Start with your task, not the package
A physiotherapy practice may want to explain its services more clearly. A Spitex provider may need simpler contact journeys. A care home may want to show everyday life as an employer. 'More marketing' can mean very different things.
Before your first conversation, write down what should improve, what your team can manage internally and who decides on content and budget. These three questions help define a suitable collaboration.
Social media or an external marketing department?
Social media management focuses on agreed channels, content, production and publication. It makes sense when your main need is in social networks.
An external marketing department plans and coordinates several areas, such as your website, campaigns, positioning and reporting. Ask precisely what is included. 'Full Service' does not automatically mean every task is covered without additional costs.
Questions for the first conversation
A good conversation leaves you with a clearer picture of working together. Ask concrete questions.
- Who is our contact, and who delivers each task?
- Which services, quantities and feedback rounds are included?
- How does professional review and content approval work?
- What extra costs apply to advertising, software, production or external partners?
- Which accounts and content remain with our organisation?
- How will we discuss progress, outstanding work and changes?
Sector understanding shows in the details
A healthcare marketing partner should understand your daily operations. Production dates must fit the business. Copy must be clear and professionally reviewed. Your team needs an approval process that works in practice.
Ask for understandable examples and existing references. If a provider is still building a portfolio, they should say so openly. A clearly scoped first project can help you get to know the collaboration.
Compare scope, not just monthly price
Two proposals with the same title can cover very different services. Compare specific tasks, frequency, responsibilities, contract terms and additional costs.
Digital Next offers social media as a separate package alongside Starter, Growth and Full Service for external marketing support. Scope and priorities are recorded in the proposal. An audit can also be booked independently if you first want to understand where your organisation stands.