Automating Your Marketing Without Losing the Human Touch

Smart Marketing, But With Real Connections

Marketing automation can save you time, streamline your workflow, and help you reach more people—but it can feel cold and impersonal if done wrong. The key? Using automation strategically while keeping a human touch. Here’s how medical professionals can automate their marketing without losing authenticity.

Look, I can be such a control freak with certain things, and I totally get it. Remember, you don’t have to start automating everything right away! Start with what you feel comfortable with now, and automate the rest later (if you want).

The Pros and Cons of Marketing Automation

? Pros:

• Saves time by handling repetitive tasks
• Keeps communication consistent
• Helps nurture leads and engage patients automatically
• Improves efficiency and organisation

? Cons:

• Can feel robotic if not personalised
• Risk of over-automation, leading to disengagement
• Requires setup and ongoing optimisation

Automation works best when it supports human interaction, not replaces it.

Email Sequences That Feel Personal, Not Robotic

Pre-written emails can nurture patient relationships—if they feel genuine. Here’s how to keep them warm and engaging:

• Personalise everything: Use first names and reference previous interactions.
• Write like you talk: Keep it conversational, not overly formal.
• Segment your audience: Send different messages to new patients, returning patients, or leads.
• Mix automation with real interaction: Follow up automated emails with personal check-ins.

Example: Instead of “Dear Patient, here is your appointment reminder,” try: “Hi [First Name], looking forward to seeing you on [Date]! Let us know if you have any questions.”

?? For more details, you can read my newsletter on email here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/email-marketing-healthcare-providers-your-patient-maritha-koortzen--c1y4f

Oh, and... I'll soon be the proud owner of the SmartBlogger Email Marketing Certificate... so please wish me luck for the exam!

Tools for Automating Social Media Posts

Staying active on social media doesn’t mean spending hours online. Use these tools to schedule and automate posts without losing engagement:

• Buffer or Hootsuite – Plan and schedule posts across platforms.
• Later or Planoly – Perfect for Instagram scheduling with a visual planner.
• Chatbots (like ManyChat) – Automate FAQs and appointment bookings in Messenger.
• Canva – Create branded graphics and templates for consistent content.

Keep it human: Even with scheduling, interact in real time—respond to comments and messages personally.

How to Automate Patient Follow-Ups Effectively

Follow-ups are crucial for patient care and retention. Automation ensures no one slips through the cracks. Here’s how:

• Appointment Reminders – Use text or email reminders for upcoming visits.
• Post-Appointment Check-Ins – Send a follow-up email asking how they’re feeling.
• Reactivation Campaigns – Automatically reach out to inactive patients with a friendly check-in.
• Review Requests – After a visit, send a message asking for feedback or a review.

?? Pro Tip: Make it personal. “Hey [Name], just checking in after your appointment—how are you feeling?” feels much better than a generic reminder.

Common Automation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best tools won’t work if you fall into these traps:

? Over-automating – If every message is automated, patients will notice. Balance it with personal interactions.

? Generic messaging – Avoid robotic-sounding emails and posts—make them feel tailored.

? Set-it-and-forget-it mindset – Regularly review automation settings to ensure they stay relevant.

? Ignoring analytics – Track what’s working and tweak your strategy accordingly.

The Bottom Line: Automation + Personalization = Success

The best marketing automation feels seamless, not soulless. By using tools strategically, keeping communication warm and personal, and balancing automation with real human interaction, you can streamline your marketing while keeping strong patient relationships.

Ready to get a grip and give this a go? Try automating just one part of your marketing this week and see the difference it makes!

In The News This Week

?? New Book Alert!

Eeek, it's launch week! ??????

Can you tell how excited I am? My book for medical professionals: "Beyond The White Coat:?A Modern Doctor’s Guide to Personal Branding and Career Growth" will be published on Amazon Kindle.

The medical landscape have changed for ever, and it's a case of "adapt or die" (sound a bit dramatic, but you get the gist). In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to not only survive in the digital era, but to THRIVE! From building an incredible reputation and recognition, to growing revenue and future proofing your career!

And no, this isn't the size of a Stephen King novel either—it's a value-packed easy read with loads of practical tips and examples.

?? LinkedIn Live Coming Up

Yes, I decided it's high time I start my LinkedIn live events again after a few month's absence. So join me and my expert guest, Anne Lisa Fredriksson BSN, MS on Wednesday for an enlightening chat about Saying YES to Success. Knowing Anne, we'll walk away with incredible information to implement. B.t.w., that's also the title of her new book.

Click this link and come join us! https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/sayyestosuccess7298650006188630017/theater/

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Well, that's a wrap for this week's newsletter and I hope you found it helpful! Even though I've written my book specifically for medical professionals like doctors, physiotherapists, etc., this information can be applied to any business.

With much love and appreciation,