From Startup to Success: 3 Marketing Essentials for Your Medical Practice

Introduction

Medical school teaches the science of medicine, but it doesn’t really prepare you for running a business. Many doctors who start their own private practices end up “learning on the fly” or seeking additional education. My goal is to share useful insights that shift how you think about running your healthcare business. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or a dedicated administrator, this blog is designed with you in mind. Let’s dive in and explore these essentials!

Essential #1 Create a robust Communication Plan.

Patient engagement is critical to your success. Our worlds move fast, so a solid communication plan is key to building long-lasting relationships with your patients. When you create multiple streams of consistent contact, you become a RELIABLE safe zone where patients feel informed and cared for.

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• How will I send the communication?

  • Research all of the capabilities of your EHR system. Can it send appointment reminders, do email blasts, or does it include a patient portal?

  • From there, consider adding platforms like Phreesia, Kyruus Health, Talkdesk, or OhMD. They can layer on top to fill the gaps.

• What will I send and When will I send it?

  • Appointment reminders, practice updates, and test results are the core elements. From there, you and your administration team should curate what and when you communicate. For example, you should have a prepared email blast ready for the end of year holiday schedule and an accepted insurances list for open enrollment.

• Who will own this communication?

  • Patients will very quickly begin utilizing every channel you open. Once you do so, who in your practice will organize, send, receive, and disseminate the information? Will it be your marketing coordinator, office manager, or your assistant? This will force you to consider practice workflows and job descriptions.

Essential #2 Maximize your Website.

Your website is often the first point of contact for both potential and current patients. It should be a “one-stop shop” for everything concerning your practice. One of the best ways to build trust is by clearly explaining the policies and procedures that impact your patients' experience.

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• Outline every aspect of your practice

  • Include FAQs, video tutorials, or even blog posts that dive deeper into processes.. For example, have a page dedicated to frequented questions such as accepted insurances, billing policies, the patient portal, or even the new patient registration process. Click here to learn more about marketing in the Healthcare space.

• Consider hiring a photography & web design team

  • Patients need to see and feel who will care for them at the most vulnerable moments of life. Capture your office and staff in the best way possible. Include detailed about pages that express the essence of you and your team. Web designers have a skill of knowing how to organize and convey your overall message.

Essential #3 Identify & Serve Your Niche.

In a crowded healthcare landscape, specialization is one of the best ways to exemplify your passions. Patients are inclined to grow with you if they can see what you still dedicate time and energy to learning.

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• Where do you tend to focus within your specialty?

  • Do you perform a specific procedure? For example, Pediatricians who are known for Frenulotomies on babies. Or Gynecologists, who focus on Hormone Therapy. Whether it's a procedure, treatment type, or patient demographic, your niche gives you an edge and helps you develop a loyal patient base.

• How can you build a sustainable offering?

  • Think about how you can expand, offer, and monetize this offering. Conduct research on additional certifications, tools, or even billing requirements. By expanding the scope, you create more value for your patients while, in turn, solidifying your practice as a leader in that area.

Summary::

Success in medical practice marketing doesn’t happen overnight. By implementing these 3 essentials—a communication plan, a flushed-out website, and niche expansion—you can build a more efficient, patient-centered, and competitive practice.

Take the time to assess each of these areas and create a plan. The Always More Health Firm was built to partner with practices like yours and simplify this process. We’ve created customized solutions to carry the heavy load and deliver results. Click Here to learn about our services and inquire on how we can help!