Ai Healthcare Marketing

Category: Ask An Expert

  • “Can’t AI Just Do My Marketing?”

    “Can’t AI Just Do My Marketing?”

    What Healthcare Practices Are Asking—and What They Need to Know

    Artificial Intelligence is everywhere right now—and healthcare practices are no exception.

    We’re hearing it more and more:

    “Can’t we just use AI to handle our marketing?”
    “Why hire an agency when we have tools now?”
    “Can’t my front desk just run this?”

    These are fair questions. AI is powerful. It’s fast. It’s accessible.

    But here’s the truth most practices are learning the hard way:

    AI is a tool—not a strategy.

    Let’s break down the most common questions we’re hearing—and what every practice needs to understand before relying on AI alone.

    Can AI Replace a Marketing Agency?

    Short answer: No.

    AI can write content, generate ideas, and even help with ads—but it doesn’t:

    • Understand your specific market
    • Know your competition
    • Track performance strategically
    • Adjust campaigns based on real-world results

    AI gives you output.
    A marketing agency gives you direction, consistency, and growth.

    Without strategy, AI is just noise.

    But AI Can Write Blogs and Social Posts… Isn’t That Enough?

    It can—but here’s where things fall apart.

    Most practices using AI internally run into:

    • Inconsistent posting
    • Generic, repetitive content
    • Messaging that doesn’t reflect their brand
    • No connection to SEO or long-term goals

    What starts as “we’ll just have someone in the office do it” turns into:

    • Missed weeks
    • Last-minute posting
    • Content that doesn’t perform

    Consistency beats convenience every time—and AI alone doesn’t create consistency.

    Can My Office Staff Handle Marketing Using AI Tools?

    They can try—but it’s rarely effective long-term.

    Your team is already focused on:

    • Patients
    • Phones
    • Scheduling
    • Daily operations

    Marketing becomes:

    • “We’ll get to it later”
    • “We forgot to post this week”
    • “We didn’t know what to say”

    And even when they do use AI, they often:

    AI in untrained hands creates activity—not results.

    Isn’t AI Cheaper Than Hiring a Marketing Company?

    At first glance—yes.

    But here’s what most practices don’t calculate:

    • Lost leads from inconsistent marketing
    • Missed opportunities from poor follow-up
    • Weak SEO that never gains traction
    • Ads that run without proper optimization

    What looks “cheaper” often becomes far more expensive in lost growth.

    What Does a Marketing Expert Do That AI Can’t?

    This is where the difference becomes clear.

    A true marketing partner:

    • Builds a strategy tailored to your practice
    • Tracks performance and adjusts monthly
    • Aligns your website, SEO, ads, and social media
    • Understands trends before they impact you
    • Keeps everything consistent and on-brand

    AI can assist with execution—but it cannot replace:
    experience, insight, and accountability.

    So Should We Not Use AI at All?

    Not at all.

    The best approach is:
    Use AI—but use it the right way.

    AI should:

    • Speed up content creation
    • Help brainstorm ideas
    • Support campaigns

    But it needs to be:

    • Directed
    • Reviewed
    • Strategically applied

    Think of AI as your assistant—not your marketing director.

    Why Do Practices Struggle When They Switch to “AI-Only” Marketing?

    Because marketing isn’t just about doing things—it’s about doing the right things, consistently, over time.

    What we see happen:

    • Excitement about AI tools
    • Initial burst of content
    • Inconsistency sets in
    • No tracking or strategy
    • Results stall—or decline

    And by the time practices realize it, they’ve lost months of momentum.

    What’s the Best Approach Moving Forward?

    The practices that are winning right now are doing this:

    It’s not AI or a marketing agency.

    It’s AI + the right team guiding it.

    Let’s Wrap This Up

    AI is one of the most powerful tools to hit marketing in years—but like any tool, it’s only as effective as the person using it.

    Healthcare marketing today requires:

    • Strategy
    • Consistency
    • Experience
    • And constant adaptation

    That’s not something you can set and forget—or hand off without direction.

    At Ai Healthcare Marketing, we don’t compete with AI—we use it to enhance what we already do best.

    For nearly 30 years, we’ve helped practices:

    • Stay ahead of marketing trends
    • Build consistent, high-performing campaigns
    • Turn leads into loyal patients
    • And grow with confidence

    If you’re using AI—or thinking about it—the real question isn’t “Should we use AI?”

    It’s:

    “Who is guiding it?”

    Because that’s the difference between marketing that exists… and marketing that works.

  • Are You Educating or Overwhelming Patients? Finding the Right Marketing Balance

    Are You Educating or Overwhelming Patients? Finding the Right Marketing Balance

    Healthcare patients are more informed than ever — but they’re also more overwhelmed.

