Back in July 2010 we launched a brand new website for Nashua Community College using Joomla. Now that the site has been live for a few months I thought it would be interesting to take a quick peek at some basic traffic metrics from the last three months (August – October), them compare 2010 to 2009 to see how our work has been performing for them in these first few months of operation. Read more »

For assisted living facilities the selling process is complex, to say the least. The business of an assisted living facility is simple on one hand; keep the beds full, watch expenses and provide excellent service(s). But oh the selling process. It’s fraught with danger. It’s a minefield of customers very often in a state of emotional upheaval. Parents, daughters, sons, nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles all with an opinion and potential conflicting agendas. How in the world do you, assisted living facility marketing folks, even begin to sell to this diverse group? Read more »

I have built a number of Assisted Living & Association Management websites using the Open Source Content Management System Joomla.  In any of these projects I have yet to come across a potential client/organization that is integrating their data online in an efficient and effective manner. I know it sounds a little scary technically, but at the end of the day it’s all about keeping your members happy and making your day-to-day management tasks more efficient and less cumbersome. Read more »

Unlike years ago, today’s healthcare consumers are much more savvy and are playing an increasingly active role in the selection of their healthcare providers, including specialists. Hospitals need to be proactive in relationship building with their patients. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways for hospitals to reach out directly to patients is through a free public seminar series. This will build your hospital’s reputation as the “go to” hospital for the specialties where you excel. You even have a built-in and motivated speaker’s bureau…your medical staff! Read more »

As a partner and Creative Director at FirstTracks, I take a keen interest in all aspects of marketing, especially health care marketing. I read an article in Strategic Health Care Communications that discussed the marketing, or lack thereof, of a major Chicago hospital. This particular hospital had been in business since the 1830’s; had more than 800 medical staff; 600 residents; 8,000 employees and 800 beds—this was an established business with a stellar reputation to say the least.

In the early 80’s things changed. Competitors started marketing. This hospital made a decision to keep the status quo and operate as they had always done—they did, after all, have a reputation.

More than 20 years later, they had gone from #1 to #4. Revenues were way down. Profits became nonexistent. Read more »