Digital Marketing Strategies You’re Probably Underutilizing To Attract More Private Pay Clients

Digital Marketing Strategies You’re Probably Underutilizing To Attract More Private Pay Clients

Boost your home care agency’s visibility and attract families with simple digital marketing tactics.

Lowrie Hilladakis, Head of Growth at Sage - a home care software for improving business operations in home care scheduling

Article written by

a home care marketing professional building a home care business' online profile
a home care marketing professional building a home care business' online profile
a home care marketing professional building a home care business' online profile

The home care market is crowded, and families have more options than ever. While strong referral networks remain important, relying solely on offline word-of-mouth leaves your agency invisible to the growing number of families searching online for trusted agencies.

The reality is that many home care agencies are missing low-lift digital opportunities that could dramatically increase visibility and generate leads. From search engines to email marketing, the right combination of strategies can ensure your agency stands out when families are actively making decisions about care.

At Clara Home Care, we’ve seen how relatively simple digital tactics can create a steady pipeline of qualified leads. Over seven months, Clara’s organic traffic from search engines grew by 670%, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors – and many private pay clients – without hiring a full marketing team.

Below are five digital marketing strategies that home care agencies typically underutilize – and how you can implement them to diversify your acquisition channels and attract more private pay clients.


1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Families often begin their search for care online. If your agency doesn’t appear in those results – or in the AI-powered recommendations many people now turn to – you’re essentially invisible. SEO ensures your website ranks for the phrases families type into Google, such as “in-home caregiver near me” or “how much does private care cost.”


How to get started with SEO:

  • Identify keywords your audience uses. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMRush can help you target high-intent search phrases like “24-hour home care” or “companion care for seniors near me.”

  • Create long-form, helpful content (800–1200 words) that answers real questions families have. Example topics: “Home Care vs. Home Health: What’s the Difference?” or “Why Hiring a Caregiver Under the Table Is Risky.”

  • Use a CMS like WordPress, Webflow, or Squarespace to host and manage content easily.

  • Post consistently—aim for at least two blogs per month. Over time, this builds domain authority and positions your agency as a trusted resource.

You can read more about SEO for home care in this blog.


2. Paid Ads

SEO is a long-term investment, but paid ads – Google Search Ads or social media campaigns – can deliver immediate visibility to families actively seeking care.


Quick tips for paid ads:

  • Target high-intent keywords like “private caregiver [city]” or “Alzheimer’s home care near me.”

  • Use location targeting to ensure your ads only reach families in your service area.

  • Track conversions (calls, form submissions, consultation requests) to know which ads actually drive clients.

  • Consider Facebook/Instagram ads featuring caregiver spotlights or family success stories. Video testimonials often perform best.

Even a modest monthly budget can generate leads while your organic SEO efforts take hold. That being said, paid ads are typically resource intensive and highly competitive: you will have to outbid your competitors, who may be significantly larger, to rank for popular keywords.


3. Email Newsletters

Many families take weeks—or even months—before hiring a caregiver. A regular newsletter keeps your agency top-of-mind and nurtures leads who aren’t ready to act immediately.


Newsletter best practices:

  • Segment your audience: potential clients, past clients, and referral partners. Tailor content for each.

  • Share educational content: safety tips, caregiver hiring advice, and practical checklists.

  • Maintain a consistent schedule, like one email per month.

  • Include clear CTAs such as “Schedule a Consultation” or “Download Our Caregiver Guide.”

A well-crafted newsletter positions your agency as a trusted resource, strengthening relationships and encouraging families to reach out when the time is right.


4. Google Business Profile

Even with great SEO and ads, families often make decisions based on local visibility. Optimizing your Google Business Profile ensures your agency appears in local map results and search queries.


Steps to improve local SEO:

  • Complete your Google Business Profile with photos, services, hours, and contact info.

  • Encourage reviews from satisfied families; positive reviews improve rankings and trust.

  • Post updates or articles directly to your profile to show activity and engagement.

  • Keep your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistent across all online directories.

Being in the “local 3-pack” on Google Maps can significantly increase calls and inquiries from families searching nearby.


5. Retargeting & Social Proof

Most families don’t hire on their first visit to your website. Retargeting and social proof help keep your agency top-of-mind while building credibility.


How to implement retargeting:

  • Add a Facebook Pixel or Google Analytics tag to your website to track visitors.