    Between search engines, social media, online reviews, AI-generated answers, and conflicting advice, patients are surrounded by information. Some of it is helpful. Some of it is confusing. And some of it creates more anxiety than clarity.

    This puts healthcare practices in a difficult position.

    On one hand, patients want education. They want to understand procedures, risks, outcomes, and options. On the other hand, too much information — or the wrong kind of information — can feel intimidating, clinical, or even frightening.

    That’s where many practices struggle.

    Are you educating patients — or unintentionally overwhelming them?

    Why Patient Education Matters More Than Ever

    Patients today don’t arrive at your practice as blank slates. They’ve already searched symptoms, read reviews, watched videos, and formed opinions — some accurate, some not.

    Effective patient education:

    • Builds trust
    • Reduces anxiety
    • Sets expectations
    • Improves compliance
    • Strengthens long-term relationships

    When patients understand why something matters, they’re more confident moving forward with care.

    But education only works when it’s delivered thoughtfully.

    When “More Information” Becomes the Problem

    Many healthcare practices fall into the trap of over-explaining. In an effort to be thorough, they flood patients with:

    • Long blocks of text
    • Technical terminology
    • Detailed procedural descriptions
    • Disclaimers stacked on disclaimers
    • Dense website pages no one reads fully

    The intention is good — transparency and education.
    The outcome, however, is often overwhelm.

    Patients don’t need everything all at once. They need the right information at the right time.

    How Patients Actually Process Healthcare Information

    Healthcare decisions are rarely logical first — they’re emotional first.

    Patients often feel:

    • Nervous
    • Uncertain
    • Vulnerable
    • Afraid of making the wrong choice
    • Afraid of pain, cost, or outcomes

    When patients encounter marketing or educational content, they subconsciously ask:

    • “Do I feel safe here?”
    • “Do these people understand my concerns?”
    • “Is this being explained in a way I can understand?”
    • “Do I feel more confident — or more confused?”

    If your content raises stress instead of reducing it, patients disengage.

    The Difference Between Education and Intimidation

    Education empowers.
    Intimidation shuts people down.

    Here’s how they differ:

    Educational content:

    • Uses clear, simple language
    • Explains concepts without jargon
    • Breaks information into digestible sections
    • Focuses on patient outcomes
    • Anticipates common fears and questions

    Overwhelming content:

    • Sounds overly clinical
    • Assumes prior knowledge
    • Prioritizes completeness over clarity
    • Feels cold or impersonal
    • Leaves patients with more questions than answers

    Healthcare marketing should feel like a conversation — not a lecture.

    Why This Balance Is Different for Every Specialty

    There is no universal approach to patient education. What works for one specialty may overwhelm patients in another.

    • Dentists must reduce fear while explaining procedures clearly
    • Veterinary practices must educate both emotionally invested pet owners and practical decision-makers
    • Aesthetic practices must balance confidence with safety and realism
    • Medical providers must explain complex conditions without frightening patients

    The right level of education depends on your audience, your services, and your brand voice.

    Where Most Practices Get It Wrong Online

    The biggest mistakes often appear on:

    • Service pages
    • Blog content
    • Treatment descriptions
    • FAQ sections
    • Social media captions

    Common issues include:

    • Copy pasted clinical language from manufacturers
    • AI-generated content that lacks emotional nuance
    • Overly long explanations without summaries
    • Content written for compliance — not comprehension

    Patients don’t need a medical textbook. They need reassurance and understanding.

    The Power of Layered Education

    One of the most effective approaches in healthcare marketing is layered education.

    Instead of delivering all information at once, layered education:

    • Starts with high-level explanations
    • Allows patients to go deeper if they choose
    • Uses headings, bullet points, and visuals
    • Provides clear next steps

    This approach respects different learning styles and emotional readiness.

    Some patients want details. Others want reassurance. Your marketing should serve both — without overwhelming either.

    Visuals Matter More Than You Think

    Education isn’t just about words.

    Visual elements like:

    • Clean layouts
    • Icons
    • Diagrams
    • Short videos
    • Infographics
    • White space

    …can dramatically improve comprehension.

    A visually overwhelming page is just as damaging as overly complex language. When design supports education, patients feel calmer and more confident.

    Social Media: Where Over-Education Happens Fast

    Social media is one of the easiest places to overwhelm patients unintentionally.

    Common mistakes include:

    • Overly long captions
    • Clinical explanations without context
    • Posting educational content without emotional framing
    • Sharing information without explaining why it matters to patients

    Effective social media education focuses on:

    • One concept at a time
    • Relatable language
    • Clear takeaways
    • Encouragement, not pressure

    Not every post needs to teach everything. It just needs to teach something helpful.

