Opening a new practice is a race against your overheads. You need patients booking quickly, but you’re starting with no reviews, no search history and no word of mouth. Here’s how to market a new medical practice in the first 90 days, in the order that tends to matter most.
Before you open
Claim your Google Business Profile early
Your profile is often the first thing patients see. Set it up as soon as you have a confirmed address, then add hours, services, photos of the clinic and the practitioners, and booking links. Our Google Business Profile checklist walks through every field.
Build a simple, clear website
You don’t need a big site. You need pages that answer what patients actually ask: what you treat, who the practitioners are, whether you take their insurance or billing type, where you are, and how to book. One page per main service helps you show up for those searches.
Set up booking and phones properly
New patients will call during your busiest hours. Make sure someone, or something, answers. Online booking takes pressure off the front desk from day one.
The first 30 days
Tell the neighborhood you’re open
Local awareness ads on Facebook and Instagram, targeted to the suburbs or zip codes around you, are a cost-effective way to announce an opening. Lead with what makes you useful: same-week appointments, extended hours, a particular service or a practitioner people will connect with.
Run search ads for your core services
People searching for “family doctor accepting new patients” or “walk-in clinic near me” are ready to book. A small, tightly built Google Ads campaign can bring in patients while your organic rankings are still growing.
Start building reviews
Ask happy patients to leave a review, where your local rules allow it. Note that in Australia you can’t use clinical testimonials in your own advertising under Ahpra rules, though unsolicited reviews on Google are treated differently. More on asking well: how to get more Google reviews.
Days 30 to 90
Build referral relationships
Introduce yourself to nearby pharmacists, physiotherapists, specialists, dentists and community groups. A short, friendly visit with a one-page overview of your services goes a long way.
Keep patients coming back
Recall reminders, follow-up messages and a simple newsletter turn first visits into ongoing care. Here’s a framework: automated follow-up emails.
Measure what’s working
Ask every new patient how they found you and track it. By day 90, you’ll know which channels deserve more budget.
Mind the privacy rules
Healthcare marketing comes with extra privacy rules. US practices need to think about HIPAA when using tracking tools. See HIPAA compliant Facebook ads for what that means in practice.
The bottom line: When you market a new medical practice, the first 90 days are about visibility, easy booking and early reviews.
Further reading: Google Ads healthcare and medicines policy.
Want help to market a new medical practice?
Our medical practice marketing covers launch campaigns, Google and patient follow-up. See also how to get more patients, or get in touch.