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Pop Digital Marketing
In Advertising, E-Marketing, , LinkedIn, Marketing, Small Business,

10 Healthcare Marketing Trends to Watch in 2026

10 Healthcare Marketing Trends to Watch in 2026

Healthcare marketing is shifting faster than ever. Between new regulations, emerging platforms, and changing patient behaviors, organizations that stay ahead will be the ones that continue to build trust, attract patients, and retain top talent.

At Pop Digital Marketing, we’re keeping a close eye on the trends shaping 2026. Here are ten niche but critical ones healthcare leaders need to know.

1. Hyper-Local SEO for Care Gaps

Search isn’t just about “near me” anymore. In 2026, Google’s algorithm will favor providers filling specific care gaps in underserved neighborhoods. Healthcare organizations that build micro-location landing pages highlighting community-specific needs—like Medicaid access in certain zip codes or bilingual clinicians—will see higher visibility.

2. AI-Generated “Patient Companion” Content

Beyond standard blogs, AI-driven tools are creating personalized resource hubs for patients post-diagnosis. Imagine a diabetes clinic offering an AI companion page that adapts to a patient’s stage of care, FAQs, and even family concerns. Organizations that safely leverage AI to provide personalized content at scale will differentiate themselves from generic health systems.

3. Trust Signals > Trendy Content

Patients are overwhelmed by health misinformation. In 2026, trust signals—like doctor-led video explainers, community board endorsements, and real-time insurance verification—will matter more than flashy campaigns. Marketing will shift toward showing credibility and transparency over clever branding alone.

4. TikTok Health Disclaimers Become Mandatory

New FTC guidelines are expected to require disclosure tags for healthcare content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Clinics and providers will need legal-approved disclaimers embedded directly in short-form videos. Those who prepare their creative pipelines for compliance now will avoid headaches later.

5. Patient Advocacy Marketing

Referral sources used to be doctors. In 2026, many referrals will come from patient advocates—parents, caregivers, or condition-specific community leaders with strong digital voices. Smart healthcare organizations will build ambassador programs, offering resources and recognition to these advocates to amplify brand credibility.

6. Crisis-Ready Reputation Playbooks

With AI deepfakes and online reviews getting harder to regulate, healthcare systems will need pre-built crisis response frameworks. These include ready-to-go statements, staff social media policies, and “positive story banks” to counteract damaging narratives. Reputation management will no longer be reactive—it will be a budgeted, proactive strategy.

7. Voice Search for Accessibility

Patients with disabilities and seniors increasingly use voice search (“find a rehab center covered by Medicare near me”). Optimizing for conversational queries and ensuring accessibility-friendly website design will be non-negotiable. Healthcare brands that align their SEO with accessibility will expand both reach and equity.

8. Wellness Partnerships with Non-Health Brands

Expect to see more collaborations between healthcare providers and lifestyle brands. From gyms to meal delivery services, partnerships will be marketed as whole-patient care ecosystems. Organizations that align with wellness-adjacent industries will open new referral pipelines and cross-marketing opportunities.

9. First-Party Data Loyalty Programs

With cookies gone, healthcare orgs will rely heavily on first-party data. In 2026, this means loyalty-style programs: newsletters that adapt to patient behavior, personalized reminders, or “member dashboards” for families. Treating patients like members—not just appointments—will deepen retention and trust.

10. The Rise of “Employer-Facing” Marketing

Employers are now gatekeepers of healthcare choices through insurance partnerships and workplace wellness programs. Smart healthcare marketers will shift part of their ad spend and events strategy to employer HR departments—making the case for why their clinic, center, or program should be the preferred partner in company plans.

Healthcare marketing in 2026 won’t be about chasing every shiny platform. It’s about staying compliant, building trust, and reaching patients and caregivers where they are—with transparency, personalization, and accessibility leading the way.

Ready to put these trends into action? Our team at Pop Digital Marketing specializes in helping healthcare organizations build campaigns that anticipate change and deliver results. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can design a marketing strategy tailored to your patients, referral sources, and community.

Pop Digital Marketing
In E-Marketing, Food for thought, Marketing,

Look Up: Why Your Best Marketing Inspiration Might Be Right in Front of You

We live in a world that rewards speed. More content, faster turnarounds, constant output. However, at Pop Digital Marketing, we’ve found that some of our best work doesn’t come from rushing—it comes from taking the time to look up. There’s something powerful about noticing the little things: 

A pattern on a coffee cup. 

The way summer light shifts through your window.