    How the Right Education Builds Loyalty, Not Just Awareness

    When patients feel informed — not overwhelmed — they:

    • Trust your recommendations
    • Feel more comfortable asking questions
    • Follow through with treatment
    • Refer others
    • Stay loyal to your practice

    Education done well doesn’t just attract patients. It keeps them.

    Why AI Alone Can’t Solve This Problem

    AI tools can generate information quickly, but they don’t understand patient emotions, fears, or context.

    Without human strategy, AI-generated healthcare content often:

    • Feels generic
    • Lacks empathy
    • Over-explains or under-explains
    • Misses emotional cues

    Education requires judgment — knowing what to say, what to simplify, and what to hold back.

    How Ai Healthcare Marketing Helps Practices Find the Right Balance

    At Ai Healthcare Marketing, we help healthcare practices educate patients without overwhelming them.

    Our approach blends:

    • Healthcare-specific expertise
    • Patient psychology
    • Strategic content planning
    • Clear, compassionate copywriting
    • Visual clarity and design

    We help practices communicate complex information in ways that feel supportive, human, and empowering — across websites, blogs, social media, email campaigns, and patient education materials.

    Final Thought

    Patients don’t need more information.
    They need better information — delivered with care.

    When your marketing educates without overwhelming, patients feel understood, confident, and ready to take the next step.

    That balance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built with intention — and that’s exactly what Ai Healthcare Marketing is here to help you achieve.

  • Your Website At Risk

    Your Website At Risk

    What You Stand to Lose Without SEO

    When SEO services are discontinued, the following critical aspects of your online presence will be affected:

    Immediate Losses

    • SEO Maintenance: Ongoing efforts to maintain your website’s visibility.
    • Consistent Monitoring: Key areas that will no longer be actively tracked include:
      • Site health and functionality
      • Removal of toxic backlinks
      • Website uptime and performance
      • Plugin updates and optimization
      • Keyword research and ranking strategies
      • Content optimization to align with search intent
      • Compliance with Google algorithm updates

    SEO Support

    • Monthly reports and data tracking for:
      • Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
      • Google Search Console
      • Google Business Profile
    • Monitoring and reporting on keyword rankings and positions.
    • Website hosting support (if hosted through AI Healthcare Marketing).
    • Regular strategy meetings to analyze trends, data insights, and updates to SEO strategies.
    • Optimization and updates for Google Business Profile and other directories like Bing, Apple Maps, and the Better Business Bureau.
    • Bridged support to resolve Google-related issues efficiently.

    Website Support

    • Regular security updates and daily website backups.
    • A responsive team to address urgent security concerns or resolve website issues caused by malfunctioning plugins.
    • Troubleshooting and regulation of plugins to ensure seamless functionality.
      • Immediate troubleshooting and regulation of plugins to ensure seamless functionality and prevent potential disruptions, such as website downtime, slow loading times, compatibility issues, or security vulnerabilities that could expose the site to hacking, malware, or data breaches
    • Quick answers to website and web development queries.

    What Happens Next?

    Without ongoing SEO management, your website’s online authority could begin to erode over time. While the impact may not be immediate, it only takes one Google core algorithm update to create volatility in your rankings. In the absence of regular optimization, content creation, and site updates, competing domains with active SEO efforts will begin to outrank and overshadow your site.

    Here’s what you might expect in the short term:

    • 3-Month Impact: You may experience fluctuations in search rankings, but these could escalate as trends evolve and competitors leverage new strategies.
    • Emerging Challenges: Staying competitive becomes increasingly difficult as search engine trends evolve rapidly. Key factors include:
      • AI-generated responses and regulations
      • No-click search results
      • Constant changes within Local SEO trends
      • Rising prominence of directory listing platforms
      • Ongoing content optimization requirements

    At AI Healthcare Marketing, we provide a dedicated team to keep you ahead of evolving trends, ensuring a stable and effective SEO strategy to maintain your online presence and authority.

    If you’d like to revisit your strategy or have further discussions with our team, please contact your CSR. When you’re ready to get started again, we’re here to assist, though additional work may be needed to restart your SEO effectively. We’re always here to help—stay safe.

  • I’m not on Facebook. How do I get to my business Facebook page?

    I’m not on Facebook. How do I get to my business Facebook page?

    How do I access my business Facebook page?

    This could be one of the most common questions clients ask me.  The short answer is…before you can claim that you own a business, Facebook wants to know you’re a real-live human being.

    You can’t create a business page from scratch. It must be connected to your personal account. This is Facebook’s policy, not ours. And really, it’s for your protection. It’s to safeguard users from the spammers out there. Think of it from that perspective. Would you want to be getting posts and advertisements from a business owned by someone not willing to show their face? Of course not. But that doesn’t mean that you must be an avid ‘Facebooker’ to have a business page. You just need to prove to Facebook that you have a pulse, live in a real town, and that you are claiming ownership of your business.

