic alone should be a wake-up call for any healthcare business that hasn’t totally embraced digital marketing. (1)

Gone are the days when simply having a website was enough. Now, you need a comprehensive online strategy that covers everything from search engine optimization (SEO) to social media marketing and more.

Want to thrive in a landscape that’s getting more and more competitive each day? Keep reading and learn some effective digital marketing strategies tailored for healthcare service providers.

Effective Digital Marketing Tactics for Healthcare Services 

Produce Killer Content

Content is the bread and butter of a successful digital marketing strategy. You can’t expect patients to flock to your healthcare practice if you’re not serving up informative content that actually provides value.

Think of it this way: your potential patients are constantly scouring the internet for answers to their health-related questions and concerns. If your website, blog, and social media channels aren’t offering up the goods, forget about retaining and attracting your target audience. They’ll simply move on to a provider who does!

That’s why it’s absolutely essential to prioritize content. But not just any content. Instead, focus on creating high-quality, compelling pieces that not only educate patients but also showcase the expert that you are in your field. Be consistent with delivering valuable, share-worthy content and you won’t only attract new patients; you also get to build trust and loyalty with your existing ones.

Embrace Social Media

Social media isn’t just for sharing selfies and food pics anymore. It’s a marketing landscape that healthcare providers can’t afford to ignore.

Your patients are already spending countless hours scrolling through their social feeds, so why not meet them where they’re at with your digital content? Maximize the right platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with your audience on a more personal level, build brand recognition, and position yourself as a trusted authority in your field.

But simply having a social media presence isn’t enough. You need to use it strategically. For example, you’re offering veterinary services. In that case, some of the best veterinary social media post ideas are inspirational pet stories, educational videos about dogs/cats, and dressing up your animal patients.

Then, engage with your followers on social media platforms by responding to comments and questions promptly. And don’t be afraid to show off your practice’s personality and culture as people want to see the human side of your business.

Leverage Blogging

Do you wish to drive more website traffic to your healthcare website and establish yourself as a go-to expert in your field? Then you’d better start blogging, and not just once in a blue moon. We’re talking about a consistent, well-maintained blog that tackles topics relevant to your specialties and answers the burning questions your patients have.

According to a recent study, companies that blog regularly generate a whopping 67% more monthly leads than those that don’t. That’s huge! So, consistently dish out high-quality and informative blog content if you want to boost your site’s visibility in search engine results. It’s also an effective way to tell the audience about your deep knowledge in your area of expertise. And once patients see you as a trusted source of information, they’re much more likely to choose you. (2)

Create Informative Videos

Nowadays, people’s attention spans are shorter than ever. That’s why video content is such a great help for healthcare providers. It lets you break down complex medical topics and procedures into bite-sized, visually engaging formats that are way easier for patients to digest than walls of text.

Educational explainers, patient testimonials, and virtual facility tours…. such types of informative videos can also work wonders in terms of building trust and credibility with your audience. Not only do they get a clear understanding of what you offer, but they also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your practice’s culture and values.

Leverage Influencer Marketing

You know that feeling when someone you really respect and admire recommends a product or service? That’s instantly going to carry way more weight than some random ad or promotion, right? Well, talk about the power of influencer marketing! Teaming up with trusted voices in the healthcare space (e.g., physicians or wellness gurus with a sizeable online following) allows you to tap into their credibility. And in the process, you get to amplify your own message to a much wider audience.

Identify the key opinion leaders in your field or community and explore creative collaboration opportunities. Potential patients are way more likely to take notice and seriously consider selecting you as their provider when you’ve got those heavy-hitting endorsements backing you up.

Optimize for Local Search

If you’re a healthcare provider hoping to attract more local patients, you can’t afford to ignore local search optimization. When was the last time you searched for something along the lines of “dentist near me” or “family doctor in [your city]”? Exactly. We all do it constantly.

In fact, a study found that 88% of searches for local services happen on smartphones, and the searchers call or visit these businesses within 24 hours. That means if your practice isn’t showing up in those nearby search results, you’re basically invisible to a huge chunk of potential patients in your area. And in this day and age, being invisible online is pretty much the kiss of death for any business. (3)

So, do yourself a favor and get serious about optimizing your website, online listings, and overall digital presence for local search. Make sure all your location and contact info is accurate and consistent across platforms, load up on local keywords, and embrace tactics like geo-targeted ads and Google My Business optimization.

When you nail local SEO, you’ll be the first name that pops up whenever someone in your community needs the kind of healthcare services you offer.

Encourage Patients to Write Reviews

For healthcare businesses, encouraging satisfied patients to leave glowing reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook can make a huge difference when boosting local search visibility and winning over new patients.

If you think about it, when you search for a new doctor or dentist in your area, wouldn’t you be way more inclined to choose one with dozens of enthusiastic 5-star ratings over one with zero reviews or a bunch of negative ones?

So, actively encourage your happy patients to share their experiences online. Send follow-up emails with direct links to your review pages, promote them on your social channels, and be sure to respond graciously to all feedback to promote customer engagement. Those testimonials could be the deciding factor that seals the deal for countless potential new patients.

Key Takeaway

The digital landscape is ever-evolving, so it’s safe to say that healthcare service providers have no choice but to stay ahead of the curve. Embracing and implementing effective digital marketing tactics is key.

Of course, staying up to date with the latest industry trends should be part of the formula as well! The ultimate reward? You can establish yourself as a leading healthcare provider in your community.