  • Show retargeting ads to people who visited your site but didn’t convert.

  • Highlight client testimonials, caregiver spotlights, and success stories in ads, in your newsletter and on your website.

  • Build a testimonial page or case study library to reinforce trust with prospective clients.

Repeated exposure combined with authentic social proof increases the likelihood that families will call when they’re ready.


Why Following Through Matters

Digital marketing can bring families to your website, but attracting them is only half the battle. The real differentiator is delivering the high-quality care you promise—the kind that sets your agency apart from competitors.

Many agencies struggle here. Even with great caregivers, rigorous training, and dedicated teams, challenges often arise around scheduling, staffing, and caregiver-client matching. Families notice missed visits, call-outs, or inconsistent care. Word travels fast through hyperlocal networks and referral partners. When the promise doesn’t match the experience, trust erodes.

This is where Sage by Clara can make a tangible difference. By streamlining caregiver matching and scheduling, agencies can ensure families consistently receive the right caregiver for their needs. It allows you to confidently say, “Our caregivers are the best—and our systems ensure you actually get the perfect match every time.”

At Clara, families had the same caregiver (or team) for 94% of their tenure, creating consistency that impressed both clients and referrers. These positive experiences naturally lead to glowing Google reviews, which boost local SEO, increasing visibility and attracting more families. The loop closes: reliable care → positive reviews → higher local search ranking → more families finding and trusting your agency.


Final Thoughts

Referral networks and word-of-mouth remain critical, but families—especially those in the sandwich generation—are increasingly starting their search online. Agencies that leverage SEO, paid ads, newsletters, local SEO, retargeting, and execution-focused tools like Sage AI position themselves as visible, credible, and ready to help.

Start small: write a blog post this month, claim your Google Business Profile, send your first newsletter, test a modest ad budget, and ensure you have systems in place to deliver consistent care. Even a few hours per week can create a 24/7 lead generation engine for your agency.

The home care market is crowded, and families have more options than ever. While strong referral networks remain important, relying solely on offline word-of-mouth leaves your agency invisible to the growing number of families searching online for trusted agencies.

The reality is that many home care agencies are missing low-lift digital opportunities that could dramatically increase visibility and generate leads. From search engines to email marketing, the right combination of strategies can ensure your agency stands out when families are actively making decisions about care.

At Clara Home Care, we’ve seen how relatively simple digital tactics can create a steady pipeline of qualified leads. Over seven months, Clara’s organic traffic from search engines grew by 670%, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors – and many private pay clients – without hiring a full marketing team.

Below are five digital marketing strategies that home care agencies typically underutilize – and how you can implement them to diversify your acquisition channels and attract more private pay clients.


1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Families often begin their search for care online. If your agency doesn’t appear in those results – or in the AI-powered recommendations many people now turn to – you’re essentially invisible. SEO ensures your website ranks for the phrases families type into Google, such as “in-home caregiver near me” or “how much does private care cost.”


How to get started with SEO:

  • Identify keywords your audience uses. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMRush can help you target high-intent search phrases like “24-hour home care” or “companion care for seniors near me.”

  • Create long-form, helpful content (800–1200 words) that answers real questions families have. Example topics: “Home Care vs. Home Health: What’s the Difference?” or “Why Hiring a Caregiver Under the Table Is Risky.”

  • Use a CMS like WordPress, Webflow, or Squarespace to host and manage content easily.

  • Post consistently—aim for at least two blogs per month. Over time, this builds domain authority and positions your agency as a trusted resource.

You can read more about SEO for home care in this blog.


2. Paid Ads

SEO is a long-term investment, but paid ads – Google Search Ads or social media campaigns – can deliver immediate visibility to families actively seeking care.


Quick tips for paid ads:

  • Target high-intent keywords like “private caregiver [city]” or “Alzheimer’s home care near me.”

  • Use location targeting to ensure your ads only reach families in your service area.

  • Track conversions (calls, form submissions, consultation requests) to know which ads actually drive clients.

  • Consider Facebook/Instagram ads featuring caregiver spotlights or family success stories. Video testimonials often perform best.

Even a modest monthly budget can generate leads while your organic SEO efforts take hold. That being said, paid ads are typically resource intensive and highly competitive: you will have to outbid your competitors, who may be significantly larger, to rank for popular keywords.