    And because business pages do not have their own specific logins, that personal account is going to be your access to your business Facebook page. And if we are creating or managing your business page, we will need to connect you to your business page via that personal account.

    So, if I create a personal account, do I need to post on it to get access to my business page?

    No. It’s not necessary for you to consistently post to your personal account to maintain your business page. But you will need to make sure your personal account is set up properly to enable Facebook to authenticate your account before you or I can create your business page. You’re going to need:

    • A personal email address (not info@ or support@, etc)
    • Personal information such as your name, location, and your birthdate
    • A profile picture
    • And a post or two in the beginning

    All combined this helps prove that the account is being created by a human being and not a robot. Without these things, your account will look spammy to Facebook and we can’t help you create and post on a business page.

    You don’t need to post on a regular schedule, but we do recommend that you post to your personal page occasionally to prevent getting put in ‘Facebook Jail’ (meaning your account is frozen and you’re not able to continue posting or engaging).

    Once I have my personal account set up, how do I give you or my team access to post on the business page?

    I want to reassure you that just because your personal account is technically connected to your business page, that does not mean that people who have access to your business page can post or have any control of your personal account. You’re safe there!

    Speaking of access…this is probably the most important thing I want to share with you regarding your business page security. There are three different permission levels you can assign to someone and knowing the appropriate level of access is crucial to ensuring your business page is safe and secure.

    • Moderator – limited access. A moderator can respond and engage but they can’t post. They can remove subscribers from the page if necessary.
    • Editor – mid-range access. An editor can post, respond, and engage on the page but can’t change the privacy settings or add/change page roles. They do have permission to change information about the business. e.g. business hours, company information, and page setup details.
    • Admin – Full access to everything. The key here is that one admin can remove another admin so in reality, the only people that should have this level of access is you and your trusted marketing agency.

    Get a full breakdown of permission levels here: https://www.facebook.com/help/289207354498410

    I have seen several clients who have given Admin level permission to an employee, a family member, their spouse, or a less than credible marketing representative. And then the employee leaves or they come to us for their marketing, or sadly they have marital issues, and they suddenly find their page has been ‘hijacked’ as a result of the estranged relationships.

    MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ADMIN LEVEL ACCESS TO ALL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS!

    Make a list of all your social media accounts along with the current login and password information. Write them down and keep them in a secure place.

    hint: a post-it-note in your desk drawer is not secure

    Twitter and Instagram are different animals altogether; you do not need to have a personal account to create a business page. You simply need a login and password to create and access a business page.

    I always advise a client to change the passwords to all their social media channels immediately if they terminate an employee. Especially for Twitter and Instagram since you are not able to limit access all along.

    Bottom line, you need a personal account to access your business page but making sure the right people have the right access and the wrong people don’t is your big take away here.

  • When should I start planning my holiday marketing?

    When should I start planning my holiday marketing?

    This is a great question. And to all my overachievers I would say to start planning the previous January. However, I know this is not a reality for most business owners. But waiting until all the Halloween candy has been given out will have you scrambling to create and implement your holiday marketing initiatives. Not to mention, your patient’s inbox will be filling up with offers from retailers that are competing for the same consumer dollars you are.

    A New Bike for little Sarah…or a New Crown?

    It’s important to remember that your competition is not only the doctor down the street, it’s every other bright and shiny thing your patient may want. A trip, a new kitchen, new clothes, gifts for their kids or grandkids, etc. Whatever it is that is catching their eye is your competition. This is true throughout the year, but at the holiday season, your competition grows exponentially.

    Because healthcare, for the most part, is a need-based decision for the consumer it’s important to maximize your holiday marketing before they must make that decision between buying a new bike for little Sarah or a new crown on number nineteen.

    The Window of Opportunity…

    Christmas List

    Whether you’re selling a retail product or healthcare, putting your message in front of the right people at the right time is key. I think the important thing is to find your window of opportunity.

    When does your customer start planning their holiday buying? It may surprise you but that the time is NOW! According to Google Trends, consumers start searching for holiday gift-giving ideas in August. { https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?q=Christmas%20gift%20ideas}

    So, if your patients are already thinking about gifts to give, you should already be thinking about your holiday strategy and campaigns.

    • Encouraging them to schedule their appointments before their calendars are full of family dinners and holiday parties.
    • Seizing the golden “use or lose your insurance dollars” initiative.
    • Create value for your services “How to have a toothache free holiday”.
    • Offer gift suggestions like whitening or a new electric toothbrush.

    Campaigns like that will get your patients thinking about taking care of their needs now before they must decide between Black Friday deals and a root canal.

    Speaking of Black Friday, building your holiday campaigns around retail marketing pillars like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, and Small Business Saturday is a great way to leverage what your retail competition is doing by offering your own creative specials and seizing that window of opportunity.

    Be Smart like Santa…

    As the holidays draw closer, people are looking for last-minute deals, but you can’t wait until the last minute to decide what you will be offering or how you’re going to reach your customers. Even the age-old song shows us that Santa plans for his busy season.

    “Making a list and checking it twice”

    To answer your original question, “when should I plan my holiday marketing?” I say if it’s good enough for Santa, it’s good enough for us. So, plan now! We’d love to help you make that holiday marketing campaign list and check it twice to make sure your holiday marketing is the best it can be.

    We want to build campaigns for you that will help you experience the greatest return on your investment and deliver great offers for your patients. And that takes time. Time to plan, time to build and time to implement.

    Not a client yet? Interested in learning more about working with us? Have questions for one of our marketing experts? Call 800.742.3734 today! We have the marketing expertise you need to grow your business.

  • Golden Rules for Your Website Content (PART TWO)

    Golden Rules for Your Website Content (PART TWO)

    Have you ever looked at your website and thought “I just don’t like this one part…” You’re not alone! Many business owners set out to build a website that appeals to them. Lovingly and with a virtual hug we say, “there’s more to this than if you like it”.

    In case you missed reading the beginning of the conversation on website content ‘golden rules’ you can get caught up here.

    Shouldn’t I build my website so that I like it?

    The answer is “Yes! …and no”. Of course, you should be pleased with the end result. However, there’s so much more to deciding what goes on your website than simply if you like it or not.

    This is sometimes the toughest hurdle for business owners to overcome in the building process. But to ensure you have a website that is not only something you’re proud of, but that actually delivers results for your business it’s important to understand golden rule #3 …

    Golden Rule #3: It’s not about if YOU like it.

    business man happy with his website

    Of course, I want you to love your website. I enjoy hearing your excitement when we show you the finished product.

    But more than that, I want you to love the results it brings you. I mean you have to live with it, but at the end of the day if it’s not working for you, if people aren’t calling or booking an appointment, then what’s the point?

    With every word, bullet point, text placement and image we choose we are asking ourselves, “Does it function, will it work for this business? Will it attract their ideal client and motivate them to take action?”

    Our choices are super deliberate. Graphically speaking, when we chose a particular picture to represent your patient experience, we look at every detail of that picture (age, race, shirt color, background color, the emotion that is conveyed by the photo) and every image must stay on brand. They all have to look like they belong. There’s no “because I thought it would look cool” or “I really love this picture.”

    We run that level of processing on every decision we make for you.

    • What information should be presented on each page of your website.
    • What information needs to be repeated to educate the most visitors.
    • And what call to actions need to be placed to motivate everyone possible.

    It’s the marriage of art and function that drives us to keep working until the website will work for you. We are meticulously intentional about every decision.

    We want you to like the way it looks but if you recommend changes that we feel will are detrimental to reaching the broad spectrum and could be a barrier to attracting new patients, and we don’t attempt to steer you in a different direction, then we did you a disservice.

    When we give feedback, it’s because we have seen what works and we are guiding you to a website that everyone will love, not just you.

    Think of it this way, your website is not like a piece of art you hang on the wall to admire, it’s a tool in your toolbox to build your business. And do I really care what a hammer looks like if it gets the job done?

    Yes, as designers we are still artists and we care about the pretty for sure. But our whole job, our driving passion is about finding that balance between art and function. We are trained to do both. It’s kind of a high for us actually. We love to find that sweet spot between beautiful and functional; we’re nerds about that.

    This is a Team Effort

    We see our clients as a member of our design team. That’s why we work really hard to develop a relationship of trust at the forefront of the creative process. We want to have that foundation of mutual trust so that when it comes time to offer our feedback, you can trust that we are guiding you towards functionality rather than just “because we like it”.

    We really don’t have an artist ego when it comes to your website. We are not designing for our taste either, we are building a foundation for you that will attract as many of your ideal customers as possible.

    When it’s all said and done, of course we want you to be thrilled about your website. But we never forget that you are paying us because we can find that educating, motivating, appeal to the masses sweet spot for you. And that’s what will get your phone ringing!

    Already part of the Ai Healthcare Marketing family but curious about how we can help you with your website content? New to Affordable Image and want to know how we can help get you a great new website? CALL NOW! We’ll help you get started before you can say “Golden Rules?”

    Not a client yet? Interested in learning more about working with us? Have questions for one of our marketing experts? Call 800.742.3734 today! We have the marketing expertise you need to grow your business.

  • I just want a simple website, how much information do we really need?

    I just want a simple website, how much information do we really need?

    This is a great question and one that our clients ask all the time. Whether it’s during our initial ‘get-to-know-you’ meeting or when they are reviewing their site, some clients wonder why we build a site with “so much information” or why we repeat information on different website pages. First, let me assure you it’s not to simply fill space. This is not the case at all.

