Top 10 Healthcare Marketing Strategies for Private Practices

Marketing your private practice as a dietitian, therapist, health or wellness coach is exciting. It’s a skill that grows with time and to truly build a thriving practice, you need to have a well-thought-out marketing ecosystem that attracts clients so that you can continue to scale. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your established practice, we’ve got the tips you need to attract more clients and stand out in the market. 

Here are the top 10 healthcare marketing strategies that will set your private practice apart from the competition.

1. Get in Network to Accept Clients with Insurance

One of the first steps to growing your practice is to get in network with insurance companies. This can significantly increase your patient base by making your services more accessible to those with insurance coverage. Here’s why this is crucial and how to do it:

• Expand Your Patient Base: Many patients prefer or require providers who accept their insurance. By becoming an in-network provider, you open the door to a larger pool of potential clients and this can really help during the earlier phase of business. 
• Increase Credibility: Being affiliated with recognized insurance companies can enhance your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential patients.
• Simplify Billing: Insurance networks often provide streamlined billing processes, making it easier for your practice to manage payments and reduce administrative burdens. Because let’s be honest, setting up internal billing systems isn’t exactly in your wheelhouse and would require hiring out support to get things set up. 

Here’s how to get started:

• Research Insurance Providers: Identify the insurance companies that are most common in your area and relevant to your specialty.
• Complete the Application Process: Contact these insurance providers and complete the necessary application forms to become an in-network provider.
• Meet Credentialing Requirements: Ensure you meet all credentialing requirements, which may include providing proof of licensure, insurance, and other professional documentation.
• Promote Your New Status: Once you’re in network, update your marketing materials, website, and office signage to inform potential patients.

If getting insured feels like an uphill battle you just don’t have the time or energy for then check out Fay or Berry Street. They are two companies that support dietitians as the middleman when it comes to insurance. This way you don’t have to deal directly with insurance but your network and patient load are still broader since you are registered through them.

2. Build a Network Online and In Person for Referrals

Word-of-mouth is powerful, but it doesn’t happen by accident. Building a strong referral network is crucial for any healthcare practice. By networking online and in-person, you can create a steady stream of referrals to help sustain and grow your practice.

Online Networking:

• Join Professional Groups: Participate in online forums and groups related to healthcare. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook have numerous groups where you can connect with other professionals.
• Engage with Your Peers: Regularly comment on posts, share valuable content, and offer advice. This helps build relationships and positions you as an expert in your field and niche.
• Ask for Online Reviews: Encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Healthgrades. Positive reviews can significantly boost your online reputation. These reviews can then be repurposed to your social media and website. 

In-Person Networking:

• Attend Conferences and Seminars: Make it a point to attend healthcare conferences and seminars. These events are great opportunities to meet other professionals and potential referral sources.
• Local Business Networking Groups: Join local business groups or chambers of commerce. Building relationships with local businesses can lead to valuable referral opportunities.
• Host Meet-and-Greet Events: Organize events where potential referral partners can meet you and learn about your practice. This could be a casual coffee morning or a more formal networking event.

3. Collaboration

Two heads are better than one, especially in healthcare. Collaborating with other healthcare providers can not only expand your reach but also provide holistic care for your patients, which can be a huge draw for new clients.

• Identify Potential Partners: Look for other healthcare professionals who offer complementary services. For example, if you’re a physical therapist, consider collaborating with orthopedic surgeons.
• Create Joint Marketing Efforts: Develop co-branded marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, or social media posts, that promote both practices.
• Offer Combined Services: Create packages that include services from both practices. For instance, a wellness package that includes chiropractic care and nutritional counseling.
• Cross-Refer Patients: Establish a system where you and your collaborators refer patients to each other when appropriate.

Just because you’re a business owner now doesn’t mean you have to work harder. It’s time you plant the seeds to work smarter.

4. Host Talks and Events

Hosting talks and events is an awesome way to showcase your personality, expertise and attract new patients. These can be in-person events or virtual ones, such as webinars or masterclasses. Sharing your knowledge not only positions you as an expert but also builds trust with potential patients.

• Choose Relevant Topics: Select topics that are of interest to your target audience. Think about common health concerns or recent trends in healthcare.
• Promote Your Events: Use your website, social media, and email marketing to promote your events. Partner with local organizations, businesses or online collaborators to broaden your reach.
• Include a Registration Process: This will allow you to get in contact again with attendees post-event. Whether it’s an email or phone number, the money is always in the follow-up. It shows genuine care and is also helpful for feedback or surveys on how you can improve the experience. 
• Engage Your Audience: Make your presentations interactive by including Q&A sessions, live demonstrations, or hands-on activities.
• Follow Up with Attendees: After the event, follow up with attendees to thank them for participating and offer additional resources or information about your services.

5. Create Strong Branding for Differentiation

In a crowded market, strong branding can help your practice stand out. Your brand is more than just a logo; it’s the overall experience you provide your patients. Here’s how to create a strong brand:

• Define Your Brand Identity: Start by defining what makes your practice unique. Consider your values, mission, and the specific needs of your target audience. 
• Develop a Professional Logo: Invest in a professional logo that reflects your brand identity. Use this logo consistently across all marketing materials. You can DIY it at the beginning but once your practice starts gaining traction, I’d definitely recommend having professional branding done so that you have an elevated brand that attracts your dream clients or patients. 
• Create a Cohesive Look: Ensure that your website, social media profiles, and printed materials all have a cohesive look and feel. Use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery.
• Tell Your Story: Share the story of your practice—how it started, what drives you, and what you hope to achieve for your patients. Personal stories can create a strong emotional connection with your audience. 

