
In today’s digital-first world, marketing isn’t optional for hospice providers, it’s essential. Whether you’re a brand-new agency or an established provider looking to grow, implementing the right hospice marketing strategies can directly impact your census, reputation, and reach.
But marketing hospice services isn’t like promoting a retail product or tech startup. It requires sensitivity, empathy, and precision. Families are in emotionally vulnerable moments, and your agency needs to show up in a way that builds immediate trust.
So, if you’re looking for ways to grow hospice census without compromising compassion, this guide is for you.
Why Hospice Marketing Matters More Than Ever

Families today turn to Google before making a call. Referrals from hospitals, physicians, and even competitors are no longer guaranteed. If your agency isn’t showing up online, you’re invisible to the people who need you most.
Effective hospice marketing not only drives awareness, but it also positions your agency as a trusted, caring, and capable option when families are searching for guidance.
Core Strategies That Grow Hospice Census
Let’s break down the hospice marketing strategies that consistently generate results.
- Local SEO: Be Found When Families Are Searching. Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most powerful tools to grow hospice census, especially local SEO. When someone searches “hospice care near me,” your agency should appear front and center.
To improve local SEO:- Optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate service areas, categories, and photos
- Use city-specific keywords on your website (e.g., “Hospice Care in Dallas, TX”)
- Generate 5-star Google reviews with heartfelt testimonials
- Make sure your name, address, and phone number are consistent across the web
- High-Converting Website Design. Your website isn’t just a brochure, it’s your 24/7 admissions tool. The best hospice websites are warm, easy to navigate, and built for conversion.
Key website elements that drive admissions:- Clear call-to-action buttons (“Call Now,” “Get Hospice Help”)
- Trust-building elements like testimonials, credentials, and care team bios
- Mobile-optimized layout
- Fast load times and accessibility features
- Google Ads and Retargeting Campaigns. Want faster results while your SEO builds over time? Google Ads let you show up at the top of search results instantly.
Successful hospice advertising campaigns:- Use keyword targeting like “hospice care in [city]” or “end-of-life care near me”
- Link to a dedicated landing page—not your homepage
- Include emotional, supportive copy tailored to families in crisis
- Use retargeting ads to stay top-of-mind for visitors who didn’t take action the first time
- Facebook Advertising for Community Awareness. Facebook ads can be a powerful tool for community outreach and caregiver engagement. While not as “bottom-of-funnel” as Google Ads, they help position your brand long before a family is in need.
What to post:- Stories of compassionate care (with consent)
- Meet-the-team spotlights
- Educational content about when to consider hospice
- Support for caregivers and seniors
- CRM & Lead Nurturing Systems. Even when families aren’t ready to make a decision today, staying in touch can pay off tomorrow. A good hospice marketing strategy includes lead capture and follow-up.
With the right CRM, you can:- Capture website inquiries and phone calls in one place
- Automate nurturing emails to educate and support families
- Track referral sources and campaign performance
- Physician & Referral Partner Outreach. Digital is critical, but don’t forget about offline hospice marketing strategies. Strengthen relationships with discharge planners, palliative care teams, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Some ideas include:- Hosting in-service lunches
- Providing value-packed referral packets
- Sharing outcome data and patient satisfaction surveys
Consistency Is the Secret to Growth
The biggest mistake hospice agencies make with marketing? Starting and stopping. Successful hospice providers don’t wait until census is low to promote themselves—they invest in consistent, strategic marketing all year long.
Here’s a quick recap of the most effective hospice marketing strategies:
- Build and maintain a strong local SEO presence
- Create a website designed to convert visitors into patients
- Use paid search ads to capture immediate demand
- Engage your community through Facebook and education
- Nurture leads with automation tools
- Foster relationships with referral partners
Let’s Build a Marketing Strategy That Works for You
If your goal is to grow your hospice census, you don’t need more guesswork, you need a marketing partner who knows what works in this space.
At Hospice Care Marketing, we specialize exclusively in helping hospice providers grow with compassion and clarity. We’ve helped agencies across the U.S. double and even triple their census using a proven, data-backed approach.
Schedule a Free Strategy Call or give us a call at (877) 959-5849. We’d love to show you what’s working and how it could work for you.
Let’s grow your mission, one family at a time.