    There is a strategy behind good website content. There are reasons, or “golden rules” we follow when choosing all your website content. We make very calculated decisions about the amount of information, what information we repeat, where we place it, and the overall presentation of your website.

    Golden Rule #1: A website should educate visitors about your office.

    If you are old enough to remember what finding a new doctor or other service business was like before the internet you know that the search involved a human-to-human conversation. Potential clients would thumb through the yellow pages or see an advertisement and call the office. They would typically ask the person who answered, “Can you tell me more about what your office/business offers?” 

    Before they chose to do business there, they want to learn more and get a few key questions answered:

    • Is this a good fit for me? How can I expect to be treated? They wanted to get a feel for the personality of the office; the culture. 
    • Do they offer the services I need?
    • Can I afford to do business here?

    And because everyone learns differently, we want to present the critical, action-motivating information in multiples styles. Some people want to read paragraphs.

    Others will only read the bolded headlines. 

    And still others will read only the 

    • bullet points. (see what we did above)

    Different learning styles require different presentation styles. We want to reach the visual learner who will only read headlines and look at pictures. We want to connect with the visitor who wants encyclopedia level information in the text. 

    Some people will never go beyond your home page, especially mobile users. Yet some will dig deeper and read all the other pages in the menu. This is why often times we repeat information or calls to action across multiple pages.

    In the digital age, we are relying on visual and printed text alone to give that warm “receptionist” welcome and inform them about what makes your office unique. A website should answer all those questions above plus answer any additional questions that might come out of that introductory conversation with your ideal customer. The goal is to connect with the most people possible.

    website user experience

    Golden Rule #2: A website should motivate visitors to take action.

    Our primary goal is to move the visitor to take action. We want them to pick up the phone and call your office or book an appointment online. There are different motivators for different types of people. It doesn’t matter what they learn about you, it matters if they act on that information. 

    For example, I had to pick a dentist for my daughter recently. My number one motivator was finances. The first thing I wanted to know was before I chose an office as an option for me was if they accepted our insurance. So, when browsing websites, the very first thing I was looking for was the name of her insurance. And if I didn’t find it, I moved on. I was looking for the office that said “Yes, we take your insurance.” on the website. 

    Some offices shy away from mentioning particular insurance companies, but in my experience that deters some from digging deeper or giving your office consideration. But here’s the thing, that’s just me. I also know from experience that other people will look for other initial “hooks”. 

    Your website structure should address as many pain points as possible for potential clients. Some are financially motivated like me. Some want to know the office has the latest and greatest equipment. Others want to know you will give them extra tender-loving-care and still others want to know you won’t waste their time. 

    One of the huge benefits of working with a marketing agency to build your website is experience. As your team, we’ve seen what motivates the broad section of the demographic and we work to “hook” the most people we can for you to meet as many needs and “pain points” as possible. And to do that, we need information. presented in many different ways. 

    There’s one more golden rule to cover but I’m out of time today. Be on the lookout for the golden rule that could change the way you look at your website content …

    Already part of the Ai Healthcare Marketing family but curious about how we can help you with your website content? New to Ai Healthcare Marking and want to know how we can help get you a great new website? CALL NOW! We’ll help you get started before you can say “Golden Rules?”

    Not a client yet? Interested in learning more about working with us? Have questions for one of our marketing experts? Call 800.742.3734 today! We have the marketing expertise you need to grow your business.

  • I’m a small business, aren’t press releases mainly for major corporations and newsworthy people?

    I’m a small business, aren’t press releases mainly for major corporations and newsworthy people?

    Great question! No, press releases are not just for big corporations and people in the public eye. Actually, press releases can be a powerful marketing tool for any small businesses. I think a lot of people confuse a press release with news and that’s why it can be confusing to understand how they can benefit a small business.

    How are press releases different than a news article?

    The easiest way to think about it, is that news articles are typically written on a topic or they dig into a subject in great detail. Press releases focus on an event or relevant information about a business.

    They are brief, to the point and aim to answer the who, what, when, where, or how about the event.

    News articles are much longer and are not generally time-sensitive. They can be released almost anytime and still make sense.

    Press releases are very time sensitive and almost always include a specific release date.

    How does a small business benefit from press releases?

    A few decades ago, to send out a press release meant calling every news agency you could find in the yellow pages asking them to publish your press release. Now, with online marketing and social media, it’s easier than ever for any small business to send a press release.

    Press releases become a permanent part of your website providing more searchable content for your site and expanding your digital presence.

    When a press release is picked up by a news website like Newswire, a blogger, a Tweeter or is shared on social media channels, Google sees the link from those sites to yours. This tells Google you have the authority to answer questions in your industry and boosts your rankings.

