Marketing Tips for Doctors to Succeed in the Digital World
Key Takeaways
As of the first quarter of 2021, the Google Play Store has 53,054 healthcare apps, while the Apple App Store has 53,979. These numbers are important as they indicate the fact that people are getting more comfortable with taking charge of their health. Resources such as apps and websites give them ample information, which makes them confident of being proactive towards healthcare.
To reach this increasingly digital audience, prioritizing digital marketing is a must. By doing this, doctors can build a brand for themselves, reach out to a wider demographic, rank higher amongst competitors and create a successful business.
Keep reading to learn 5 ways in which doctors can market themselves digitally.
Digital Marketing Basics For Doctors
Search engine marketing
While have one’s own website is a good start, it is just the first step. For doctors to truly market themselves digitally, search engine optimization or search engine ranking is key. An informative website can help; however, it is of no use if it doesn’t show up on Google’s search page when the intended audience searches for it. Search engine marketing bridges this gap.
To ensure good search engine marketing, doctors must take into consideration the following tips.
- Focus on local SEO. To rank locally, add location-based pages and keywords to the website. The former is especially important for doctors who have more than one branch. [1]
- Priorities generating quality backlinks to the clinic’s website, as search engines value this.
- Search algorithms take into account the relevance of content on a website and how frequently it is updated or populated to determine ranking. [2] Therefore, it’s important to write informative blogs and articles regularly, say once a week. Furthermore, data indicates that websites that consistently update their blog have 97% more inbound links. This is another win from an SEO standpoint.
Create targeted ads
Doctors are sure to benefit greatly when they invest in targeted ads. This refers to addressing that a of people who are already looking for a doctor’s services. When a healthcare practitioner’s ad or social media post shows up on this segment’s horizon, the chances of a person choosing their practice becomes exponentially higher. [3] If a dentist’s target audience comprises 1,000 people, for instance, this tool helps him or her target the 500 people who are already looking for dental services. Not only does this method offer good results, but it also offers better return on investment.
Author e-books and whitepapers
In-bound digital marketing relies on quality content, and e-books and whitepapers are excellent tools that doctors can utilize to this end. They help build awareness, establish credibility and also create value for potential and existing customers. From the recipient’s point of view, they go a long way in establishing doctors as people who are deeply invested in their patients’ overall wellbeing. While some content may be provided for free consumption, doctors can also retail e-books and webinars on their website.
Host webinars
A good way to draw clients to one’s practice is to host webinars or live sessions on social media platforms such as Instagram. These may be about popular subjects such as lifestyle diseases or topical subjects such as improving immunity during the monsoons. Like e-books and whitepapers, such webinars allow doctors to build a following alongside gaining credibility and trust amongst patients. The sign-up process for webinars can assist doctors with creating a database of prospective patients. At a later date, doctors can target communication to this database via email marketing, WhatsApp promotions, newsletters and more.
Get listed on a medical app
Building a personal app for a practice or clinic is expensive and time-consuming. Instead, leverage existing healthcare apps that offer a range of services to doctors and patients. For one, a healthcare app simplifies searches for the right doctor and eases appointment booking for patients. Some apps also offer teleconsultation services on their interface. Choose an app like this, which is popular amongst the demographic and get listed on it.
An app that also offers practice management services can help doctors get more value out of their time and effort. Using it, doctors can track patients better and use the digital marketing services offered alongside. For instance, such apps provide SMS, WhatsApp and email services for doctors to remind patients about check-ups and communicate topical information. Through these means, doctors can stay on their patients’ radar.
Regardless of whether a doctor is looking for more patients within the city or country or even to capitalize on medical tourism, digital marketing is an indispensable piece of the puzzle. As 47% of all online users search the web for healthcare providers, marketing oneself digitally is more important now than ever before. By following these tips, healthcare practitioners can achieve great success in the digital world.
Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.