A handwritten sign on a bulletin board.

A conversation you overheard at brunch. 

These everyday moments aren’t distractions—they’re reminders. They’re creative cues. And when we give ourselves permission to slow down and soak in the experience, we often return to our work with clearer eyes and sharper ideas. 

Inspiration Isn’t Always in the Feed 

Of course, we value research. We stay sharp on trends. We read the data and listen closely to what’s performing well across platforms. But we also believe marketing is at its best when it’s infused with something tangible—something that wasn’t pulled from a dashboard, but from lived experience. That’s why our approach blends industry insights and analytics with creative curiosity. We’re always asking: 

  • What are we seeing in the world around us? 
  • How does it make us feel? 
  • How can we bring that energy into our work? 

Because when a campaign is rooted in both data and emotion, it resonates differently.  

Real Life Builds Better Stories 

Audiences don’t just want content that checks a box—they want something that feels like it came from a real place. A poster you saw in a record shop might inspire the color palette for a new brand. A fleeting conversation at a farmers market might shape the voice of an ad. Those small sparks become part of something bigger. When we pause long enough to notice what’s around us, we create work that resonates more deeply. It’s more human. More thoughtful. More memorable. 

Creating strong marketing isn’t about rushing to keep up—it’s about building something that lasts. That means making space for reflection, curiosity, and the moments that often get overlooked. Our team combines research, data, and inspiration from the world around us to create campaigns that feel fresh, thoughtful, and aligned with your goals. We don’t just react—we create with purpose. 

If you’re ready to slow down, think deeper, and build marketing that genuinely reflects who you are, we’re ready when you are. 

Pop Digital Marketing
In E-Marketing, Marketing, , Tips

Marketing Is Storytelling: How You Show Up Matters

In today’s digital landscape, the brands that rise above the noise aren’t always the loudest—they’re the ones that tell the most compelling stories. At Pop Digital Marketing, we believe marketing is more than a strategy; it’s a way to build a connection. The right message sparks recognition, earns trust, and turns audiences into communities. Whether you’re launching something new or evolving something established, one question drives it all: 

How do you want to show up in your industry?  

The Power of a Clear Brand Narrative 

Every brand has a story—it’s the heartbeat behind your work. But without a strong foundation, even the best ideas can feel scattered. Your brand is more than a logo or tagline. It’s your values, your voice, and the experience you promise to deliver.

Why it Matters: When your branding is rooted in authenticity, it doesn’t just define how you look—it describes how people feel when they encounter you. That kind of clarity invites connection. It turns first-time customers into lifelong supporters by helping them see where they belong in your story. At Pop, we help you uncover and articulate the deeper narrative that sets you apart, then bring it to life through intentional visuals and messaging that make you instantly recognizable and impossible to ignore. 

Your Website Is Your Home Base 

Your website is more than a digital destination—it’s the space where your story comes to life. It’s often the first place people go to learn about your business, and the moment they land there, they’re forming an impression. We approach website design as an immersive experience. Every detail, from structure to copy to visuals, is crafted to reflect your brand’s purpose and guide visitors with clarity and ease.

Why it Matters: When your website communicates your story with intention, it creates trust. It gives your audience a sense of who you are, why you do what you do, and how they can be part of it. That’s what transforms casual clicks into real engagement—and real engagement into lasting relationships. 

Social Media That Creates Genuine Connection 

Your story doesn’t stop at your website—it continues every day through your presence on social media. But in a world of quick scrolls and constant noise, people don’t want polished sales pitches. They want authenticity. They want to feel seen. That’s why our social media services focus on building meaningful connections. We create content that’s rooted in your brand story: visuals, language, and strategy that reflect who you are and what your audience cares about. 

Why it Matters: Showing up consistently and speaking authentically makes sure your audience isn’t just listening—they’re engaging. Over time, that consistent, relatable presence builds a genuine sense of community, one where your followers become advocates, and your story becomes an integral part of their daily lives. 

Bridging the Gap 

When your branding, website, and social media work in harmony, they do more than elevate your visibility—they create a sense of familiarity. And in business, familiarity grows trust. That’s the difference between being noticed and being remembered. 

We help brands bridge the gap between how they see themselves and how they’re seen. Because the way you tell your story determines the kind of community you’ll build, and the legacy you’ll leave behind. Ready to show up with purpose? Let’s build something unforgettable—together. 