    Because we can publish a press release to hundreds of various news outlets using email and social media, a small business can easily distribute as many press releases as they want. We are then able to optimize your content for maximum search engine exposure.

    The more you publish, the more you create interest and the more your brand grows. Think of paperboys shouting your news on thousands (maybe millions) of street corners!

    When a consumer sees a press release published on a website that is not your own it builds your credibility for the consumer and helps them trust that you can provide the quality services and answers they are looking for.

    What types of topics would we send out a press release for?

    There are so many topics you can publish a press release about. Some that have great exposure possibilities are:

    • Launching a new business is the perfect time for press releases! In fact, every start-up practice should be leveraging this strategy both before and after their grand opening.
    • Hosting a donation drive, your business is responding to a crisis, participation in a community event, new trends in your industry, new market research, studies, and polls.
    • Piggyback off a newsworthy current event. Linking your press release to a hot topic in the news can help grab attention.
    • Introduce a new product, current promotions and contests, you’re opening a satellite office, you’re welcoming a new partner, or a company milestone.
    • Announcing a public appearance or upcoming speaking engagement, announce receiving an award, or other subject that that will highlight your authority on the matter.

    Press releases are exciting! They give small businesses the chance to be seen on trusted news sites like ABC, MSNBC, FOX and more.
    With any luck…you’ll go viral!

    Already part of the Ai Healthcare Marketing family but not leveraging press releases for your business? CALL NOW! We’ll help you get started before you can say “Hot off the press!” 

    Not a client yet? Interested in learning more about working with us? Have questions for one of our marketing experts? Call 800.742.3734 today! We have the marketing expertise you need to grow your business.

  • How does a small business make a BIG impression on the telephone?

    How does a small business make a BIG impression on the telephone?

    I am so glad you asked! I am passionate about making a great first impression for every caller whether it’s their first call or they’ve called a hundred times before. Even if they’ve called the wrong number, I believe people remember those interactions. The overall success of any business depends on the impression made on every phone call.

    There’s a lot of competition, how do we stand out?

    Yes, there is a lot of competition, but I think that’s actually a good thing when it comes to making a great impression on the telephone.

    Customers are used to automated systems now. They expect to be forced to narrow down their needs to a one-through-nine “press this” list. Calling a small business should be refreshing in comparison. It’s a golden opportunity for the small business to make a bigger impression than their big-business counterparts.

    We have to seize the opportunity though because if the caller doesn’t feel the person they are speaking with really cares about them, there’s a good chance the customer would rather be handled by an automated system. They anticipate a computer to be indifferent, but not a fellow human being.

    So, despite more competition, if we are being intentional about the service we are providing to each customer, the human interaction will set the small business experience apart from big-business automation.  

    It’s a beautiful time for your small businesses to really stand out.

    How do we make sure we’re making a great first impression on the phone?

    Happy woman answering phone

    I think there’s a lot of training for staff on how to handle that very first call. And that’s really important, but I think small businesses need to understand that every time a customer calls there is a “first impression” opportunity.  Every experience a customer has with the person answering their call determines what they believe the entire company is about.

    I know as a customer myself, I’ve had a great experience on my first call to a business only to have a very different experience on subsequent calls. Which changed my opinion about the business moving forward.

    That’s the power your front-line staff holds. There must be consistency in how callers are handled and that’s where I believe choosing the right person for the job is key.

    The right person has a heart for service! Yes, you are running a business, but at the end of the day, it’s about the human element. People are people and especially for a small business, every customer counts.

    The right person truly wants each caller to feel special, appreciated and happy about the connection after speaking with them. Yes, making sure they have the basic skill set is important when choosing who answers your phone. But for your business to make an outstanding impression consistently, you want someone who has a passion for the job. You can train skills, but you can’t train the heart.

    So, what does the “right person” look like?

    Great question! Your ideal person truly wants to not only answer questions but to make a meaningful connection with that caller. They understand and appreciate what customer loyalty means to the business. They are sincerely eager to help, and more importantly, they understand that they represent their entire team and the business’s brand promise.

    When the phone rings, they don’t see that opportunity as “just another call”. They pick up that phone with the intent to treat the caller like family. It’s not an interruption to their day, it’s the chance to brighten their day.

    I know this may sound like sunshine and roses, but I truly believe the right person to answer the phone is a small dose of just that, “sunshine”. Look for people who just naturally love people.

    What are some specific things to look for when choosing our “right person”?

    happy receptionist

    Another great question! You want someone who can easily, and without much training at all:

    • Express enthusiasm and cheerfulness.
    • Treat each caller with genuine care, courtesy and, respect.
      • No matter if they are a new customer or a telemarketer. The right person believes that every caller deserves to be treated kindly.
    • Make sure the caller’s questions are answered and will go above and beyond to do so.
      • No matter how insignificant their question is, they won’t quit until they get them the help they need.
    • Be friendly and empathetic throughout the call; even if the caller is frustrated or having a bad day. They are consistently courteous.
    • Finds the good, praises it and celebrates people.
    • Loves their job, enjoys their role and is proud to be the voice of your company.

