Question

Topic: Other

Out-of-the-box Marketing Ideas

Posted by Anonymous on 11/7/2007 at 3:47 PM ET 250 Points
I work in small hospital, we have another hospital right down the street from us, which draws a lot of business from us. I was wondering if anyone had any "out-of-the-box" ideas on how we can market to the community. We are looking to attract a younger crowd. Typically now, we have no problem attracting the 50+, but we have trouble getting new consumers. If you have any ideas, even ones that have never been used in healthcare, but elsewhere, please let me know! We're looking for anything new, cool and different to try!

Thanks!
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted on 11/7/2007 at 4:08 PM Member
    You could always get some bullies to beat up a younger crowd and drag them into the hospital. :)

    Seriously though, what do you see that other hospital doing that perhaps you aren't? Could you provide some details such as the size of both hospitals, types of procedures both handle, are these remote locations, is the other one on a main street and yours is more secluded? Are the doctors younger at one hospital versus another? There could be many different reasons why this other hospital brings in more business than yours. Understanding those possible reasons first will help us help you figure out a way to step out-of-the-box.
  • Posted by donw on 11/7/2007 at 4:47 PM Accepted
    Some thoughts:

    A younger crowd is going to be less concerned with their health because they more than likely don't have the same health issues than those 20 or more years older.

    So ask yourself these questions:

    What can you do now to help them maintain their good health? Nutrition seminars, sponsor fun run/bike ride promoting good heart health, other fitness programs, weight control, health screenings, etc.

    Also, this demo is in its prime child birthing years. How does that department shape up in your hospital? Is there an opportunity to promote special pre and post-natal services of some kind?

    I'm sure there's more, but that should get your wheels turning...

    Good luck,

    Don W
  • Posted on 11/7/2007 at 4:49 PM Accepted
    Build community awareness of your facility - what you offer that the other hospital doesn't. Basically, we want to make sure we are getting the best care possible. Aside from that, look into offering WiFi stations in the ER waiting room, video games in rooms for kids, think about redecorating the hospital rooms/waiting rooms that appeal more to the market that you wish to capture. Create a package of services targeted to the more youthful patients...upgrade cafeteria facilities

    MarketingRiot
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 11/7/2007 at 8:11 PM Member
    Are your "new customers" patients who are scheduling elective surgery or for ER/trauma?

    If elective surgery, focus on the concierge feeling. A choice of pillows and sheets. Great choices for radio/tv during recuperation. Rooms that feel more like hotel rooms and less like hospital rooms. Machines that don't beep 24/7. A website for friends/family to find out how the patient is doing. You car detailed while you're in post-op.

    For ER/Trauma - that's a tougher call. You need to place your name in the minds of people as providing great care, less waiting, better parking for family, and really caring nurses/doctors. Sponsor local sports teams to get the word out.
  • Posted on 12/9/2009 at 10:06 AM Member
    A small change that can be made is something as simply as changing the face of your advertisement. For instance, if you are running an ad with a senior citizen on it talking about arthritis, you might want to consider changing it to a teenager talking about sports injuries. The advertisements that you are probably already paying for now become more relatable to a new target audience. Also, think twice about the placement of these advertisements. If you have a billboard near a well established community where and older target would live, you might want to consider pulling out and purchasing ad space near a college campus instead.

    Alicia
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Other)