 

Pop Digital Marketing
In Advertising, Blog, Marketing, Small Business

Local Love: Why Chicago Small Businesses Deserve Big Brand Strategy

Chicago Small Business Blog

There’s something special about building a business in Chicago. Maybe it’s the energy of the neighborhoods, the hustle of the busy downtown, or the grit it takes to show up every day—rain, shine, or lake-effect snow. We know it well – because we’re a Chicago small business, too. At Pop Digital Marketing, we’ve worked with clients from all different types of industries. From fine jewel companies to healthcare clinics, our passion has always been rooted in helping local businesses grow. Here’s why we believe small businesses in Chicago deserve the same strategy and support as the big guys—and how we’re helping make that happen. 

We’re a Chicago business, too. 

Pop Digital was built in the heart of the city. We’ve walked the same sidewalks as our clients, enjoyed the same street festivals, and held strategy sessions in the same corner cafés. We know what it takes to build a brand here—not just online, but on the ground. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when a business doesn’t just blend into the market but wholly owns its place in the community. That’s why we do what we do. 

What makes local brands powerful? 

Small businesses often assume they need a huge budget or massive following to stand out. This is not always true. 

 In fact we believe, local brands have something national ones don’t: 

  •  Proximity 
  • Personality 
  • Real-time feedback 
  • Deep community connection 

 Your audience doesn’t just want to know what you do. They want to know who you are. What you stand for. How you show up in the neighborhood. That’s a story worth telling—and marketing should help you tell it well.  

How we bring ‘big agency’ strategy to small business budgets 

We know what it’s like to have a big vision and a limited budget. So we’ve built our services around flexibility, clarity, and ROI—not fluff. 

 Here’s how we help small businesses show up like big brands: 

  • Custom brand story development—so your message is clear, cohesive, and easy to share 
  • Smart design, from logos to flyers to full-scale rebrands 
  • Strategic social media content that actually speaks to your audience 
  • Website and SEO updates that make it easier for people to find (and trust) you 
  • Consulting sessions to map out your next steps, based on your goals 

Big impact doesn’t require big spend—it requires strategy, creativity, and consistency. That’s what we do best.  

Chicago clients, real results. 

Some of our favorite work has come from helping Chicago-based small businesses level up their brands and connect with their communities. Whether it’s spotlighting local voices or creating marketing systems that scale, we’ve seen what happens when small business owners have the tools (and confidence) to market with intention. That’s what we’re here for. 

Want to grow your brand with a team that gets your city? 

Let’s talk growth. We’re ready when you are. 

 

Explore our services 

Follow our socials:

Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Pop Digital Marketing
In Advertising, Blog, Marketing, SEO, , Tips

What to Do When Your Content Stops Performing  

content marketing tips

You’ve been there. 
Your posts used to get clicks. Your emails used to convert. Your blog used to rank. 
Now… not so much.  

If your content has started to flatline, don’t panic. Performance dips are normal—especially as platforms evolve, algorithms shift, and audiences tune out from sameness. The good news? A few strategic moves can breathe new life into what you’ve already built.  

Here are five ways to get your content back on track—plus how Pop Digital Marketing can help you make it stick.  

1️. Revisit the Data—But Look Beyond Likes 

It’s easy to chase vanity metrics, but the real story is in the patterns.  

Check:  

  • Time-on-page (are readers actually engaging?) 
  • Click-through rates (are your CTAs compelling?)  
  • Search terms driving traffic (is it still relevant?)  

Pro Tip: Declining numbers aren’t always a failure—they’re feedback. They tell you where to dig deeper.  

2️. Update, Don’t Abandon  

If a blog, email, or landing page used to work, don’t scrap it—refresh it.  

  • Add recent stats or industry shifts  
  • Improve headlines and meta descriptions 
  • Reposition the content to align with current search intent or audience needs  

Sometimes, all it takes is a little polish to make an old piece shine again.  

3️. Repurpose High-Value Pieces into New Formats  

If your audience isn’t reading, maybe they’re watching. Take a strong-performing blog or email and turn it into:  

  • A video script or Reel  
  • A LinkedIn carousel  
  • A webinar talking point  

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just spin it in a new direction.  

4️. Test Something New (Without Starting from Scratch)  

Try A/B testing your:  

  • Subject lines  
  • Instagram hooks or first-frame visuals  
  • CTA buttons or copy  

Low-lift tests can lead to big learnings—without overhauling your entire strategy.  

5️. Talk to Your Audience Again  

If your content is falling flat, it might be because you’ve stopped listening.  

