MGMT DIGITAL

Addiction Treatment Marketing

MGMT is the premier addiction treatment marketing agency.

MGMT Addiction Treatment Marketing Services

When it comes to drug rehab marketing, all signs point to a digital future.

In the addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare fields, digital marketing plays a vital role in bridging the gap between individuals seeking support and the resources they need. By adopting a thoughtful approach to patient engagement, regulatory compliance, and trust-building, we can make a real difference. At MGMT Digital, we’re dedicated to helping treatment centers and healthcare providers craft ethical, effective, and compliant marketing campaigns that empower those in need to find the help that can change their lives for the better.

How To Engage in Ethical Addiction Treatment Marketing

Digital marketing is a powerful tool for addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare providers to reach those in need, offer education, and build a supportive community. With the right strategies, addiction treatment centers can make a significant impact online, offering help to those who may be struggling in silence.

Addiction treatment marketing must comply with HIPAA, LegitScript, and industry standards to protect patient privacy and ensure ethical advertising practices. Compliance considerations include:

HIPAA Compliance: Ensuring that all marketing activities protect patient data and adhere to privacy standards.
LegitScript Certification: To advertise on major platforms, treatment centers must obtain LegitScript certification, verifying that they meet the highest standards for legality and transparency.
Ethical Messaging: Addiction is a sensitive topic, so messaging should be compassionate, supportive, and free of misleading claims or fear tactics.

By meeting these standards, addiction treatment centers can run compliant, effective marketing campaigns that build trust with their audience.

At MGMT Digital, we specialize in digital marketing for addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare. Our team understands the unique challenges and opportunities in this space, and we’re committed to delivering marketing solutions that are not only effective but also ethical and compliant.

Why Digital Marketing is Essential For Addiction Treatment Centers

Digital marketing is more than a tool for growing a treatment center; it’s a lifeline that helps individuals and families find hope, support, and solutions during some of the most challenging times in their lives. By increasing accessibility, building trust, educating the public, and reaching individuals in real-time, digital marketing plays a pivotal role in connecting people with the resources they need to start their journey toward recovery.

The majority of people turn to the internet when they’re in search of health-related services, including addiction treatment. Digital marketing allows addiction treatment centers to reach people wherever they are, including those who may be in rural or underserved areas. Through online visibility, potential clients can find and access resources they may not have discovered otherwise, especially with the rise of telehealth services, which extend care options beyond traditional geographic boundaries.

By investing in digital marketing, treatment centers can share content that builds credibility and trust. Informational content on topics like the types of treatments available, success rates, and real-life recovery stories can offer reassurance to families and individuals alike.

DISCOVER THE FOUNDATIONS OF DRUG REHAB MARKETING

The History of Drug Rehab Marketing

Before the Affordable Care Act, there were fewer addiction treatment centers, and these facilities were often discovered through connections with psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, churches, hospitals, jails, and the court system.

During this time, drug rehab marketing was primarily local efforts, word-of-mouth, and traditional methods. That is until the Mental Health Parity Act was implemented through the ACA.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance providers are now required to cover addiction treatment. Before this legislation, many drug rehabilitation centers relied on cash payments or were non-profit organizations that accepted Medicaid or minimal sliding scale fees. While there were private facilities available, the ACA created a new market of individuals who had insurance coverage and needed treatment.

While this new law was beneficial for those seeking addiction treatment, it also brought on an onset of unethical practices. Since these insurance companies were not used to covering addiction treatment, there was a large gap in policies that allowed for abuse by money-hungry con-people.

In the past, most facilities relied on outreach coordinators and marketing contracts to maintain their occupancy rates. However, some unethical facilities resorted to a practice known as “patient brokering” to admit as many individuals as possible. Patient brokering involves paying a third party to bring new admissions to a facility, which can sometimes include incentivizing clients to attend specific programs. This practice quickly evolved as some brokers realized they could profit significantly without genuinely helping people.

As patient brokering became increasingly problematic, states started implementing active laws against it. This increased the importance of digital marketing.

However, digital marketing for rehab centers itself also had many unethical practices. Before Google altered its algorithms and AdWords put regulations into place, anyone and everyone could target addiction treatment keywords. Those struggling with addiction and their loved ones would trust these facilities advertised at the top of search engine results pages, having no idea that these centers could be unlicensed or unethical.

When this was clearly becoming a dangerous problem, in late 2017, Google shutdown Adwords. Adwords was brought back in 2018, but now partnered with LegitScript, which requires websites to go through a screening process before they can run ads targeting addiction treatment.

