Why Digital Marketing is Important in Healthcare

Let’s get on board and take a journey back in time to the unforgettable COVID-19 era.

The COVID-19 period was no doubt a turning point for healthcare businesses worldwide. Internet users swelled up as everything went online.

Some businesses were thriving while some were struggling. But what made some businesses thrive while others got lost?

The simple answer is online presence. As more people were shifting online it was crucial for healthcare businesses to be there for them.

So those who were there for their prospective customers stayed on top of their customers’ minds while others were lost in the darkness. 

Now back to the present.

The rise of internet has replaced traditional advertising practices and brought digital marketing into the game.

Now hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, clinics, and other healthcare businesses are harnessing the power of digital marketing to promote their business and expand the growth of healthcare services. 

But what is healthcare digital marketing and why it’s important for your healthcare business, let’s find out. 

What is Healthcare Digital Marketing?

Healthcare digital marketing refers to the use of digital marketing channels such as social media and search engines to promote healthcare businesses, reach a wider audience, and build trust. 

The advancements in technology have changed the way people seek medical help.

Patients today do not rely solely on recommendations from friends or family as they can now instantly research the information online with great ease.

According to statistics, 70000 Google searches are performed on Google every minute. 

Therefore,  it is important for healthcare businesses to ensure their strong presence online and position themselves as a trustworthy source of information.  

Importance of Digital Marketing in the Healthcare Industry

Digital marketing is the word of mouth these days. Due to its benefits, it is making its way from one business to the other. So let’s get straight to the benefits:

1. Reach a Wider Audience

With digital marketing mediums like social media, search engines, email marketing, and content marketing your healthcare business can become boundless.

These channels have billions of users worldwide, so by leveraging the power of these channels you can reach an audience beyond your country to anywhere you want.

You can engage them with informative blogs, and promotional emails or can also offer them remote consultations.

2. Enhanced Patient Engagement

Digital marketing has changed the way patients, physicians, and healthcare businesses interact.

For instance, social media platforms offer a direct line of communication that enables medical professionals to answer patients’ questions, share helpful health information, and build relationships.

3. Cost-effective Alternative to Traditional Marketing Practices

Traditional marketing practices waste up a lot of money, time, and resources so are not effective for businesses on tight budgets.

On the other hand, digital marketing is budget-friendly and evens the field for every small and large business.

Instead of spending your marketing budget on everyone, you can create personalized campaigns for your target audience. 

4. Time & Location Independence

Websites, social media channels, and emails can be accessed at any time and at any location. This allows your healthcare business to be there for your clients even when you are not at their location or online.

With this flexibility, patients with various schedules and time zones can communicate with healthcare professionals more easily.

5. Reduces Cost Per Acquisition 

According to a survey, digital marketing can help healthcare businesses reduce their CPA by 50%. It’s a huge advantage over traditional marketing practices. You can reach a wider audience while staying on budget.

6. Real-time Data Analytics & Data Insights

Probably the biggest advantage of digital marketing.

You can track and measure the success of your digital marketing campaigns in real-time which is not possible in the case of traditional marketing.

The insights you get are then used to make informed decisions about future campaigns. 

Top Digital Marketing Strategies For The Healthcare Industry

Let’s discuss some of the effective digital marketing strategies for your business.

1. SEO

Seo practices involve ranking a website higher on search engine result pages by using relevant keywords. The more a website ranks higher on SERPs, the more traffic it gets. 

According to statistics, 77% of people use search engines to start their patient journey. Therefore having a website will be of no use if it does not appear to your potential customers.

With effective SEO tactics, you can rank your website higher on SERPs and drive more traffic to your website which can result in increased patient bookings. 

2. Content Marketing

Providing informative and relevant content such as blogs and articles to your target audience in order to engage and educate them is content marketing.

People very often search for health-related issues online so if they find your content there they are more likely to trust you. Make sure to write content that is easy to understand by readers and does not contain medical jargon.

3. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are excellent tools for healthcare digital marketing. They allow you to connect with patients, share updates about your services, and provide educational content.

Additionally, social media can be a valuable channel for patient engagement, feedback, and community building.

4. Paid Advertising

Paid online advertising, such as Google Ads and social media ads, can help healthcare businesses reach a wider audience. 

These platforms offer targeting options that allow you to display your ads to individuals who are actively searching for healthcare services or have shown interest in related topics.

5. Email Marketing:

Email marketing is a powerful tool for nurturing patient relationships. Healthcare providers can send personalized emails to patients, offering them health tips, appointment reminders, and information about new services or treatments. 

Building a strong email list and segmenting it based on patient interests and needs can lead to higher engagement and patient retention

Conclusion

To wrap up things, Healthcare businesses must keep up with the newest trends and technology in digital marketing as the digital world continues to evolve.

Those who accomplish this will not only endure but also prosper in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector.

If you are looking for digital marketing services for your healthcare business, we are at your service. Digital Surface is a leading digital marketing agency in Islamabad, offering comprehensive digital marketing services all over Pakistan. Contact us today if you are interested in availing our services.