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Marketing for doctors: the 7 best strategies

From Google Maps to social media to sponsorship: This article shows you which marketing is particularly effective for doctors today and how you can increase your chances of getting referrals. These include many practical options that you can implement quickly.

2.10.2025
Anett Witke
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output:  Moderner Krankenhausflur mit Empfang und Pflanzen.

Practice
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In this article, you'll read:

1. Google Business and Google Maps — the fastest way to an online presence

When we search for a doctor's office today, it's usually done via Google. A complete and streamlined Google Business Profile It is therefore the first and easiest step in marketing for doctors. With just a few details such as address, telephone number, opening hours and subject area, your practice automatically appears on Google Maps and in local search.

The advantage: Your practice is not only found, but also located directly in the surrounding area. Proximity is a decisive criterion, especially for new patients. A well-maintained profile also increases the chance that your practice in the so-called “Local 3-pack” box — the top three entries above the rest of the results — is displayed.

Key success factors for medical marketing with Google Maps

  • Current data: Opening times, telephone numbers and website should always be correct.
  • Photos and equipment: Pictures of practice rooms create trust and give a first impression.
  • reviews: Positive reviews increase credibility and ensure better positions.
  • benefits: Briefly describe your areas of focus so that patients can immediately see whether you're the right practice for them.

With little effort, you can create a solid basis that makes your practice visible on the Internet — even before you invest in paid advertising.

2. Evaluation portals for doctors — from Jameda to Doctolib

Play alongside Google specialized review portals a major role for the online visibility of medical practices. Many patients find out more here before they make an appointment — and compare doctor reviews, Specialties and service offerings.

H3: Free listings as a basis

Almost all major portals such as Jameda, Sanego, DocInsider or doctor information offer free basic entries. The most important data such as address, subject area and contact details are usually displayed here. But what should you do if a review is negative? Learn how to make a Delete doctor review can leave.

Depending on the region and subject area, there is sometimes strong competition on these portals. To stand out, you need As many reviews as possible. Nelly will help you with this. After the practice visit, patients automatically receive an evaluation link. You can also decide for yourself whether a review is published. More about the Practice evaluation with Nelly.

H3: Premium profiles for more visibility

You don't want to wait until enough reviews are built up? Most review portals offer paid premium profiles for more visibility — with additional features such as:

  • Highlighted placements in search results
  • Advanced profile design with photos, curriculum vitae, specializations or videos
  • Direct appointment booking via the respective portal

3. Modern practice — when patients do the best marketing for doctors

The most effective form of marketing for doctors in the long term is Recommendation from satisfied patients. Support word of mouth through a modern medical practice — this includes not only practice equipment and treatment methods, but also transparent processes and patient-friendly services.

digital services

Are particularly appreciated today convenient digital offerings:

  • Online appointment booking without long phone queues.
  • Flexible payment methods, such as card payments, installments or payment links as in online shopping.

These services make everyday life easier and increase satisfaction. Book one non-binding consultation and learn about your options with Nelly.

Communication and patient engagement

Friendly, transparent interaction on equal terms is the foundation. There are also modern communication channels to easily share findings and recipes or ask questions — such as a digital Patient portal. Anyone who feels taken seriously and is well informed is happy to share this experience in their own environment.

4. The practice website — important for a first impression

Regardless of whether Practice marketing for dentists or other subject areas — the own practice website is an important part of the marketing mix. It is a central point of contact for information and gives new patients an authentic first impression.

A well-designed website not only provides information on services, opening hours and contact options, but can also be Photos, team presentations and a clear structure Create trust. It shows personality and gives patients the confidence that they are in the right practice.

Reach through SEO and GEO

  • Search engine optimization (SEO): A clear structure, suitable keywords and relevant content improve the chance that your website will rank well on Google.
  • Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): With the advent of AI search engines such as ChatGPT or Perplexity, optimization for these channels is also playing a growing role. Content should be formulated simply and answer specific questions so that it is correctly processed by generative models.

Legally compliant marketing for doctors:

Always pay attention to the specific legal requirements when it comes to your advertising materials Framework conditions for doctors. In addition to the GDPR, the Therapeutic Products Act (HWG) and the Model Professional Code of the Federal Medical Association (MBO-AE) play a role here. Content must truthful, factual and not misleading be. That means:

  • No before/after pictures (Section 11 (1) sentence 3 HWG).
  • No guarantees of success (§ 3 HWG)
  • No recommendations for a fee (§ 7 HWG).
  • Written consent to publish patient or employee data and photos (Art. 6 and Art. 7 GDPR)
  • No promotional presentation (Section 27 (3) MBO-AE).

5. Social media marketing for doctors — building closeness and trust

For doctors offers social media marketing Through channels such as Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, the opportunity to give a more direct insight into everyday practice and build up a network. This is less about advertising in the traditional sense, but about Building trust and transparency.

What social media can do for doctors

  • Insights into everyday life: Photos and short videos from the practice team or insights into new devices and processes.
  • Inform patients: Changes in opening hours, holiday arrangements or new services can be quickly communicated.
  • Demonstrate professional competence: Contributions on health topics or prevention tips provide knowledge and strengthen the position as an expert.
  • Recruiting: Social media is also a channel to make practice visible as an attractive employer and to reach potential employees. 

Professional tip:

It is better Maintaining a channel consistently and regularly, instead of operating several profiles half-heartedly. A clear editorial plan with fixed topics — such as team presentation, health tips, advice on everyday practice — makes implementation easier.

6. Local advertising media — presence in the immediate vicinity

In addition to digital channels, traditional local advertising media also play an important role. outdoor advertising such as Practice signs, flags or information screens Make your medical practice visible in everyday life and make it easier for new patients to quickly find your location.

If you want to address an older target group, you are also local print media relevant. Advertisements or editorial articles in city magazines, municipal newspapers or regional newspapers strengthen your presence in the area and position your practice as a reliable partner in the region.

7. Regional networks — visibility through partnerships

Collaborations and networks are an important way to increase the reach of your medical practice. Gute Contacts with pharmacies, physiotherapists or health centers provide regular recommendations and strengthen trust.

That too Sponsoring associations or local initiatives creates presence in everyday life and shows solidarity with the region. In addition, medical associations, specialist groups or health trade fairs offer opportunities for exchange and professional positioning.

How Nelly makes marketing easier for doctors

Marketing to doctors doesn't have to be complicated. Just a few targeted steps are often enough to significantly increase your own reach — from a well-maintained online presence to positive reviews and modern service offerings. Crucially, this Systematically implement measures.

This is exactly where Nelly comes in: The platform automatically collects reviews, enables online appointments, bundles patient communication and integrates digital services such as anamnesis and payment via smartphone. This is how you present your practice in a modern and patient-friendly way — the ideal basis for attracting new patients, retaining them in the long term and promoting recommendations.

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Anett Witke

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Anett Witke is an SEO copywriter and content expert specializing in the areas of IT, medicine and electronics.

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