The Future of Addiction Treatment Marketing

Despite an ugly past, there is hope in addiction treatment marketing in now. Not only are there many ethical methods to get users the help they need now, but there are creative and innovative ways to get your brand name out there. The future of digital marketing for rehabs involves the following methods:

Search Engine Optimization

When a loved one or addict does not know much about addiction treatment and is determined to find help, where will they turn? Google. Utilizing search engine optimization as a key marketing strategy gives your site the opportunity to rank for crucial keywords in your area (for example, “drug rehabs in Los Angeles”). Drug rehab SEO also allows for your website to provide informational content to users through blogs and resource pages, making your center seem like a thought leader and a credible source on substance abuse treatment. In order to stay competitive in the addiction treatment space, your brand needs to be competitive online. Whether focusing on your local search performance or optimizing your Google Business Profile, an SEO strategy should take into account all elements of improving the online presence of your addiction treatment center in organic search results.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising

As we just mentioned, users usually turn to Google to find treatment. Paid advertisements are the first results they see, and usually the ones that stand out the most. Being able to target your paid advertising towards keywords that you know users are typing when they are searching for help is a powerful tool. Google Ads and PPC for drug rehab centers is the quickest and most efficient way to start bringing in leads in today’s day and age.

Video Marketing

When a user lands on your website, they are looking for hope, reassurance, and help. Video marketing helps bring elements of credibility and trust to your website. Whether it be testimonials, a tour of your facility, or members of your staff speaking to their passion and ability, video marketing for Healthcare centers is key to success.

Email Marketing

Sometimes, you have to meet users where they are. Their inboxes. Email marketing in Healthcare is an effective way to inform potential clients about your addiction treatment facility and how you stand out. It also is a great way to send contacts your newest blogs and insights, and to slowly build trust with potential admits who would not have reached out to you otherwise.

Social Media Marketing

There is a large chunk of your market that is not actively searching for your services. Far too many addicts never research treatment. How do you solve this issue? Go to them. Drug rehab social media marketing allows you to do this. Almost every young person uses social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter. If you are able to reach them with positive messaging on social media and show them what their lives could look like with a treatment program, you may be able to admit clients that you would never have had access to before.

Content Marketing

At MGMT Digital, our experienced content team bridges SEO-focused content with compassionate, relatable content. We write content geared towards people seeking treatment for themselves and their loved ones, while still ensuring that it will rank well. High-quality content helps your users learn more about your treatment options and programs. Creating strong content is an essential part of an effective marketing campaign, drawing users in and improving engagement metrics on your site. Content marketing for healthcare can play an important role in digital marketing strategies.

Web Design

Website design may not seem like the most obvious part of treatment center marketing strategies. However, a well-designed website goes a long way in enhancing user experience, and elements such as site structure can even factor into SEO. Creating easy-to-navigate landing pages and calls to action can impact conversion rates, making it easier for users to find the information they need.

MGMT’s Approach to Drug Rehab Marketing

There are countless online marketing agencies out there—so, how does MGMT’s drug rehab marketing differ?

First off, we understand the industry. MGMT is made up of a team who has experienced treatment, worked at facilities, and done addiction treatment marketing for a combined 19+ years. We understand the in’s and out’s of addiction treatment which allows our team to help you effectively market and manage your facility’s core business needs so your focus is treating clients.

We created this marketing group and management team that’s with you every step of the way, which allows you to focus on your core business.

Understanding the needs of a rehab facility can be underestimated by typical digital marketing companies, but not MGMT. We are a boutique digital marketing agency that understands that it is about the connection between how people find you, how you handle the calls for business, and the quality of services provided to clients. Because of this, MGMT can create unique marketing packages that tackle each area in running and marketing a drug treatment center.

Addiction Treatment Marketing Done Right

We know how time consuming owning and running a treatment center can be. Not all facilities have the capabilities to hire a full in house marketing team, which is where our unique approach to addiction marketing can help. If you are having issues with your call center we can help train your staff and audit your processes so that every call is being answered in the best way possible to help your potential clients get the help they need.

There is an urgency to the work we do and we are aware of it. As a company of recovering addicts we know things have gotten worse in the past year and the more we can help market your facility, the more we help others suffering from addiction. We help get them the help they need by putting your facility in the right place at the right time.

The future of addiction treatment marketing is moving towards a society that uses social media and search engines to meet their demand for treatment and to aid in their continued recovery. The digital world is becoming the most relied upon way to get help for a drug problem.