Revisit:  

  • Client questions from emails or sales calls  
  • Comments and DMs  
  • Keyword trends in your space  

Your next best content idea might be sitting in your inbox right now.  

Let’s Fix It—Together  

At Pop Digital Marketing, we help brands realign and rebuild when things start to stall.  Whether it’s a one-time audit or ongoing strategy support, we’ll work with you to:  

  • Diagnose what’s not working  
  • Build fresh content that connects  
  • Create systems that keep your campaigns moving forward 
  • Want help reviving your content?  

Let’s book a quick strategy call.  

 

Pop Digital Marketing
In Advertising, E-Marketing, Marketing, SEO, , Tips

5 Marketing Moves to Make Before Summer Hits 

Taking small steps now will create serious momentum later. 

At Pop Digital, we know the spring-to-summer transition can be chaotic. Between shifting priorities, seasonal campaigns, and that creeping vacation mindset, it’s easy for marketing to fall into reactive mode. But here’s the good news: a few intentional moves now can set your summer strategy up for success—without the scramble. 

Whether you’re a solo founder or part of a growing team, these five actions will help you stay ahead of the game: 

1️. Audit Your Email List 

A cluttered list = a diluted message. Take 20 minutes to clean up your email list: 

  • Remove bounced addresses and inactive subscribers 
  • Segment your audience for smarter targeting 
  • Revisit your welcome series and automations 

This quick cleanup can boost your open rates, increase deliverability, and help your content reach the right people. 

2️. Repurpose Top-Performing Content into Reels 

Your best ideas don’t need to live once. Revisit your top posts from the past quarter and give them new life as Instagram Reels, TikToks, or short-form video ads. 

  • Turn a blog intro into a video script
  • Animate a carousel into a voiceover clip
  • Share a testimonial as a 15-second punch 

Video still leads the pack in engagement—make it work for you with content you’ve already proven. 

3️. Run a Test Campaign 

Not sure what’s clicking? Test it. Launch a low-lift test campaign with: 

  •  New messaging or offers 
  • A fresh audience segment 
  • Alternate visuals or ad formats 

You’ll gain insights fast, refine your creative, and avoid wasting time (and budget) on the wrong strategy come summer. 

4️. Update Your Website Keywords 

Search behavior shifts with the season. Make sure your site content reflects what your audience is actually searching for. Look for opportunities to: 

  • Refresh headlines and meta descriptions 
  • Add seasonal blog content 
  • Optimize your top service pages 
  • Resubmit your site for indexing on search consoles

A well-optimized site boosts visibility when your audience is most active—and ready to convert. 

5️. Batch + Schedule Your Content 

No one wants to be scrambling for social posts in mid-July. Block off a few hours now to: 

  • Pre-plan your content calendar 
  • Batch captions and visuals 
  • Schedule your posts across platforms 

Summer should be for creativity—not chaos. 

You don’t need a complete rebrand or massive campaign to make your marketing work smarter. A few focused tweaks can create space, clarity, and serious momentum. 

At Pop Digital Marketing, we help businesses do exactly that—with collaborative strategy sessions, real-time campaign support, and targeted consulting designed to move the needle. 

Whether you need help refreshing your website SEO, creating a smarter email flow, or mapping out your summer content calendar—we’re here to roll up our sleeves and build it with you. 

 Ready to make your next move? 

Let’s talk strategy – email: info@popdigitalmarketing.com 

Explore our services 

 

Pop Digital Marketing
In Marketing, SEO, , Tips, Training, Web Development

Marketing Must-Haves: How We Stay Ahead—And Help You Do the Same 

In 2025, digital marketing isn’t just evolving—it’s accelerating. Staying relevant now means more than frequent posting or having a polished website. It requires adapting to new technologies, understanding shifting consumer behavior, and building strategies that actually drive results. 

At Pop Digital Marketing, staying ahead of the curve is our norm—so our clients can lead, not follow. 

Here are the five essential marketing must-haves your business needs this year—and how we help bring them to life: 

  1. Short-Form Video That Grabs Attention

According to HubSpot’s 2025 State of Marketing Report, short-form video continues to deliver the highest ROI—especially when paired with influencer collaborations. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are now the go-to channels for connecting with Millennial and Gen Z audiences. 

🎯 What we do:
We help clients turn video into impact. From content calendars and creative direction to editing tools that simplify the process, we make short-form video both accessible and strategic. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes moments, 15-second tutorials, or livestream Q&As, we help your story land—and stick. 

