Having a healthcare marketing strategy is a must when it comes to bringing in new patients. And having a healthcare marketing agency is essential when it comes to growing your practice and making sure it lasts. The reality is that the healthcare field is more competitive than ever, so having the right marketing team by your side can make all the difference. If you’re still shopping around for a digital marketing agency, it can be hard to know what to look for. There are a few key things to keep in mind when hiring a healthcare marketing agency, so here’s a checklist as you begin your search.

Reputation and credibility

As a healthcare practice, you know that reputation means everything. You should always screen your marketing agency for things like testimonials, referrals, and word of mouth from other practices in your field. Also, make sure to take a look at their website to learn more about their values and philosophies toward healthcare marketing. It’s important to be able to trust your marketing agency with your practice’s success and you’ll want a partner that you work well with – and trust. Finally, always look for any certifications, awards, or publications mentioning your agency so you can get a feel for their reputation in the marketing industry and how they measure up.

Experience in healthcare marketing

The healthcare industry has its own unique needs when it comes to marketing, so don’t just pick a general marketing team. A healthcare marketing agency will be equipped with the right tools to help you navigate standards and regulations that can get you in trouble if you’re not careful. Always make sure your marketing agency has extensive processes and training in HIPAA compliance, EMR tools, and reputation management specifically with patients. Additionally, browse your agency’s other clients to make sure they have experience in your specific healthcare field, whether it’s dentistry, plastic surgery, dermatology, and more.

Professional certifications

Your healthcare marketing agency is made up of individual professionals, so make sure to screen them on an individual level. Don’t hesitate to ask about your team’s credentials, experience, and understanding of your industry. Healthcare marketing requires its own unique approach, and you should feel confident that your team has the knowledge you need to handle any and every situation that comes up – as well as help you grow in a constantly changing digital landscape.

A focus on ROI

When you make the decision to invest in healthcare marketing, you obviously want to maximize your returns. Make sure that your marketing agency is ROI-driven and wants to turn your investment into new patients and a prosperous practice. It’s easy for a marketing team to make promises, so make sure that your agency has tools in place for you to track ROI and measurable goals. Your marketing team should be able to supply data to help you make informed, smart decisions for your business. If our marketing agency doesn’t seem invested in your practice’s success like it’s their own, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Creative energy

Design and content make your brand recognizable to potential patients, so it’s essential to make sure your marketing agency can help you realize your vision. Take a close look at your agency’s existing client websites, as well as any other marketing materials, to get a feel for their creative ability. Check for visual design and content to get a feel for your agency’s breadth and capability – it can be a red flag if it all seems the same or if it seems incomplete, sloppy, or poorly thought out. Additionally, your creative team should be knowledgeable and able to make professional recommendations to help you hone your brand and make an impression. Also, make sure your creative team fits your energy level – as with your marketing specialist, you’ll want to find a creative team that you work well with.

Let’s Get In Touch

Finding the right healthcare marketing agency is an invaluable part of your practice’s growth. At DLM, we offer industry-leading tools and a knowledgeable team with decades of experience in healthcare marketing. To get started and learn more about how we can transform your brand and your returns, give us a call or contact us online.