Push and pull marketing aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the secret sauce behind clinics that stay booked, build loyalty, and stand out in a sea of sameness.
Whether you’re running a dental clinic, chiropractic practice, medical centre or cosmetic surgery business, one truth holds strong: great care alone isn’t enough. In a world where people scroll, search and swipe before they ever make a booking, how you position your brand matters more than ever.
This is where push and pull marketing shine. One strategy helps you get seen fast. The other builds trust that lasts. And when you get the mix right? That’s when your clinic starts attracting not just traffic, but the right kind of attention.
In this article, you’ll discover how to use both strategies in ways that feel authentic, engaging and tailored for healthcare. We’ll break down the methods, show you what works, and give you the insights you need to grow with confidence.
What Are Push And Pull Marketing?
Push and pull marketing refer to two different methods of reaching your target audience.
- Push marketing focuses on actively promoting your services to people, even if they haven’t shown interest yet.
- Pull marketing aims to attract people who are already searching for what you offer.
Understanding both can help your healthcare clinic create well-rounded marketing campaigns that engage more people and build brand loyalty.
The Basics Of Push Marketing Strategy
A push marketing strategy is all about putting your message in front of potential clients. This is the “outbound” side of marketing: direct advertising, paid ads, email marketing, and more.
What Push Marketing Focuses On
Push marketing focuses on immediate sales, short-term gains, and raising brand visibility in a more proactive way.
You’re essentially “pushing” your services out to the world.
Push Marketing Examples In Healthcare
Here are a few examples of push marketing in healthcare settings:
- Google Ads targeting “dentist near me”
- Facebook ads for cosmetic consultations
- Email campaigns announcing a new location
- Direct mail flyers promoting chiropractic services
These examples use pushing messages to spark action, especially among people who may not be actively searching but could be genuinely interested once they see what you offer.
When To Use A Push Strategy
Push strategies are helpful when you’re:
- Launching a new clinic or service
- Introducing promotional offers
- Needing quicker sales
- Trying to grow awareness in new suburbs
This proactive approach ensures your message reaches more eyes, even if those people weren’t looking for it yet.
What Is Pull Marketing?
Pull marketing works in the opposite direction. Instead of seeking out potential clients, you position your brand so that people come to you.
It’s all about building brand trust, providing valuable content, and being visible in the spaces where people are already searching.
Pull Marketing Strategy In Healthcare
A strong pull marketing strategy involves tools like:
- Search engine optimisation (SEO) for your clinic’s web pages
- Informative blog posts about health and treatments
- Educational how-to videos
- Engaging social media marketing
- Word-of-mouth marketing
This approach takes time but pays off in long-term business growth by drawing in people who are more likely to become loyal clients.
Pull Marketing Examples In Healthcare
Here are some pull strategy examples in healthcare:
- A dental clinic’s blog answering common questions about veneers
- A cosmetic surgeon’s Instagram account sharing treatment FAQs
- A chiropractor’s educational YouTube channel
- SEO-optimised content targeting terms like “how to fix back pain naturally”
These pull marketing tactics give people a reason to trust your clinic before they even step through the door.
When To Use Pull Strategies
Pull marketing is ideal when:
- Building a brand reputation
- Nurturing customer loyalty
- Targeting people deep in the buyer’s journey
- Creating evergreen marketing content
This method requires patience but results in clients who are more engaged and more likely to return.
Push VS Pull Marketing: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between push and pull marketing can help you decide when and how to use each for your healthcare clinic.
Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
Push Marketing
- Designed to reach a broad audience who may not be actively searching for your services.
- Relies on direct advertising such as email blasts, paid ads, and promotional messages.
- Tends to generate quicker sales and works well for time-sensitive offers or service launches.
- Ideal when you want to boost brand visibility fast or promote new locations and services.
- Often seen as an interruptive approach, as it places content in front of people regardless of their search intent.
Pull Marketing
- Targets individuals who are already searching for the types of services you offer.
- Uses valuable content like blog posts, SEO-driven web pages, and helpful videos to attract interest.
- Encourages long-term business growth by building trust and credibility over time.
- Works best when your goal is to create strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
- Seen as a permission-based strategy that brings in people who are more likely to convert and stay.
Push marketing helps you get noticed right now, while pull marketing builds a strong, trusted brand over time. When you use both in balance, you’re not only reaching more people; you’re reaching the right people at the right time.
Combining Push And Pull Marketing: Why They Work
You don’t have to choose between visibility and trust; you can have both. The most effective healthcare marketing strategies don’t rely on just one approach.
They combine push and pull marketing to create a seamless experience that speaks to people at every stage of their journey.
Why does this matter?
Because the path from awareness to action isn’t linear, some people are ready to book today. Others need time, reassurance, and the right message delivered in the right way.
When you pair the immediacy of push marketing with the staying power of pull marketing, you’re not just making noise; you’re building momentum.