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Addiction Treatment Marketing FAQs

What to Look For in an Addiction Treatment Marketing Agency

When selecting an agency for addiction treatment marketing, consider the following qualities:

Compliance Knowledge: The agency should have a strong understanding of HIPAA regulations, LegitScript certification, and other industry-specific guidelines. This knowledge is essential for running compliant and trustworthy marketing campaigns.
Specialized Experience: Choose an agency with a proven track record in addiction treatment and behavioral health. Specialized agencies are aware of the sensitivity required in this field and understand its unique challenges.
Proven Success: Request case studies or testimonials from other addiction treatment centers the agency has worked with. Look for evidence of their success in increasing leads and admissions.
Content and Messaging Expertise: Addiction treatment marketing requires sensitivity and clarity. The agency should excel in creating compassionate and accurate messaging that builds trust with potential clients.
Data-Driven Approach: Ensure the agency prioritizes data and analytics, allowing you to monitor campaign performance, adjust strategies, and optimize results effectively.

How to Market a Drug Rehab

When marketing an addiction treatment center, it is essential to remember your target audience are individuals in desperate need of help and support. While running a treatment center is a business, your messaging and purpose need to go far beyond standard marketing, keeping in mind you are likely speaking to either people whose lives hang in the balance, or their loved ones.

Addiction treatment digital marketing is about building trust with your potential clients, ensuring them your center has staff that is experienced and compassionate. No one wants to be treated like a number, and evidence shows individualized treatment is vital to a successful recovery process. Your content, branding, and messaging should reflect that.

Why Outsource to a Specialized Addiction Treatment Marketing Agency?

Specialized agencies are deeply familiar with the rules and regulations for addiction treatment advertising. They help ensure that marketing materials are compliant, safeguarding the center from potential fines or penalties.
Running marketing in-house can be resource-intensive. By outsourcing, centers can focus on delivering quality care while a dedicated team manages digital marketing, ensuring campaigns are handled professionally.
Addiction treatment requires messaging that is both compassionate and professional. Agencies with experience in the field know how to address the emotional aspects of addiction with care, helping clients feel safe and supported.

What Goes Into Digital Marketing For Addiction Treatment Centers?

Effective digital marketing for addiction treatment centers includes several components:

Website Design and Optimization: A user-friendly, mobile-responsive website with clear information on treatment options and contact methods is essential. Ensure it’s designed to provide a comforting and professional experience.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Use targeted keywords, local SEO, and relevant backlinks to ensure the center ranks high in search results. SEO makes the center visible when people are actively looking for help.
Paid Advertising (PPC): Certified, compliant ads can reach individuals in need quickly. Google Ads and Facebook Ads require LegitScript certification, and PPC campaigns should be monitored closely to optimize performance.
Content Marketing: Develop blogs, guides, and videos that address common questions and provide educational information. Content helps attract, educate, and nurture potential clients.
Social Media: Social channels allow centers to share resources, success stories, and encouragement, creating a supportive and interactive community.
Email Marketing: Email campaigns can provide ongoing support and resources for clients and their families, keeping them informed and connected.
Analytics and Reporting: Tracking key metrics like website traffic, conversion rates, and ad performance allows the center to continuously improve its marketing efforts.

Free Marketing Tools for Addiction Treatment

Free tools can support marketing efforts by helping with content, analytics, and management. Here are some useful ones:

Google Analytics: A comprehensive, free tool for tracking website traffic, visitor behavior, and conversions. Essential for understanding what works and where improvements can be made.
Google My Business: A vital tool for local SEO, it helps treatment centers appear in Google Maps and local search results. Regularly updating this listing can increase local visibility.
Hootsuite or Buffer: Both are free (with limitations) social media scheduling tools that allow for easier management of social media posts and engagement. Scheduling tools save time and ensure consistent posting.
Canva: An easy-to-use, free graphic design tool for creating social media graphics, blog images, and email templates. Visual content is crucial for engagement, and Canva offers a wide array of templates.
Yoast SEO (for WordPress): A free plugin for WordPress sites that helps with on-page SEO optimization. It’s excellent for ensuring blog posts and pages are optimized for search engines.
AnswerThePublic: A tool that provides popular search queries based on keywords, which is helpful for generating blog and content ideas that resonate with searchers’ actual questions.
Mailchimp (Free Tier): Useful for email marketing and sending newsletters. With limited free features, it’s ideal for keeping in touch with potential clients and alumni.