Hero Summary:
Set clear goals and build your complete 2026 marketing roadmap. This session walks you through calculating your revenue targets, mapping required leads and admissions, allocating your budget, and prioritizing the right channels. We cover goal-setting, KPI tracking, budget guidelines, AI automation trends, and optimizing for measurable ROI.
Key Takeaways
- Budget guidelines: 5% of revenue maintains current census, 6-15% drives moderate growth, 15%+ creates accelerated growth
- Core formula: Set annual revenue goal → Calculate monthly patient needs → Determine lead volume → Allocate marketing budget
- The three pillars: Drive Leads, Maximize Conversions, Optimize Results
- 2026 trends: AI-powered lead follow-up, two-way text messaging, authentic video positioning, ChatGPT search visibility
- Track what matters: Cost per lead, conversion rate, ROI, and attribution from specific campaigns
Watch The Training
Your 2026 Hospice Internet Marketing Plan: From Visibility To Admissions
Action Checklist
- Define your 2026 revenue and census goals
- Use the calculator to determine monthly patient and lead targets
- Calculate your marketing budget (5%, 6-15%, or 15%+ of revenue)
- Identify your lowest hanging fruit (organic SEO, paid ads, website conversion, reviews)
- Prioritize channels: Start with website foundation + local SEO, then layer in paid ads
- Set up conversion tracking for calls and form submissions
- Implement AI automation for lead follow-up and text messaging
- Create authentic video content positioning you as the local expert
- Schedule monthly review of cost per lead and ROI metrics
Resources
- 2026 Planning Workbook → Your 2026 Internet Marketing Plan – Workbook
- Budget Calculator → https://calculator.hospicecaremarketing.com
- Website & SEO Checklist → https://www.hospicecaremarketing.com/checklist
- Free Marketing Analysis → https://go.hospicecaremarketing.com
FAQ
- How much should we budget for digital marketing? Use 5% to maintain, 6-15% for moderate growth, or 15%+ for aggressive expansion. Use our calculator to get your specific number based on goals.
- What should we prioritize first? Start with website foundation and local SEO (Google Maps, service pages, reviews). Once solid, add paid ads to accelerate lead flow.
- How long does it take to see results? Paid ads generate leads immediately. SEO and organic strategies show results within 3-6 months with consistent implementation.
- What’s the average ROI for hospice digital marketing? Track cost per lead and conversion to admission. Successful campaigns pay for themselves many times over when properly tracked and optimized.
- Do we need to implement everything at once? No. Identify your biggest gaps and start there. Build your marketing stack in phases based on what will move the needle fastest.