Here’s how it plays out:
- Use push marketing to spark attention and drive action, whether you’re promoting a new service, launching a clinic, or reaching people who might not know you yet.
- Use pull marketing to build trust, showcase your expertise, and guide people who are already looking for answers.
- Blend both strategies to stay top-of-mind, nurture interest, and turn curious visitors into confident, long-term clients.
When push and pull marketing work in tandem, your message feels more relevant, natural, and effective. You’re not just reaching more people; you’re reaching the right people, at the right time, with the right kind of message.
How Push And Pull Marketing Apply To Healthcare Clinics
Let’s look at how this can apply to different types of clinics in Australia.
Chiropractic Clinics
- Push Strategy: Social media ads for free posture assessments.
- Pull Strategy: Blog content about “best stretches for back pain.”
Dental Clinics
- Push Strategy: Local Google Ads for emergency dental services.
- Pull Strategy: SEO content like “what to expect with a root canal.”
Medical Centres
- Push Strategy: Email reminders for annual check-ups.
- Pull Strategy: Educational content on preventive health.
Cosmetic Surgery Clinics
- Push Strategy: Targeted paid ads on Instagram.
- Pull Strategy: YouTube videos discussing recovery timelines.
Every clinic can benefit from combining newer marketing channels with traditional methods.
Choosing The Right Marketing Tactics For Your Clinic
The best approach depends on your goals.
Ask yourself:
- Are we looking for quicker sales or long-term loyalty?
- Do we need more brand visibility or more customer engagement?
- Are we launching something new or nurturing existing interests?
Your answers will guide your mix of marketing tactics and strategy examples.
How To Implement Push And Pull Marketing Effectively
Here’s how you can combine push and pull marketing tactics:
- Define Your Goals: Know what success looks like: more bookings? More visibility?
- Understand Your Target Market: Tailor messages to your audience’s concerns and desires.
- Create Relevant Content: For pull marketing, use relevant keywords, SEO, and informative blogs. For push marketing, ensure ads are visually clear with a strong Unique Selling Point (USP).
- Test And Measure: Review your results often to see what’s working.
- Optimise Your Channels: Use the right social media platforms, email tools, and search engine ads.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoiding Common PitfallsEven great marketing can fall flat if you miss the mark on a few key areas. Here’s how to stay on track:
- Don’t rely only on one strategy.
- Avoid direct marketing without knowing your audience first.
- Don’t rush; pull marketing takes time.
- Avoid overpromising. Focus on trust, not hype.
Building Brand Loyalty Through Smart Marketing
Both strategies contribute to building brand loyalty. While push marketing introduces people to your services, pull marketing nurtures the relationship.
Clients who discover you through engaging content tend to stay longer and refer others through word-of-mouth marketing.
Email Marketing: Where Push Meets Pull
Email marketing sits in the middle. It can push messages about services, but also pull customers in with interesting content they’ve asked to receive.
For example:
- A dental newsletter with “How to prevent cavities”
- Cosmetic surgery tips for seasonal skincare
- A chiropractor’s guide to better desk posture
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pull marketing take to show results?
Pull marketing doesn’t deliver overnight wins, which makes it so valuable. With consistent effort, you may start seeing results in a few months. And the clients it attracts? They’re usually more engaged, more loyal, and more aligned with your values because they chose you.
Is push marketing too aggressive for healthcare?
Not when it’s done with care. Push marketing doesn’t have to shout; it can simply inform, guide, and invite. A thoughtful message, delivered at the right moment, can be exactly what someone needs to take the next step. It’s less about pressure, more about being present.
Do I need a big budget to do pull and push marketing?
Not at all. Many clinics begin with simple, affordable actions, like writing a blog post, refining a few web pages, or running a small ad campaign. The key is consistency, not size. Start where you are, and build from there. Progress happens one step at a time.
Conclusion
When you understand how push and pull marketing work together, you can craft campaigns that attract people to your clinic and inspire them to stay.
No matter your field, dental, chiropractic, cosmetic, or medical, using the right blend of marketing strategies helps you connect with your target audience in meaningful, lasting ways.
And that’s where real business growth begins.
Let’s help you design a strategy tailored to your clinic’s goals. Book a call with Mediboost at 1300 163 058 because growing your brand starts with a push in the right direction, and a pull from the right clients.
P.S. We work with a limited number of clinics per suburb to ensure you get our full attention. Reach out before your area is taken.
References
Caramela, S. (2024, November 20). Why You Need a Mix of Push and Pull Marketing. Business. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.business.com/articles/why-you-need-a-mix-of-push-and-pull-marketing/
CFI Team. (n.d.). Push Marketing Strategy. Corporate Finance Institute. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/push-marketing-strategy/
Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, June 6). What Are Pull Marketing Strategies? (Types and Examples). Indeed Career Guide. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/pull-marketing-strategies
Push vs. Pull Marketing: The Ultimate Guide. (n.d.). Salesforce. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.salesforce.com/marketing/push-vs-pull/
