The Top Healthcare Marketing Agencies of 2023 [+10 Point Selection Guide]

In the healthcare industry, marketing plays a crucial role in attracting new patients, building trust, and establishing credibility. With more people seeking healthcare services online, it’s becoming increasingly important for healthcare providers to have a strong digital presence. However, healthcare marketing requires specialized knowledge and expertise that not all marketing agencies possess.

Healthcare-focused agencies understand the unique challenges and regulations of the industry and can tailor their strategies accordingly. From creating compelling content that resonates with patients to navigating complex advertising regulations, healthcare marketing agencies have the skills and experience necessary to help healthcare providers succeed in today’s competitive landscape. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the top marketing agencies within the healthcare vertical to help you find the right partner for your healthcare marketing needs.

Here Are the Top Healthcare Marketing Agencies

This is a list of agencies that have a track record in working within the healthcare industry.

cardinal healthcare marketing agency logo

Cardinal Digital Marketing

Location: Atlanta, GA

Year Founded: 2009

Total Employees: 70-80

Website: https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/

Cardinal delivers patient-centric performance marketing strategies that yield lasting and measurable results for high-growth healthcare groups. They advise some of the most recognizable leaders in healthcare to deliver patient acquisition solutions that build brand recognition, boost conversions, and ignite growth. Every day.

As a Google Premier Partner, Best Places to Work, and an Inc. 5000 Agency their team of marketing experts and creative pros leverage the latest insights, technology, and real-time analytics to stay ahead of the trends and deliver a serious return on your investment.

Cardinal provides the following services for healthcare companies:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Facebook Ads
  • Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
  • Website Design
  • Analytics
  • PPC Management
  • Programmatic Display
  • Reputation Management
  • TikTok Advertising

A partnership with Cardinal means highly targeted strategies that increase patient volume, improve brand recognition, and drive revenue; but ultimately, the breadth and depth of our approach depends on their clients’ end goals. Cardinal helps very specific market segements within the healthcare vertical, you can see those here:

cardinal's healthcare marketing specializations

Their healthcare client portfolio includes:

  • Lifestance Health
  • Upperline Health
  • Greater Good Health
  • ATI Physical Therapy
  • Smile Design Dentistry (Case Study)
  • Senta ENT (Case Study)

To learn more about Cardinal, visit their website:https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/  

healthcare success agency logo

Healthcare Success

Location: Irvine, CA

Year Founded: 2006

Total Employees: 30-40

Website: https://healthcaresuccess.com/ 

Healthcare Success is a comprehensive marketing and advertising agency exclusively dedicated to assisting healthcare organizations in achieving their goals. Their primary focus is on helping healthcare providers attract new patients, establish strong brand identities, and ethically influence healthcare professionals. Boasting a team of 40 experts, including strategists, account managers, creative writers, designers, media buyers, programmers, video producers, and digital marketing specialists, Healthcare Success has successfully served over 1,000 healthcare clients. 

They provide the following services for healthcare organizations:

  • SEO
  • Paid Search Ads
  • Social Media
  • Programmatic Display & CTV
  • Content Marketing
  • Reputation Management
  • Website Design
  • Branding
  • Creative Services
  • Traditional Advertising & Media

Working with an agency that specializes in healthcare is crucial for healthcare organizations due to the unique nature of the industry. Healthcare has its own distinct challenges, regulations, and target audience, making it imperative to partner with experts like Healthcare Success who possess in-depth knowledge and experience in navigating this complex landscape. The team at Healthcare Success has experience with the following healthcare markets: Hospital & Healthcare Systems, Multilocation Practices, Addiction Treatment, Long Term Care, Pharma & Biotech, Medical Device, Medicare Advantage, Long Term Care, Clinical Trials, and Private Equity.

Their healthcare client portfolio includes:

  • Mountain View Medical Center
  • Pomona Valley Health Centers
  • Boston Pain Care
  • Thomson Memory Center
  • Astera Cancer Care
  • SynergenX

To learn more, visit their website: https://healthcaresuccess.com/ 

intrepy-agency-logo

Intrepy Healthcare Marketing

Location: Orlando, FL

Year Founded: 2014

Total Employees: 10-20

Intrepy Healthcare Marketing was established with a strong passion for healthcare as the driving force. Recognizing the need for healthcare agencies that truly understand providers and the patient journey, the founders aimed to address the lack of transparency in the industry. Committed to delivering transparent solutions, Intrepy Healthcare Marketing has built a reputation as an agency rooted in experience, data, and a dedication to openness. Understanding the critical role of marketing in determining the success or failure of a business, the Intrepy team takes their responsibilities seriously. 

