Should You Hire a Marketing Agency or Advertise Your Clinic Yourself?

Takeaways

Doing your own marketing gives you control and saves money, but it takes time and effort.
Agencies bring experience and can help you grow, but you need to budget for it and choose the right one.
The “right” choice depends on your goals, time, and where your clinic is at right now.
There’s no perfect path, just the one that makes the most sense for you at this moment.

The Question Every Clinic Owner Eventually Asks

Running a clinic is a lot. Some days you’re managing bookings and treating patients. Other days, you’re ordering supplies and replying to emails during lunch. And right in the middle of all that, there’s this voice in your head saying:

“I should probably be advertising more…”

But then comes the next question:
“Should I do it myself? Or should I just hire someone?”

That question’s come up for pretty much every clinic owner at some point, and the answer isn’t black and white. It really depends on where you’re at, how busy you are, and what you’re trying to achieve.

So here’s a look at both paths. Real talk. No marketing jargon.

Doing It Yourself (Because Who Knows Your Clinic Better Than You?)

Why It Makes Sense Sometimes:

You’re the one who talks to your patients every day. You know what they care about. That means you’ve got the clearest picture of what kind of message would resonate.
It saves money. If you’re just starting out, or you’re trying to stay lean, doing your own marketing might be the only option right now, and that’s totally okay.
You can move quickly. Want to post something on Facebook today? Done. Want to test out a last-minute promo? You don’t need to ask anyone for permission.

But Here’s the Other Side:

It takes time. A lot of it. Writing posts, running ads, learning platforms, all while running a clinic? It’s a lot to juggle.
There’s a learning curve. Google Ads, SEO, email campaigns, it’s not rocket science, but it’s not exactly plug-and-play either.
At some point, you might hit a wall. You can only do so much on your own before you start feeling like you’re stuck or spinning your wheels.

Hiring a Marketing Agency (So You Can Focus on What You’re Actually Good At)

Here’s Where It Helps:

You free up time. Instead of stressing over ad copy or wondering if your Facebook post reached anyone, you can focus on treating patients, the thing you actually got into this for.
They know what works. A good agency has tested stuff that worked (and failed) for other clinics. They’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
You can grow faster. Whether you’re trying to fill your schedule or open a second location, the right team can help get you there.

What to Keep in Mind:

It’s not cheap. Between agency fees and ad spend, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready for the investment.
You give up some control. Someone else is writing the ads, managing the campaigns. You need to trust them, and that can feel weird at first.
Not all agencies are great. Some will knock it out of the park. Others will leave you feeling burned. So if you go this route, do your research, ask for referrals, and make sure they’ve worked with clinics before.

So... What’s the Right Choice?

Here’s a simple way to look at it:

If you’ve got more time than money: Start with DIY. Even just posting regularly or running one small ad campaign can go a long way.
If you’re swamped and want to grow fast: Hiring someone might be the best gift you give yourself and your business.
If you’re not sure what’s working: That’s usually the time when outside help can really make a difference.

You don’t have to pick one forever. You can start on your own, then bring in help later. Or vice versa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have the budget for an agency, but I also don’t have time to do it myself?

Totally fair, and honestly, pretty common. If you’re short on both time and money, start small. Pick one thing you can manage, maybe a monthly email or a simple Facebook post once a week. You don’t have to do everything at once. Some progress is better than none, and when things pick up, you can always look into bringing on help later.

How do I know if a marketing agency is actually good?

Great question (and one that’s saved a lot of people from wasting money). A few things to look for:

They’ve worked with clinics or healthcare businesses before.

They’re transparent about what they do and how they measure results.

They don’t promise overnight success.

Also, ask if you can talk to a couple of their current or past clients. A good agency won’t mind, and that real-world feedback is gold.

Can I just do some of the marketing myself and outsource the rest?

Absolutely, in fact, that’s what a lot of clinics do. Maybe you handle your social media and email list, but you hire someone to manage your Google Ads or design your landing pages. You don’t have to hand over the whole thing. It’s about finding the mix that works for your time, budget, and comfort level.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.