The importance
Many clinics that approach us created their brand identity many years ago and failed to update it in line with the progression of their business, goals and their ethos. It’s crucial that potential patients see your clinic as it is today rather than that of yesteryear.
Why use HMDG
Hmdg is an expert in branding in the healthcare sector, understanding both the needs of the business and the patient. As leaders in the field we believe that branding isn’t just about a colour or logo but communicating your business identity so that the patient has a real understanding of why they should choose your clinic and what makes you different. This can be achieved in numerous ways but the first step is for us to understand who you are and what you are trying to achieve.
The role of branding
in healthcare marketing
Branding for healthcare marketing is all about painting a clear picture of who you are as a healthcare provider. Think of your brand as your healthcare organisation’s personality. It includes everything from the logo and colours you use, to the type of language you use in your communications, and even the way your staff interacts with patients. It’s like your healthcare organisation’s fingerprint – it’s what makes you, you!
Building your brand
Building a strong brand is super important in healthcare because patients need to feel they can trust you. Healthcare is a very personal thing – it’s about people’s health and wellbeing. So patients need to feel confident that they’re in good hands. A clear, professional brand can give them that confidence.
Stand out from the crowd
Your brand also helps you stand out from other healthcare providers. Let’s say you specialise in pediatric care. Your branding should make it clear that you’re experts in children’s health, setting you apart from general healthcare providers. This makes it easy for patients to see why they should choose you.
Retain Patients
The best part? When you have a strong brand that people trust and love, they’ll stick with you for their healthcare needs. They’ll also tell their friends and family about you. That means you’ll not only keep your current patients, but you’ll attract new ones too.
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A worthy investment?
In short, branding is like the backbone of your healthcare organisation. It supports everything you do, from attracting new patients to making sure your current patients are happy. So it’s definitely something worth investing in!
How does it work?
Initially we’ll offer you a free discovery call to chat through your proposition and give advice on how we would achieve your goals. Next we will sit down with you and generate a full brief for the project. The next stage is to deliver on that brief at which time you will receive a concept package. After this we work to hone the project and take you through to final delivery. Click below to look through a few examples of our branding packs.
Your questions answered
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about our branding services.
How much does it cost?
A branding project starts at £300+vat.
How long does it take?
This will depend on the project but usually delivery will be in 3-4 weeks.
Who owns the creative?
You do! You paid for it, you own it!
Do you use templates?
No, everything is custom designed for you.
What are the 4 elements branding?
Brand Identity: This is like your brand’s “face” to the world. It’s all the visual stuff like your logo, colors, and any designs that help people spot you in a crowd. It’s all about what you look like and how you present yourself.
Brand Positioning: This is your brand’s spot in the “social circle” of the market. It’s about what makes you stand out from the other brands. Like being the “cool” kid or the “smart” kid in school – it’s all about how you’re different and special.
Brand Promise: This is what you tell your customers they can always expect from you. Like promising you’ll always have their back, or always deliver the best burger they’ve ever tasted. It’s your vow to your customers about what you’ll always deliver.
Brand Values and Personality: This is like your brand’s character and morals. Your brand values are the rules you live by, like always being honest or prioritizing quality above all else. Your brand personality is your brand’s character – are you a fun, friendly brand or a serious, professional one?
How can branding improve the image of a healthcare business?
1. Trust and Reliability: Healthcare is all about trust. A strong, consistent brand helps build this trust. It shows patients you’re professional and reliable. Good branding can make people feel more comfortable seeking care from you.
2. Differentiation: There are loads of healthcare providers out there. Strong branding can help you stand out. It shows what makes your organisation unique and why patients should choose you over the competition.
3. Communication: Good branding isn’t just about a fancy logo. It’s also about clear messaging. This can help patients understand exactly what kind of care they can expect from you.
4. Employee Pride and Engagement: A strong brand isn’t just good for patients, it’s also great for your staff. It gives them something to rally around and be proud of, which can boost morale and make your team even more dedicated to providing great care.
5. Attracting Talent: Strong branding can help attract the best healthcare professionals. If your brand is known for being a great place to work, you’ll draw in top talent.
What creates a strong brand image?
Consistent Brand Identity: Your logo, color palette, typography, and any other visual elements should remain consistent across all platforms and communications. This helps in creating a recognizable and memorable brand image.
Clear and Strong Positioning: Understand what sets your brand apart from the competition and ensure this unique value proposition is reflected in all aspects of your branding. Are you the most affordable, the most innovative, the most reliable? Make it clear.
Know Your Audience: A strong brand image comes from understanding your target audience. What are their needs, wants, and expectations? How does your brand meet these? Tailor your messaging to speak directly to your audience.
Authenticity: Be genuine and honest in your branding. People appreciate authenticity and can sense when brands aren’t being truthful. Your brand values and messaging should reflect who you really are as a business.
High-Quality Products or Services: Ultimately, the quality of your products or services will significantly impact your brand image. Even the most effective branding can’t compensate for poor quality.
Positive Customer Experiences: The interactions customers have with your brand across various touchpoints build your brand image. Ensure these experiences are positive by providing excellent customer service.
Powerful Storytelling: Share your brand’s story, mission, or the journey behind it. Stories are a powerful way to connect with customers on an emotional level.
Consistent Communication: Whether it’s on social media, newsletters, or ads, consistent and clear communication with your audience helps keep your brand top of mind and reinforces your brand image.
I have a brand, why should I change it?
You may not need to! Have a chat with us and we can discuss it. However here are some reasons we often come across for working on new branding.
1. Outdated Branding: Over time, design trends change, and what looked modern and relevant a few years ago may now seem outdated. Refreshing your branding can help ensure it feels current and appeals to today’s customers.
2. Change in Company Direction: If your company’s mission, vision, values, or target audience has changed significantly, your existing branding may no longer be a good fit. In this case, it might make sense to rebrand to better align with your current business strategy.
3. Reputation Issues: If your brand has been associated with negative publicity or has a tarnished reputation, rebranding can help to reset public perception and signal a fresh start.
4. Merger or Acquisition: If your company merges with another or is acquired, rebranding may be necessary to reflect the new structure, culture, or offerings of a healthcare organisation.
5. Differentiation: Over time, you may find that your branding is too similar to competitors’ in the market. Rebranding can help distinguish your company and set it apart.