Originally Posted in November 2006

Once the decision has been made to start a blog, the next question that comes to mind is how will I get people to read it. If seeking to garner a national or a global audience, one can find a plethora of advice on where to register a blog and how to promote it to a internet savvy audience.

However, if the blog is a healthcare business blog or a blog to educate your patients, the more appropriate goal is to seek a local readership. Here are a few tips that can help you to focus in on this specific group of people.

1. Include the blog URL on appointment cards, stationery, email signatures and printed materials.
2. Have staff and providers recommend content and give patients the URL (of course this means that you need to consider the content needs for staff, providers and patients)
3. Place brochures, posters, and flyers in waiting rooms
4. Consider a direct mail campaign to known customers that positions the blog as a value added service.
5. Contact local bloggers (including reporters who have blogs) and ask them to announce the blog or review the content.
6. If you have e-mail addresses for customers, consider an email marketing campaign to announce the blog.
7. Craft a press release and distribute to local media outlets.
8. Be sure your blogroll links to prominent local blogs.
9. If you have a website, be sure you announce/link your blog on the front page.
10. Attend local health/wellness events (healthfairs, tennis tournaments, 5K Run/Walks, community education workshops & etc.) to distribute information on your facility/practice along with cards with a brief description of the blog and the URL.

Please feel free to add to this list by leaving a comment or linking to this post when you craft your own list. Also consider coming to the Healthcare Blogging Summit in Washington DC to find out more.