Medical Website Design Company Aurora Information Technology Discusses Best Marketing Practices for Physicians

COLD SPRING, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For physicians and hospitals, medical marketing is an extremely important element of business and management. "Physician marketing is one of the most powerful vehicles for a practice's success," explained Daniel Gilbert, CEO of Aurora Information Technology, a medical website design company based in Cold Spring, New York, "Via your branding, logo, signage, website, social media, healthcare marketing expands, promotes and supports your practice's awareness and market share."

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110228/NY55814 )

Of course, in these trying economic times, many practices are trying to save money, but they should not neglect their medical marketing when they are crunching the numbers. "Healthcare marketing opportunities need to be pursued in good and in bad times, especially," said Gilbert, whose firm specializes in medical website design, physician website design, healthcare logo design and branding. "With so many practices streamlining their operations, there are new patients out in the market to introduce to your services. Medical marketing helps doctors keep the patients they have and attract new ones."

Every medical practices, objectives and missions differ so Gilbert offers these tips to enhance physician marketing success in these days of healthcare reform:

1. A successful medical marketing plan is a constant and ongoing process so be sure to revisit it frequently and budget accordingly. An annual physician marketing plan with quarterly reviews is enough and therefore should be done on a weekly basis. It's important to always keep an eye on what's working and what's not working long before you find yourself and your practice "out of date".  If you don't see a quantifiable return on your healthcare marketing investment at first glance, then it's time to get some help.
2. Build yourself a strong medical brand. Physicians and patients always like to be associated with a successful brand. Brand building entails positive identification and differentiation of yourself and your practice, which is measured by quality care, positive outcomes, service excellence and clinical or technical innovation. This brand awareness spurs physician referrals, physician and staff recruitment as well as patient caseloads. Use performance metrics, feedback, surveys and focus groups to know if your medical marketing message is being as well received as you intended.
3. Be current and be sure to take advantage of medical website marketing, mobile and social communications tools. Patients expect to find a physician, medical practice, or hospital website online. Consider using online advertising, online payments, directories, patient portals, and contact forms to drive patients to your practice. Smart phones, instant messaging, email, texting, Facebook, Twitter and other social media are inexpensive communications tools that can assist with promotions, public relations, patient education and information. These channels enable highly targeted messaging and offer immediate influence.

SOURCE Aurora Information Technology, Inc.