Hospital blog marketing is an undervalued tool for doctors and medical practices that can improve search engine rankings, increase website traffic, showcase physician expertise, and build a dedicated audience base. When done well, hospital blogs can provide the healthcare content patients are looking for and set you apart from competitors.
In a crowded healthcare market, you need a way to differentiate yourself from your competition, and the best way to do that is through blogging. Unlike other healthcare marketing efforts, you have the opportunity to connect directly with your audience and show them you care about their concerns. This builds trust and can even result in a patient referral.
To make your hospital’s blog a successful marketing tool, use simple language, visuals, and short paragraphs to keep the reader engaged. Use the blog to answer common questions, highlight new procedures your doctors are offering, or share helpful tips. Make sure the content is easy to read, mobile-friendly, and uses appropriate keywords throughout the article.
The Cleveland Clinic’s blog features videos, news commentary, and tips about managing a range of health conditions. Its focus on the latest medical research and technology makes it a valuable resource for both patients and physicians. The Cleveland Clinic also uses the blog to promote its different service lines and encourages readers to contact their local office if they have any questions.
One of the most important aspects of a hospital’s blog is its ability to address patient concerns in a compassionate and caring manner. The Cleveland Clinic’s blog does this with articles about overcoming a cancer diagnosis, surviving a heart attack, and coping with depression after a miscarriage. By writing with empathy, you can create an emotional connection with your readers.
Your readers will appreciate if you speak to them in a voice that is friendly and familiar. Using humor and personal experiences can help make the reading experience more enjoyable for your patients. This will make them more likely to return to your website and seek out other content that you have published.
In addition to helping your patients find information and answers about their concerns, a great hospital blog will include clear calls-to-action (CTAs) at the end of each article. These CTAs can prompt readers to subscribe to your newsletter, read more articles, or schedule an appointment. By including relevant CTAs, you will be able to guide readers further down the funnel and ultimately convert them into patients. For example, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children includes a call to action at the end of each article that invites readers to sign up for their e-newsletter. In addition, the hospital links to other resources on its website, which further drives readers toward making an appointment. This shows that the hospital is interested in building a long-term relationship with its audience and is committed to providing quality healthcare content.