Proposing Market Entry Strategies

You have just taken on a new role as a marketing manager for a new hospital in Ajo, Arizona-Ajo Medical Center (AMC). There is one other hospital in the area, but it is 40 miles from the center of town, making it difficult for many residents to get to. The new AMC will be much more accessible for residents who live closer to town.

As you prepare to take on this role, watch the following case study video clips on branding and marketing. You will use the content of the videos to consider how the practices of Moving Brands might be applied to the marketing strategy of Ajo Medical Center.

Chapter 1: Brand Vs. Branding.
Chapter 3: What’s the Difference Between Branding and Marketing?
The CEO of AMC has asked you to create a proposal in which you provide a competitive marketing entry strategy and a communication strategy and suggest marketing research tools for the new hospital.

Instructions
Create a 5-7 page proposal (including a Sources page) in which you:

Develop a SWOT analysis to determine the best approach for market entry.
The following resources may be helpful:
7 Strategies for A Successful New Market Entry.
How Do You Prepare to Enter a New Market?
Formulate a proposed marketing entry strategy for how your hospital will enter the local market and attract patients in ways that differentiate it from the other area hospitals.
The following resources may be helpful:
Marketing to Healthcare: Applying the 4 C’s.
Formulating Productive Marketing Communications Strategy: A Major Health System’s Experience.
Develop a proposed communication strategy for the new hospital using the 4 C’s for marketing communication.
The following resource may be helpful:
20 Market Research Tools (With Importance and Types).

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

 

 

 

Ajo Medical Center: Marketing Entry and Communication Strategy Proposal

Introduction

Ajo Medical Center (AMC) has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a leading healthcare provider in Ajo, Arizona. With the nearest hospital located 40 miles away, AMC’s accessibility provides a significant advantage. This proposal outlines a comprehensive marketing entry and communication strategy to effectively attract patients and differentiate AMC within the local market.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis helps identify AMC’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats.

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

Strengths Weaknesses
* Accessibility for Ajo residents * * New facility, lack of established reputation *
* State-of-the-art facilities and technology * * Limited initial brand awareness *
* Potential for strong community relationships * * Potential staffing challenges in a rural area *
* Opportunity to attract top healthcare professionals * * Limited marketing budget initially *
Opportunities Threats
* Growing population in Ajo and surrounding areas * * Competition from the existing hospital *
* Increasing demand for specialized healthcare services * * Economic downturn impacting healthcare spending *
* Potential partnerships with local businesses and organizations * * Negative perceptions of healthcare in rural areas *
* Technological advancements in telehealth and remote care * * Difficulty attracting and retaining qualified staff *

Marketing Entry Strategy

AMC’s marketing entry strategy will focus on building trust, emphasizing accessibility, and highlighting specialized services.

  1. Community Engagement:

    • Host health fairs and workshops to introduce AMC and its services.
    • Partner with local organizations and businesses to build relationships and offer health education programs.
    • Sponsor community events to increase brand visibility and demonstrate commitment to the community.
  2. Accessibility and Convenience:

    • Emphasize AMC’s convenient location and ease of access for Ajo residents.
    • Offer extended hours and flexible appointment scheduling.
    • Provide transportation assistance for patients with limited mobility.
    • Develop a user-friendly website and online appointment booking system.
  3. Specialized Services:

    • Identify healthcare needs in the community and develop specialized services to address them.
    • Recruit healthcare professionals with expertise in areas like geriatrics, cardiology, or women’s health.
    • Promote specialized clinics and services through targeted marketing campaigns.
  4. Technology Integration:

    • Implement telehealth services to expand access to care for patients in remote areas.
    • Offer online appointment scheduling and patient portals for convenient access to health information.
    • Utilize digital marketing channels to reach a wider audience.
  5. Patient-Centric Approach:

    • Focus on providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
    • Train staff on communication skills and cultural sensitivity.
    • Gather patient feedback and continuously improve services.

Communication Strategy (4 C’s)

AMC’s communication strategy will be guided by the 4 C’s:

  1. Consumer:

    • Understand the healthcare needs and preferences of Ajo residents through surveys, focus groups, and community engagement.
    • Develop targeted messaging that resonates with specific demographics.
    • Tailor communication channels to reach different audiences.
  2. Cost:

    • Offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options.
    • Communicate the value of AMC’s services and the potential cost savings compared to traveling to the distant hospital.
    • Partner with insurance providers to ensure coverage for AMC’s services.
  3. Convenience:

    • Emphasize AMC’s convenient location and ease of access.
    • Offer online appointment scheduling, telehealth services, and extended hours.
    • Provide clear and concise information about services and procedures.
  4. Communication:

    • Utilize a variety of communication channels, including website, social media, local media, community events, and print materials.
    • Develop consistent messaging that reflects AMC’s brand values and mission.
    • Engage in two-way communication with patients and the community.

Marketing Research Tools

To gather data and inform marketing decisions, AMC will utilize the following research tools:

  1. Surveys:

    • Conduct online and in-person surveys to gather information about healthcare needs, preferences, and satisfaction.
  2. Focus Groups:

    • Organize focus groups with residents to gain deeper insights into their perceptions of healthcare and AMC.
  3. Community Engagement:

    • Attend community events and meetings to gather feedback and build relationships.
  4. Website Analytics:

    • Track website traffic and user behavior to understand how people are interacting with AMC’s online presence.
  5. Social Media Analytics:

    • Monitor social media engagement and sentiment to assess the effectiveness of social media campaigns.
  6. Competitive Analysis:

    • Analyze the marketing strategies and services of the competing hospital to identify opportunities for differentiation.

Conclusion

By implementing this comprehensive marketing entry and communication strategy, AMC can effectively establish itself as a trusted and accessible healthcare provider in Ajo, Arizona. The focus on community engagement, specialized services, technology integration, and patient-centric care will differentiate AMC and attract patients, contributing to its long-term success.

Sources

  • 7 Strategies for A Successful New Market Entry.
  • How Do You Prepare to Enter a New Market?
  • Marketing to Healthcare: Applying the 4 C’s.
  • Formulating Productive Marketing Communications Strategy: A Major Health System’s Experience.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer