Think Branding, Then Marketing: Building Your Hospital's Reputation
Ever close your eyes and instantly picture a specific brand when you hear a product category? Like Parle G for biscuits or Colgate for toothpaste? That’s the power of branding!
Strong branding is the foundation for successful marketing. You must establish yourself as a trusted name before you shout your services from the rooftops. Then, marketing efforts will keep you top-of-mind when people need healthcare.
But here’s the catch: it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. Building a brand requires strategic marketing. So, how do you crack this code?
Let’s explore some unique creative marketing strategies to grow your brand and get more patients.Â
Take your services directly to the community! Set up temporary clinics in busy locations like malls, parks, or festivals. Offer free screenings, consultations, and educational resources. This allows for face-to-face interaction and showcases what your hospital does best.
Immerse potential patients with a virtual reality tour. This gives them a realistic preview of your facilities and can ease anxieties about visiting. Virtual tours make the patients feel comfortable and prepared before even stepping through the doors. For example, Kokilaben Hospital offers virtual tours of the hospital and all departments.
Develop an app with augmented reality! Patients can point their smartphone camera at a body part and receive info on potential symptoms and next steps.
This interactive tool is engaging and drives traffic to your website. For example, Buoy offers a website visitor an AI symptoms checker. The doctors thoroughly check this to avoid mistakes.
Short, personalized video messages from doctors and staff addressing common concerns or sharing success stories can build trust and connection. Share these on your website and social media to create a warm and approachable atmosphere.
Now a days, it is very easy to shoot the videos using a mobile phone and edit them using various free apps.Â
Here are some examples of successful video marketing campaigns in healthcare:
Having said that, it does not mean that video will sound boring.Â
You can use your full creativity to convey your message. For example, consider the below video from a gynaecologist explaining what causes pregnancy.
Recruitment videos allow healthcare organizations to showcase their culture and attract top talent. Studies show video job postings have a 34% higher application rate than those without video.
Live videos on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow healthcare providers to engage directly with patients and communities. Physician Q&As, health lectures, and community events work well in this format.
Organize community-wide wellness challenges, like a step-counting competition or a healthy recipe contest. Offer prizes and partner with local businesses to spread awareness about your hospital's commitment to preventive care.
Offer free, informative health seminars at convenient locations. Cover topics like chronic disease management, nutrition, or mental health. This will position your hospital as a valuable resource and build trust.
The key is to create innovative and engaging campaigns that resonate with your target audience. Here are some tips to ensure a successful community event:
Patient testimonials are like gold in healthcare marketing. They’re authentic endorsements from real people who’ve experienced your care firsthand. Here’s how to leverage them effectively:
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with patients and promoting your hospital’s events and services. Here are some tips for success:
The key to successful healthcare marketing is a multi-faceted strategy that combines in-person community engagement with innovative digital tactics. Here’s what you can achieve:
A strong brand is built on trust and positive experiences. By implementing these creative marketing ideas, your hospital can build a loyal following and become a leading healthcare provider in your community.