3. Email Newsletters

Many families take weeks—or even months—before hiring a caregiver. A regular newsletter keeps your agency top-of-mind and nurtures leads who aren’t ready to act immediately.


Newsletter best practices:

  • Segment your audience: potential clients, past clients, and referral partners. Tailor content for each.

  • Share educational content: safety tips, caregiver hiring advice, and practical checklists.

  • Maintain a consistent schedule, like one email per month.

  • Include clear CTAs such as “Schedule a Consultation” or “Download Our Caregiver Guide.”

A well-crafted newsletter positions your agency as a trusted resource, strengthening relationships and encouraging families to reach out when the time is right.


4. Google Business Profile

Even with great SEO and ads, families often make decisions based on local visibility. Optimizing your Google Business Profile ensures your agency appears in local map results and search queries.


Steps to improve local SEO:

  • Complete your Google Business Profile with photos, services, hours, and contact info.

  • Encourage reviews from satisfied families; positive reviews improve rankings and trust.

  • Post updates or articles directly to your profile to show activity and engagement.

  • Keep your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistent across all online directories.

Being in the “local 3-pack” on Google Maps can significantly increase calls and inquiries from families searching nearby.


5. Retargeting & Social Proof

Most families don’t hire on their first visit to your website. Retargeting and social proof help keep your agency top-of-mind while building credibility.


How to implement retargeting:

  • Add a Facebook Pixel or Google Analytics tag to your website to track visitors.

  • Show retargeting ads to people who visited your site but didn’t convert.

  • Highlight client testimonials, caregiver spotlights, and success stories in ads, in your newsletter and on your website.

  • Build a testimonial page or case study library to reinforce trust with prospective clients.

Repeated exposure combined with authentic social proof increases the likelihood that families will call when they’re ready.


Why Following Through Matters

Digital marketing can bring families to your website, but attracting them is only half the battle. The real differentiator is delivering the high-quality care you promise—the kind that sets your agency apart from competitors.

Many agencies struggle here. Even with great caregivers, rigorous training, and dedicated teams, challenges often arise around scheduling, staffing, and caregiver-client matching. Families notice missed visits, call-outs, or inconsistent care. Word travels fast through hyperlocal networks and referral partners. When the promise doesn’t match the experience, trust erodes.

This is where Sage by Clara can make a tangible difference. By streamlining caregiver matching and scheduling, agencies can ensure families consistently receive the right caregiver for their needs. It allows you to confidently say, “Our caregivers are the best—and our systems ensure you actually get the perfect match every time.”

At Clara, families had the same caregiver (or team) for 94% of their tenure, creating consistency that impressed both clients and referrers. These positive experiences naturally lead to glowing Google reviews, which boost local SEO, increasing visibility and attracting more families. The loop closes: reliable care → positive reviews → higher local search ranking → more families finding and trusting your agency.


Final Thoughts

Referral networks and word-of-mouth remain critical, but families—especially those in the sandwich generation—are increasingly starting their search online. Agencies that leverage SEO, paid ads, newsletters, local SEO, retargeting, and execution-focused tools like Sage AI position themselves as visible, credible, and ready to help.

Start small: write a blog post this month, claim your Google Business Profile, send your first newsletter, test a modest ad budget, and ensure you have systems in place to deliver consistent care. Even a few hours per week can create a 24/7 lead generation engine for your agency.

The home care market is crowded, and families have more options than ever. While strong referral networks remain important, relying solely on offline word-of-mouth leaves your agency invisible to the growing number of families searching online for trusted agencies.

The reality is that many home care agencies are missing low-lift digital opportunities that could dramatically increase visibility and generate leads. From search engines to email marketing, the right combination of strategies can ensure your agency stands out when families are actively making decisions about care.

At Clara Home Care, we’ve seen how relatively simple digital tactics can create a steady pipeline of qualified leads. Over seven months, Clara’s organic traffic from search engines grew by 670%, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors – and many private pay clients – without hiring a full marketing team.

Below are five digital marketing strategies that home care agencies typically underutilize – and how you can implement them to diversify your acquisition channels and attract more private pay clients.


1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Families often begin their search for care online. If your agency doesn’t appear in those results – or in the AI-powered recommendations many people now turn to – you’re essentially invisible. SEO ensures your website ranks for the phrases families type into Google, such as “in-home caregiver near me” or “how much does private care cost.”