They provide the following marketing services to healthcare organizations:

  • SEO
  • Google Search Ads Management
  • Facebook Ads Management
  • Website Design
  • CaptureMD Video
  • Doc-in-a-Box Website
  • Marketing Automation
  • Doctor Reputation Management
  • Physician Liason Training

Intrepy considers it a privilege when healthcare organizations choose to partner with them as their healthcare marketing engine. With a focus on mid and large-size specialty practices for over a decade, Intrepy Healthcare Marketing offers tailored growth strategies developed by a team of marketing experts. By leveraging their unique blend of digital growth services, Intrepy strives to revolutionize the way patients connect with providers. With an unwavering commitment to transparency, responsible resource management, and building trust, Intrepy Healthcare Marketing aims to foster successful partnerships and drive the growth of their partner medical organizations.

Their university website design portfolio includes:

To learn more, visit their website: https://intrepy.com/ 

 [15 Tips] How to Choose the Right Healthcare Marketing Agency

Ok, so you’ve seen the list, there’s a lot of options here, so how do you choose which agency is right for you?

1. Look for experience: Choose an agency with experience in healthcare marketing. This will ensure they have a good understanding of the unique challenges and regulations in the industry.

2. Check their credentials: Look for an agency with a strong reputation and a proven track record of success in healthcare marketing. Check their credentials and certifications to ensure they are qualified to handle your needs.

3. Consider their services: Look for an agency that offers a wide range of services, such as content creation, SEO, social media marketing, and advertising, to help you achieve your marketing goals.

4. Understand their approach: Choose an agency that has a strategic approach to healthcare marketing. This will ensure they have a clear plan for achieving your marketing objectives.

5. Check their references: Look for an agency with a portfolio of satisfied clients. Check their references to see how they have helped other healthcare providers achieve their marketing goals.

6. Consider their team: Choose an agency with a team of experts in healthcare marketing. This will ensure you have access to the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry.

7. Look for creativity: Choose an agency that can offer creative solutions to your marketing challenges. This will help your brand stand out in a crowded market.

8. Check their communication skills: Look for an agency that communicates clearly and regularly. This will ensure you are kept up to date on their progress and can provide feedback when necessary.

9. Consider their pricing: Choose an agency with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure you get the most value for your investment.

10. Look for a long-term partner: Choose an agency that is willing to work with you as a long-term partner. This will ensure they are invested in your success and can help you achieve your marketing goals over time.

11. Look for an agency that understands patient personas: Patient personas are fictional representations of your ideal patients. They help you understand your target audience and tailor your marketing messages to their specific needs and preferences. Choose an agency that understands the importance of patient personas and has experience creating them. This will ensure your marketing messages resonate with your target audience and help you attract more patients.

12. Choose an agency that is familiar with patient data privacy laws: Healthcare providers are required to comply with strict data privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the United States. When choosing a healthcare marketing agency, it’s essential to choose one that is familiar with these laws and can help you ensure compliance. Look for an agency that has experience working with healthcare providers and has a clear understanding of the laws and regulations that govern the industry. This will help you avoid costly fines and protect your patients’ sensitive information.

13. Choose an agency that can help you navigate healthcare-specific marketing channels: Healthcare providers have unique marketing channels, such as physician referrals and patient testimonials, that may not be relevant in other industries. Choose an agency that has experience working with these channels and can help you leverage them effectively. For example, an agency that has experience with physician outreach can help you build relationships with local providers and attract more patient referrals.

14. Look for an agency that is familiar with healthcare SEO best practices: Healthcare SEO is a specialized field that requires a deep understanding of the industry and the unique challenges providers face when trying to rank on search engines. Choose an agency that has experience with healthcare SEO and can help you optimize your website and content to improve your search engine rankings. This will help you attract more organic traffic and increase your online visibility.

