
Understanding Gen Z in Healthcare: A Digital-First Approach for Modern Practices
Gen Z (ages 18-26) is a transformative force in healthcare. These digital natives expect seamless online experiences and actively control their health decisions, moving far beyond traditional referrals. Understanding their unique behaviors is critical for attracting and retaining new patients.
“We have always had to reach patients where they are, but Gen Z is the first generation to demand digital experiences in all aspects of their lives,” says Lizzy Martin, Senior Account Manager at AMNY Health Marketing. “Healthcare marketing, and more importantly healthcare services, have to adapt to this digital-first mindset to stand out and succeed.”
Digital Engagement and Social Media Dominance
Gen Z’s interaction with healthcare is deeply digital, mirroring their daily lives. Research conducted by AMNY Health Marketing and our partners from Advance Healthcare Marketing confirms that social media is a primary channel for this generation. For example, 33% of Gen Z turn to social media for guidance on chronic conditions.
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are top choices, highlighting their preference for mobile and short-form video content. A significant 39% of young adults get their news from TikTok, underscoring its influence.
When it comes to advertising, Gen Z is highly receptive to digital formats: 53% notice healthcare ads on social media, 42% on search ads, and 40% on online websites. Traditional advertising holds little sway; we advise our clients to prioritize digital platforms and authentic content where Gen Z spends their time.
In a sea of easily accessible healthcare information, reaching patients and delivering your message has become increasingly challenging for today’s healthcare professionals. At AMNY Health Marketing, we offers insights into how health providers can effectively reach patients through the targeted messaging, stand out branding and authentic storytelling.
AMNY Health Marketing specializes in creating effective marketing strategies for healthcare providers throughout the United States. Our capabilities include many proven tactics that will add value to your brand and help your mental health practice achieve marketing success. To learn more about our services, contact us today at AMNY Health Marketing.
Prioritizing Authenticity and Expertise
Trust is paramount for Gen Z. They often question conventional sources, seeking alternative sources for medical information and support, like friends and social media. They demand transparency, patient testimonials, and expect providers to share their expertise online through articles or educational videos. They also anticipate a painless and streamlined end-to-end experience, from scheduling to check-out.
In a sea of easily accessible healthcare information, reaching patients and delivering your message has become increasingly challenging for today’s healthcare professionals. At AMNY Health Marketing, we offers insights into how health providers can effectively reach patients through the targeted messaging, stand out branding and authentic storytelling.
AMNY Health Marketing specializes in creating effective marketing strategies for healthcare providers throughout the United States. Our capabilities include many proven tactics that will add value to your brand and help your mental health practice achieve marketing success. To learn more about our services, contact us today at AMNY Health Marketing.
Key Factors in Choosing Healthcare Providers
Trust is paramount for Gen Z. They often question conventional sources, seeking alternative sources for medical information and support, like friends and social media. They demand transparency, patient testimonials, and expect providers to share their expertise online through articles or educational videos. They also anticipate a painless and streamlined end-to-end experience, from scheduling to check-out.
Gen Z’s decision-making for both primary and specialty care is distinctly consumer-driven.
For primary care, while personal recommendations from family and friends are valued (49%), online factors are nearly as important. They prioritize providers who have shared expertise online (e.g., articles) (37%) and positive online reviews (35%).
When it comes to specialty care, Gen Z approaches selection like shopping for any other service. With 75% likely to seek specialty care soon, they are heavily influenced by digital sources. Their top decision factors include positive online reviews (24%), information read on social media (19%), and even ads that attracted them (19%). Recommendations from other healthcare providers (8%) play a smaller role here.
Effective Strategies for Engaging Gen Z
Trust is paramount for Gen Z. They often question conventional sources, seeking alternative sources for medical information and support, like friends and social media. They demand transparency, patient testimonials, and expect providers to share their expertise online through articles or educational videos. They also anticipate a painless and streamlined end-to-end experience, from scheduling to check-out.
To effectively attract and retain Gen Z patients for our clients, AMNY Health Marketing implements a multi-faceted digital strategy:
- Prioritize Social Media: Build a robust social media presence with authentic, educational, and shareable content, leveraging video on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Build an Engaging Social Presence: Develop tailored social videos for Gen Z’s preferred platforms (TikTok, Reels, etc.). Leverage AMNY Health Marketing’s award-winning creative team to produce trendy, on-brand campaigns.
- Cultivate Online Reviews: Actively manage online reputations, as Gen Z heavily relies on patient reviews across all platforms.
- Optimize for Mobile: Optimize all digital touchpoints, from websites to patient portals to improve mobile viewing and intuitive functionality.
- Targeted Digital Advertising: Deploy highly effective digital ad campaigns on social media and search engines, targeting Gen Z where they engage most.
- Create Educational Content: Develop clear, accessible content that answers Gen Z’s questions and positions our clients as trusted experts.
- Simplify the Patient Journey: Streamline every online process, from scheduling to virtual visit access, to ensure a seamless user experience.
By embracing a digital-first approach rooted in authenticity and seamless online experiences, AMNY Health Marketing empowers our clients to build lasting connections with Gen Z patients and secure their long-term growth in the evolving healthcare landscape.