A Collaboration of Innovators

Research and Discovery

An extensive research phase helped us identify what mattered to patients and how Ellis’s surgical program differed from competitors. It started with a deep dive into the competitive landscape, looking at our regional competitors, their messaging, the types of ads, and creative in the market. Unfortunately, we found a mix of overly complicated jargon and an unbearable, overwhelming amount of information for patients to prase through.

Next, we interviewed Ellis staff and stakeholders, primary care doctors, surgeons, and other medical specialists to get their feedback and insights to help craft the campaign. They identified the critical relationship that exists between doctor and patient–a partnership that created better outcomes. Though their technology and clinical experience are top-notch, this relationship led to a more “community feel” that made patients feel more comfortable and in control.

Creative Strategy & Concept Creation

That research helped drive our creative approach, showing us the most robust way to stand out and position ourselves was with messaging rooted in partnership: the partnership between patient and doctor and the collaboration between a skilled surgeon and a cutting-edge, life-saving machine. In addition, we used simple and powerful (sometimes dramatic) storytelling that allowed Ellis to stand out and stand tall. 

Our creative strategy emphasized that we would: 

• Focus on partnership — the partnership between patient and team – with you at the center. And also the collaboration between the surgical team and industry-leading technology. 
• Use technology — to reinforce the innovation that exists at Ellis Medicine. 
• Use a unique tone — that identifies that we understand how vital surgery is and that we take that responsibility seriously. 

 Combined, this brought a sleek, minimalistic look and an elevated tone that underscored these vital partnerships.

Surgical Innovation Lives Here

Our campaign wrapped around the headline, “Surgical Innovation Lives at Ellis.”  Visually, we picked an unlikely hero for the campaign: an orange origami crane.

The television spot that accompanied the campaign featured a surgeon working with the da Vinci robot to fold a paper crane meticulously. This showed the robot’s precision, the doctor’s expertise, and a voiceover emphasizing partnership.

You and your team. Together, deciding the right treatment for your body… Surgical innovation rests on you. It lives at Ellis Medicine.

All marketing materials featured our orange paper crane to reinforce our message of precision and to build brand recognition. It allowed us to show the surgical skill at Ellis without showing the blood or body parts no one wants to see. Our visual message was clear–if the surgical robots at Ellis can tightly fold a paper crane, surely it can perform the same wonders on you.

Marketing & Media Plan Development

To spread brand awareness, we would need a wide-reaching media strategy. This included traditional, digital, print, OOH, and more. We also built out a three-pronged marketing strategy that included:

• Consumer Advertising: to increase top-of-mind awareness and empower consumers to choose Ellis.
• Consumer News and Public Relations: to educate the region about our doctors and state-of-the-art technologies.
• B2B Outreach: to physicians to reinforce Ellis’ expertise and role as a trusted partner.

Robust digital & traditional marketing

The campaign launched with an integrated digital and traditional campaign to consumers, with a smaller B2B component targeted at healthcare professionals and those with the ability to refer patients to Ellis. The B2B side of the campaign directly responded to PCPs asking for more information regarding Ellis’ offers to drive relationship-driven referrals.

Consumer facing tactics:

• A new microsite located at EllisSurgery.com to drive traffic to and allow patients to request an appointment
• 30 second and 15-second spots for broadcast, web, and OTT (Over The Top)
  Billboards
• Print ads in the local newspapers
• Animated digital display ads
• Radio spots for terrestrial and streaming
• Google search
• Facebook and Instagram ads

Physician facing:

• Geofencing ads around provider locations
• In-service counter cards and digital board ads in offices
• Email marketing to introduce physicians