15. Choose an agency that has experience with telemedicine marketing: Telemedicine is becoming increasingly popular, and healthcare providers need to be able to market their telemedicine services effectively. Choose an agency that has experience with telemedicine marketing and can help you create a compelling value proposition for your virtual services. This will help you attract more patients who are looking for convenient, high-quality healthcare services that can be accessed from anywhere.

The 12 Mistakes Healthcare Organizations Make When Choosing a Marketing Agency

When selecting a new marketing agency, healthcare organizations should be aware of common mistakes to avoid. Here are seven pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Avoid agencies with a one-size-fits-all approach: Each healthcare organization has unique needs and goals. Steer clear of agencies that offer generic, cookie-cutter marketing solutions. Instead, choose an agency that takes the time to understand your specific challenges and customizes strategies accordingly.

2. Beware of agencies with outdated tactics: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Avoid agencies that rely solely on traditional marketing methods or outdated digital tactics. Look for agencies that stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and strategies to ensure your marketing efforts remain relevant and effective.

3. Don’t overlook data-driven decision-making: Effective healthcare marketing relies on data and analytics. Avoid agencies that make decisions based on assumptions or gut feelings. Instead, choose an agency that emphasizes data-driven decision-making, using analytics to measure performance, make informed adjustments, and drive continuous improvement.

4. Be cautious of agencies with poor communication: Clear and consistent communication is essential for a successful agency-client relationship. Beware of agencies that are unresponsive, fail to provide regular updates, or lack transparency. Opt for an agency that values open communication, promptly addresses your inquiries, and keeps you informed throughout the marketing process.

5. Avoid agencies with unrealistic promises: If an agency makes lofty guarantees of overnight success or unrealistic outcomes, approach with caution. Marketing is a long-term investment, and sustainable growth takes time. Look for agencies that set realistic expectations, outline achievable goals, and provide a roadmap for success based on industry benchmarks and best practices.

6. Steer clear of agencies with a limited understanding of compliance: Healthcare marketing is subject to various regulations and compliance requirements, such as HIPAA. Avoid agencies that lack a thorough understanding of these regulations or fail to prioritize compliance in their strategies. Choose an agency that has experience navigating healthcare compliance (ex. how HIPPA defines marketing) and can ensure your marketing efforts are legally and ethically sound. 

7. Don’t neglect the importance of cultural fit: Collaboration and alignment of values are crucial for a successful partnership. Avoid agencies that don’t align with your organization’s culture, mission, or vision. Look for agencies that share similar values, understand your brand identity, and demonstrate a genuine interest in your success as a healthcare provider.

8. Beware of agencies with limited industry connections: Building relationships within the healthcare industry can significantly impact your marketing efforts. Avoid agencies that lack connections and partnerships with key influencers, healthcare organizations, or industry associations. Choose an agency that has an extensive network and can leverage those connections to benefit your marketing initiatives.

9. Don’t disregard the importance of ongoing support and optimization: Effective marketing requires continuous monitoring, optimization, and adjustments. Avoid agencies that provide a one-time campaign without offering ongoing support. Look for agencies that offer long-term partnerships, providing continuous optimization, performance tracking, and strategic guidance to ensure sustained growth and success.

10. Steer clear of agencies that lack transparency in reporting: Transparent reporting is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Avoid agencies that provide vague or incomplete reports that make it difficult to measure success and return on investment. Choose an agency that provides detailed, comprehensive reports with clear metrics and insights, allowing you to make informed decisions and assess the impact of your marketing efforts.

11. Overlooking the agency’s adaptability to change: Healthcare is a dynamic industry, constantly evolving with new technologies and market trends. Avoid agencies that are resistant to change or fail to demonstrate adaptability. Choose an agency that embraces innovation, stays ahead of industry shifts, and can effectively adjust strategies to keep pace with the changing healthcare landscape.

12. Underestimating the importance of local market expertise: Healthcare is often influenced by local factors, including demographics, cultural nuances, and regional regulations. Don’t overlook the significance of an agency’s local market expertise. Avoid agencies that lack a deep understanding of your target market’s specific needs and preferences. Opt for an agency that has experience and knowledge in the local healthcare market, allowing for targeted and impactful marketing campaigns.

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