Tips for choosing healthcare marketing agencies in London

Navigating the landscape of healthcare marketing can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure where to start and are focussed on running your clinic and seeing patients – after all, that’s your bread and butter. But whether you’re a single doctor or heading up a large clinic, having a marketing agency to help maintain and support growth of your business is essential.

The marketing industry is ever changing and evolving every day, and with demand for telemedicine is at an all time high, it makes having a digital presence more important than ever before.

Choosing a healthcare marketing agency can feel like a daunting task, after all, there are so many to choose from and so many different factors to consider! That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to finding healthcare marketing agencies in London to help you understand what to look for.

Choosing healthcare marketing agencies in London – 7 things to consider

1. Healthcare specialisation

It can be beneficial to look at agencies that specialise in healthcare; after all, healthcare marketing is a niche area that requires a deep understanding of the industry’s unique challenges and regulations. 

2. Alignment with your business plan

A good company will not be able to suggest a plan right away, rather, they will need to fact-find and gather information about your business before to ensure they can create a marketing strategy which aligns carefully with your own goals for your clinic. They will need to understand your clinic’s core services, audience, key messages, branding, and your plans for the business in the near and far future. A full-service agency will be able to offer different services like social media marketing, SEO service, content creation, advertising services, and will be able to provide an integrated approach, ensuring consistent messaging across all marketing channels.

3. Technological capabilities and data-driven approach

In today’s digital age, technological capabilities are paramount in every business and field. You should ensure the agencies you are considering are proficient with the latest marketing tools and platforms. Whether it’s Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), data analytics, or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, the agency should have the technical expertise to execute sophisticated campaigns and track their performance accurately. This way, you can talk about the results and compare performance to previous months – or even years.

Data-led agencies will base their decisions on solid data, rather than guess-work, making small, trackable changes and adjustments based on performance metrics in order to help increase Return On Investment (ROI). They will understand that building trust with your audience is key.

4. Understanding your niche

London is a diverse and dynamic city with a unique healthcare landscape. The agency you choose should have a thorough understanding of both the local market and wider landscape, including demographics, cultural nuances, and key players in your specific healthcare sector. The more your marketing agency understands both your business and your audience, the better they will be able to tailor their efforts to bring you more patients and help you achieve your goals.

5. Someone who understands the competition

An agency with a good grasp of your competition is crucial. They can identify what your competitors are doing and develop strategies to differentiate and elevate your brand. They will adjust accordingly, based on current trends, what the competition is doing, and based on past experience. Someone who’s been in the business for years will understand best how to approach your specific goals and help achieve the best results for your business. Creative and innovative campaigns will help to capture the attention of your audience and give results. 

Once you develop a plan and the agency presents you with their skills, you will know in which direction you can go and if you’re going to book their services.

6. Past clients and case studies

Experience is crucial in healthcare marketing. We recommend looking into an agency’s track record by examining its past campaigns through case studies and client testimonials. This can help give you a real sense of what they are like to work with and their approach before you make a deal and say yes. They should be happy to speak with you about how they have helped other clinics.

In the end, they should be willing to customise their services to meet your specific requirements and be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. A client-centric approach ensures that your goals are prioritised and that the agency is genuinely invested in your success.

7. Budget

Budget is always going to be a critical factor when selecting a marketing agency. Understandably, you need to find someone who is within your budget. The cheapest option might not always be the best, and investing in a quality agency can yield higher returns in the long run. Be clear about your budget from the outset and aim to get good value for money. 

5 questions to ask healthcare marketing agencies

Talk with the agencies you are considering, and ask them the following about:

A) What are their pricing options?

B) How do they work?

C) What information do they use to guide decision-making?

D) How do they track their success?

E) What approach do they think would work well for your business goals?

An often overlooked factor to consider is whether you get along with your main contacts at the company. You are looking for a team to partner with and so finding someone you enjoy working with is really important – after all, they will be working alongside you! 

In conclusion

When it comes to finding healthcare marketing agencies in London, it all comes down to research and knowing what to look for. Finding a good fit for your clinic certainly isn’t impossible. Consider our above points to stand you in good stead and help you to make a well-informed decision. The right healthcare marketing agency, you work alongside you to help you steadily grow and maintain your clinic or business. They will be flexible yet measured in their approach and adapt as needed with your changing needs.