Mobile devices are sweeping the world. What's more, technological advancements have made phones capable of much more than their simpler predecessors. Besides, even the simplest models can now access the internet. This has led to the rise of mobile marketing for healthcare providers, in addition to a multi-channel digital marketing strategy that aims to reach a target audience on their smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices through websites, email, SMS, MMS, social media, and apps. Mobile marketing is changing how companies and the healthcare industry reach their audience.
Furthermore, the increasing use of mobile tech has transformed healthcare marketing forever. What is equally important is how the use of mobile has changed the way healthcare services are marketed. In this post, we will explain how this change happened and in addition what the healthcare industry needs to do to adapt to this new way of marketing.
What is Mobile Marketing?
Mobile marketing is a digital marketing strategy that aims to reach a target audience through various smartphone, tablet, and other mobile device channels. Besides this, it also includes social media marketing, search ads, in-app ads, SMS marketing, and personalized messages that make customers feel special. Again, mobile marketing is becoming increasingly important as more and more people rely on their mobile devices for communication and information.
Why is mobile marketing vital for the healthcare industry?
Mobile marketing is important for reaching customers in any industry. First, lots of people have smartphones - it is predicted that 86% of the world population will have one by 2023! Moreover, people use their phones a lot, too, clicking on them around 2,600 times per day. Again, as so many people use smartphones, it has become a great way for businesses to connect with customers and generate more revenue.
Equally important is that now healthcare providers can also use mobile marketing to offer better experiences for their patients.
What are the top mobile marketing trends for healthcare in 2023
Here are the next and upcoming mobile marketing trends in healthcare for 2023;
Mobile Apps
Mobile marketing is already disrupting businesses by getting their products and services in front of potential customers, regardless of their industry. It's essential for companies to focus on mobile marketing too, as 86% of the global population is expected to own a smartphone by 2023. By engaging with customers through mobile marketing, businesses can generate additional revenue in addition to brand loyalty.
In addition, mobile technology has also transformed healthcare digital marketing, with healthcare app downloads seeing a 50% growth from 2019 to 2021, mainly due to the surge in demand for telehealth and COVID. Nest, health and fitness apps now cover a range of topics, from heart health and diabetes to pregnancy, hair, and body fitness. Apps such as Practo, 1mg, and Medibuddy further empower consumers with helpful resources in addition to further treatment options that are also available online.
Types of Healthcare Apps
Again these apps enable consumers to track their health conditions and gain control over their well-being.
Patient Engagement Via SMS
Next up, healthcare providers now use SMS marketing to further simplify work processes. They send appointment updates, prescription reminders, and medical reports, in addition to bills, and more. Patients opt to receive messages from doctors and clinics, leading to increased engagement. Healthcare providers send updates about health camps and community events via text to consumers, vendors, and to employees too.
Text messaging allows for personalized and precise communication. 97% of SMS are opened and read within seconds. Healthcare marketers have great potential to communicate with consumers via SMS.
Medical Blogs
The digital landscape was already seeing growth in blogs and social media before the pandemic, but the COVID-19 outbreak further accelerated this trend. Consumers finally began valuing fast, high-quality content, that too with minimal clutter.
Furthermore, this shift has made mobile-friendly blogs essential for effectively communicating important information in the healthcare industry. These blogs provide a straightforward way for healthcare providers and experts to reach their target audience, that too on the go.
Now again, expert-run blogs have become a valuable resource for accessing information. Such information includes data on health insurance, processing medical claims, and obtaining further health-related knowledge. With the increasing popularity of affiliate commissions through blogs, healthcare bloggers and professionals are taking this trend seriously.
Use of Social media
As of 2021, more than 4.3 billion people worldwide are using social media platforms. What's more is that this number is projected to reach nearly 6 billion by 2027, according to Statista.
Social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram continuously provide up-to-date news and relevant information. This news can empower healthcare brands to further engage with their consumers effectively.
Lastly, healthcare providers can leverage social media platforms to:
- Reach a global or local target audience.
- Share in-depth knowledge about health problems and share tips.
- Build a like-minded community and offer support.
- Address consumers' pain points and answer their queries.
One of the key benefits of social media is the use of relevant hashtags to increase reach to more target audiences.
Conclusion
Mobile phones have enabled people living in rural areas to access healthcare information that was once only available to city dwellers. Affordable internet providers have brought healthcare to remote regions.
To succeed in the healthcare industry, it is essential to have a marketing strategy. A strategy that is centered around mobile devices. Moreover, there is still much for healthcare providers to learn about delivering the best services to their communities. While the industry has significant potential to leverage mobile marketing trends, it is equally important to make wise decisions too. Decision regarding the technology stack used, with the flexibility to adapt or upgrade as needed.
Commonly Ask Questions:
What is mobile marketing for healthcare providers?
A: Mobile marketing is the use of mobile devices to deliver healthcare information to patients and promote healthcare services.
What are some best practices for mobile marketing in healthcare?
A: Some best practices include optimizing for mobile devices, creating a mobile-responsive website, and using SMS messaging to communicate with patients.
How can mobile marketing benefit healthcare providers?
A: Mobile marketing can improve patient engagement, increase appointment scheduling and adherence, and improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.