When your goals involve patient engagement and acquisition, consider these media categories when planning your modern marketing strategy and budget.
Focusing your organization's goals on modern digital marketing solutions can take your brand to new heights. Explore successful examples of paid, earned and owned media.
Paid Media
Formerly known as: Advertising
What it is: Buying space/time on traditional and online channels
Why you need it: To promote your owned media and generate demand for specific services
Examples:
- Search engine advertising
- Social media advertising
- Traditional advertising (TV/radio/print)
Here's a hospital doing it right: Barton Health incorporates paid social and search advertising in a series of service line growth strategies (examples below). These campaigns target commercially insured patients who are ideal candidates for elective, high-revenue procedures.
Earned Media
Formerly known as: Public/Media Relations
What it is: Recognition for expertise and thought leadership through unpaid placements
Why you need it: To increase awareness/preference and influence perception for your brand to generate new leads
Examples:
- Editorial placement in national publications and trade journals
- Physician interviews on TV/radio
- Positive consumer/patient reviews
- "Ask the Doc" column in the local newspaper
Here's a hospital doing it right: Children’s Mercy Health in Kansas City is frequently featured in national and local media, including this article on a Kansas toddler who received three heart surgeries before his third birthday.
Owned Media
Formerly known as: Branded Content
What it is: Content that your organization controls.
Why you need it: To differentiate your brand from the competition as one focused on modern marketing and guiding buyers move through the decision cycle
Examples:
- Website/Blog
- Social media accounts
- Email newsletter
- Print publication
- Mobile application
- Direct mail
- Community events
- Other modern marketing directives
Here's a hospital doing it right: Phoenix (AZ) Children’s Hospital “Here to Change the World” 2016 Vision Report
Get More Expert Perspective
Sign up for our newsletter and have insights like these delivered to your inbox!