If you’re not sure how to even get started with branding then download our FREE guide: Build your Brand Identity. 

6. Leverage Social Media Marketing

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential clients and engaging with your community. Here’s how to leverage social media marketing effectively:

• Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on the social media platforms where your target audience is most active. For healthcare practices, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are usually the best choices.
• Post Consistently: Regularly share valuable content, such as health tips, patient success stories, behind-the-scenes looks at your practice, and what the work culture is like. 
• Engage with Your Followers: Respond to comments and messages from your audience. Engage with your followers by asking questions and encouraging discussions. Let them know you’re approachable and don’t be shy to show your personality. 
• Run Paid Ads: Consider running paid advertisements to reach a broader audience. Facebook and Instagram ads can be highly targeted, allowing you to reach potential patients based on their interests, location, and demographics.

Social media is a whole beast of its own and if you want an evidence-based marketing partner in your corner that gets the health space, then download our service guide to see how we can support you. 

7. Optimize Your Website for SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for ensuring your practice appears in search results when potential patients are looking for healthcare services. Here’s how to optimize your website for SEO:

• Use Relevant Keywords: Research and use keywords that potential patients are likely to search for. For example, “best physical therapist in [your city]” or “pediatric care near me.”
• Create Quality Content: Regularly update your website with high-quality, informative content, such as blog posts, patient guides, and FAQs.
• Optimize Your Site’s Structure: Make sure your website is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly. Use clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make content easy to read.
• Build Backlinks: Earn backlinks from reputable websites by guest posting, getting featured in local news, or collaborating with other healthcare websites.

8. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing is where the moneys at. That’s where you’ll see high conversions if you have a funnel that is optimized especially for private pay.

Here’s how to make the most of email marketing:

• Build Your Email List: Encourage website visitors and patients to sign up for your email list. Offer a free resource that is irresistible! 
• Segment Your List: Divide your email list into different segments based on patient needs and interests. This allows you to send more personalized and relevant content.
• Create Engaging Newsletters: Send regular newsletters that provide valuable information, such as health tips, updates about your practice, and upcoming events. 
• Use Automation: Set up automated email sequences for new subscribers, appointment reminders, and follow-up emails. Automation saves time and ensures consistent communication.

I’m going to be honest with you, email marketing can be pretty simple, but it’s the consistency that most private practice owners struggle with. A busy day packed with meetings, business operations, and ensuring everything in your practice runs smoothly is already a full-time job and then you have to throw in marketing and creating regular newsletters, it can be a lot. 

That’s why at Amity Align, we take the stress off our health and wellness clients by taking care of their email marketing needs. Ready to check out our services? Click here. 

9. Engage in Community Outreach

Building a strong presence in your local or online community can help you attract more patients and build lasting relationships:

• Participate in Local Events: Get involved in local health fairs, charity runs, and community festivals. Set up a booth to offer free health screenings or educational materials.
• Sponsor Local Organizations: Sponsor local sports teams, schools, online communities, or events that align with your mission and values. Sponsorships can increase your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the community.
• Conversations over content creation: Creating content can be easily delegated to a trustworthy agency but the one thing that you as the business owner want to focus on during the earlier phase of business, is having meaningful conversations with your ideal clients. Not only does this help strengthen your sales skills in being able to guide conversations but it helps you stay in tune with the struggles so that you can market yourself like a bomb. 

Our engagement and conversation strategies not only help attract your ideal clients but also help you land them. If you’re using social media channels like Facebook or Instagram then snag our DM Strategy to 10K Months guide and get access to our proven method of turning leads into paying clients. 

10. Collect and Showcase Patient Testimonials

Positive patient testimonials can significantly enhance your practice’s credibility and attract new patients. But just having the testimonial smack bam on your website isn’t really going to do you wonders. Here’s how to collect and showcase testimonials effectively:

• Ask for Feedback: After a successful treatment or consultation, ask your patients if they’d be willing to provide a testimonial. On the form make sure to include how they felt before (emotion-driven questions), what their symptoms were and how they feel after and their symptoms now. 
• Highlight Success Stories: Share detailed patient success stories on your website and social media. Highlight the patient’s problem, your treatment approach, and the positive outcome. Without context, your testimonial is not as powerful or impactful to the audience. 
• Use Video Testimonials: Video testimonials can be more engaging than written ones. Ask willing patients to share their experiences on camera. This could even be an interview-style testimonial where you ask questions to guide the testimonial. 
• Display Testimonials Prominently: Showcase testimonials on your website’s homepage, service pages, and social media profiles. Positive reviews should be easily accessible to potential patients.

Conclusion

Implementing these top 10 healthcare marketing strategies can help your private practice thrive. 

At Amity Align, we’re dedicated to helping healthcare professionals like you succeed. Our evidence-backed, data-driven strategies are designed to help you build a sustainable practice that not only meets but exceeds your goals. Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step toward expanding your practice.

P.S. Ready to see how a marketing partner can help your private practice thrive? Let’s chat. Click here to book your free consultation.