  1. AI-Driven Marketing That Works Smarter, Not Harder

AI is no longer an emerging trend—it’s a daily tool. As Deepak Bansal’s 2025 Trends Report shows, AI now drives everything from multi-modal content creation to smarter keyword targeting. 

🎯 What we do:
At Pop, we leverage AI to improve efficiency without losing creativity. From refining SEO strategy to automating workflows, we use AI tools to streamline content production and give clients data-informed direction they can trust while maintaining their unique brand identity. 

  1. Authenticity Through Visual Storytelling

Today’s audiences want more than polished content—they want realness. Visual storytelling creates emotional connection and builds brand loyalty faster than any ad spend alone. 

🎯 What we do:
We help brands show up authentically. Our creative team blends branded video, custom carousels, and user-generated content to visually share your values. The result? A brand that feels human—and unforgettable. 

  1. Hyper-Personalized Content That Converts

Generic marketing doesn’t cut it anymore. Consumers expect content that feels made for them—delivered at the right time, in the right place, with the right message. 

🎯 What we do:
We create with purpose. Every website, campaign, and piece of branded content is designed with your ideal audience in mind. We write copy that speaks their language, design responsive websites that guide them to act, and develop visual assets that reflect your brand’s story—built to connect and convert. 

  1. A Strategy That Evolves With the Industry

Trends shift—but smart strategy adapts. With AI, AR, and platform algorithms constantly changing the game, it’s critical to build marketing that’s rooted in research and made to move. 

🎯 What we do:
We conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to ensure your campaigns are primed for success from the start. Our strategy-first approach gives you the insights and agility needed to evolve with the market—without falling behind. 

 

Let’s Future-Proof Your Marketing 

Whether you’re looking to overhaul your digital strategy or make smart, data-driven refinements, we’re here to help you grow with confidence. At Pop Digital, we don’t just keep up with trends—we help you lead them. 

Ready to #GetDiscovered? Let’s build what’s next. Contact us today 

Pop Digital Marketing
In Advertising, Blog, E-Marketing, , How to, LinkedIn, Marketing, , Tips

Marketing During the Summer Season: Maximize Your Strategies 

With summer in full swing, you may have seen a slight dip in engagement and sales while consumers are in “vacation mode.” It can be difficult to capture your audience’s attention as more people are spending less time on the internet and more time outside. According to a study by Fanpage Karma, they saw 39% more reactions on rainy days in spring, autumn, and winter than on sunny days. Despite the low activity, you can get the most out of the summer season with these marketing tips to encourage more interactions.

Here are 4 recommended tactics to keep your marketing strong and your audience engaged over the summer:   

Retarget Ads 

With increased sunshine, people are more likely to spend less time online, making it more difficult to drive sales and gain your consumer’s attention. Luckily, there are ways you can optimize your strategy with this trend in mind. Retargeting your ads on Facebook and Google allows brands to engage with their visitors long after they have left your website. These targeted ads will keep your business at the forefront of visitors’ minds while building trust and encouraging recent visitors to return to your site. 

Summer Holidays 

Take advantage of the Summer Holidays and find ways to tie them into your marketing strategy. You can also incorporate National Holidays into your campaign that are interesting to your unique audiences. 

Building a sense of urgency by creating timer popups for holiday sales/promotions through targeted emails is another way to capture your audience’s attention. 

Time to Experiment 

Test out new, various methods with your audience during the summer months. This could be expressing appreciation to your customers through email campaigns, partnering with other businesses to promote products/services, sending out company merch like coffee cups or t-shirts, or pushing loyalty programs that incentivize sales during a typically slow period. 

Do not be afraid to take risks and step out of the box with your marketing strategies. Creative campaigns are a great way to connect with your audience and stand out from your competition. It’s all about differentiating your company.

Take Advantage of Social Media 

You may see a decline in engagement during the summer months, but do not let that discourage you and slow down your posts. Try to incorporate that fun summer feeling into your feed and create creative content that encourages your audience to engage. This could be a call-to-action, summer-themed hashtags, seasonal videos, or hosting a contest to engage your audience. 

Make sure to be posting consistently at optimal times throughout each week. Decreasing your post times can negatively affect your posting algorithm and ultimately who sees your posts. You may need to adjust your current schedule as your audience may be active at various times of day during these warmer months.  

Marketing in the summer is full of potential, so make sure that your company is taking advantage of all the great opportunities available. Summer is the perfect time to be creative and discover new ways to engage your audience while creating maximum exposure during this traditionally slow time.