    I absolutely love my job! When I see who’s calling, I truly enjoy answering the phone “It’s a beautiful day just for you {person’s name}.  I feel like I am making a difference when I hear someone say, “I was having a bad day and you just made it better.” And I make sure to let them know they brightened my day as well.

    I always thank them for calling, communicate that I am happy to help them and before we hang up, I wish them an awesome day.

    I am always looking for ways to improve my phone skills. I really believe that when you love what you do, appreciate seeing clients happy, are proud of the team you work with, and enjoy people in general, it’s fairly easy to make each caller feel important, cared for and to make a BIG impression on them.  

    Already part of the Ai Healthcare Marketing family but curious about how we can help you ensure your team is making a great first impression? New to Ai Healthcare Marketing and want to know how we can help with your overall marketing strategy? CALL 800.742.3734 NOW!  We’ll help you get started before you can say “big impression” .

  • Do Google Ads really work for a small business?

    Do Google Ads really work for a small business?

    The short answer is, yes, Google Ads are a cost-effective marketing initiative that can produce quality leads and conversions for any business, big or small. But they must be strategically specific.  

    Google reports that the average business earns about $2 for every $1 spent on Google Ads. (Source: Google).

    That’s a great return. And you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, so Google Ad campaigns are a wise use of marketing dollars especially for a smaller business who has to maximize their budget. You are paying only when you have a real lead rather than paying for the potential of a getting a lead.

    What do you mean “strategically specific”?

    Targeted Online Ad

    The tricky part is strategically designing your campaign to ensure you are hitting the right target; the specific customer who is in need of what you have to offer.

    Google Ads provide a business with endless opportunities to target their ideal customer. To reach people who are already in the buying process. We can target specific genders and age groups with our campaigns. We can target precise demographics, household income and because they are asking Google a question, we have the unique opportunity to be the answer.

    Think about it, you’re more likely to buy a hamburger when you’re hungry than when you’re not, right?

    Strategically specific means your campaign has all the necessary elements to find your ideal customer who is searching for the solution to their specific need.

    We can target specifics with social media too, how are Google Ads different?

    Great question! It’s really about your customers focus at the time you introduce yourself. Social media is a powerful strategy that builds brand awareness. People become acquainted with your business the more they see it in their newsfeed. But they are most likely focused on something else at the time. They are looking through their newsfeed to engage with family and friends or to be entertained. Because their focus isn’t on finding a solution to their need, they can easily pass you by. They will remember you, but their focus is elsewhere.

    Google Ads put you in front of people focused on finding a business just like yours at the very moment they need you. You’re advertising to those people who are the most likely to convert. And you only pay for the ones that click to learn more.

    Will I be able to see if my Google Ads campaign is successful?

    Yes, absolutely. However, it’s important to have a clearly defined goal at the beginning. The ultimate goal is usually sales or appointments. But brand awareness is also important when trying to build trust in your community, especially for a new business or a new service you’re now providing.

    Knowing your goal ahead of time enables you to design a strategic and specific campaign. There are many types of Google Ads, some like pay-per-click text display in Google’s search engine result pages. Others can be displayed as images or videos on external sites. Your end goal determines which kind of campaign will be the most effective at reaching your target.

    We would recommend using a package complete with landing pages and tracking numbers. These tools make it possible to analyze all key performance indicators and track your lead generation throughout your campaign.

    How long should I run a Google Ads campaign? 

    I am glad you asked. It can be a challenge for the average business owner to learn the most advantageous way to narrow in on their target market, analyze the data, know when to adjust, and when to ride it out. Some quit before being able to appreciate whether or not their campaign is truly successful.

    We recommend running a campaign for a minimum of six months. Anything less than that doesn’t provide enough data to judge the success of a campaign. Part of the strategy is allowing the campaign enough time to mature.

    It’s also important to be monitoring the progress throughout a campaign. It gives you the opportunity to optimize what’s working and use consistent data to adjust effectively.

    To sum it all up, Google Ads are a highly effective marketing strategy. When designed with clear goals, using precise metrics, SEO-optimized, given time to penetrate the target market, and monitored throughout for needed adjustments, Google Ads successfully attract qualified leads who are ready to buy.

    Already part of the Ai Healthcare Marketing family but curious about how we can help you to implement a Google Ad campaign? New to Ai Healthcare Marketing and want to know how we can help with your overall marketing strategy? CALL 800.742.3734 NOW! We’ll help you get started before you can say “strategically specific”.