How to get started with SEO:

  • Identify keywords your audience uses. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMRush can help you target high-intent search phrases like “24-hour home care” or “companion care for seniors near me.”

  • Create long-form, helpful content (800–1200 words) that answers real questions families have. Example topics: “Home Care vs. Home Health: What’s the Difference?” or “Why Hiring a Caregiver Under the Table Is Risky.”

  • Use a CMS like WordPress, Webflow, or Squarespace to host and manage content easily.

  • Post consistently—aim for at least two blogs per month. Over time, this builds domain authority and positions your agency as a trusted resource.

You can read more about SEO for home care in this blog.


2. Paid Ads

SEO is a long-term investment, but paid ads – Google Search Ads or social media campaigns – can deliver immediate visibility to families actively seeking care.


Quick tips for paid ads:

  • Target high-intent keywords like “private caregiver [city]” or “Alzheimer’s home care near me.”

  • Use location targeting to ensure your ads only reach families in your service area.

  • Track conversions (calls, form submissions, consultation requests) to know which ads actually drive clients.

  • Consider Facebook/Instagram ads featuring caregiver spotlights or family success stories. Video testimonials often perform best.

Even a modest monthly budget can generate leads while your organic SEO efforts take hold. That being said, paid ads are typically resource intensive and highly competitive: you will have to outbid your competitors, who may be significantly larger, to rank for popular keywords.


3. Email Newsletters

Many families take weeks—or even months—before hiring a caregiver. A regular newsletter keeps your agency top-of-mind and nurtures leads who aren’t ready to act immediately.


Newsletter best practices:

  • Segment your audience: potential clients, past clients, and referral partners. Tailor content for each.

  • Share educational content: safety tips, caregiver hiring advice, and practical checklists.

  • Maintain a consistent schedule, like one email per month.

  • Include clear CTAs such as “Schedule a Consultation” or “Download Our Caregiver Guide.”

A well-crafted newsletter positions your agency as a trusted resource, strengthening relationships and encouraging families to reach out when the time is right.


4. Google Business Profile

Even with great SEO and ads, families often make decisions based on local visibility. Optimizing your Google Business Profile ensures your agency appears in local map results and search queries.


Steps to improve local SEO:

  • Complete your Google Business Profile with photos, services, hours, and contact info.

  • Encourage reviews from satisfied families; positive reviews improve rankings and trust.

  • Post updates or articles directly to your profile to show activity and engagement.

  • Keep your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistent across all online directories.

Being in the “local 3-pack” on Google Maps can significantly increase calls and inquiries from families searching nearby.


5. Retargeting & Social Proof

Most families don’t hire on their first visit to your website. Retargeting and social proof help keep your agency top-of-mind while building credibility.


How to implement retargeting:

  • Add a Facebook Pixel or Google Analytics tag to your website to track visitors.

  • Show retargeting ads to people who visited your site but didn’t convert.

  • Highlight client testimonials, caregiver spotlights, and success stories in ads, in your newsletter and on your website.

  • Build a testimonial page or case study library to reinforce trust with prospective clients.

Repeated exposure combined with authentic social proof increases the likelihood that families will call when they’re ready.


Why Following Through Matters

Digital marketing can bring families to your website, but attracting them is only half the battle. The real differentiator is delivering the high-quality care you promise—the kind that sets your agency apart from competitors.

Many agencies struggle here. Even with great caregivers, rigorous training, and dedicated teams, challenges often arise around scheduling, staffing, and caregiver-client matching. Families notice missed visits, call-outs, or inconsistent care. Word travels fast through hyperlocal networks and referral partners. When the promise doesn’t match the experience, trust erodes.

This is where Sage by Clara can make a tangible difference. By streamlining caregiver matching and scheduling, agencies can ensure families consistently receive the right caregiver for their needs. It allows you to confidently say, “Our caregivers are the best—and our systems ensure you actually get the perfect match every time.”

At Clara, families had the same caregiver (or team) for 94% of their tenure, creating consistency that impressed both clients and referrers. These positive experiences naturally lead to glowing Google reviews, which boost local SEO, increasing visibility and attracting more families. The loop closes: reliable care → positive reviews → higher local search ranking → more families finding and trusting your agency.


Final Thoughts

Referral networks and word-of-mouth remain critical, but families—especially those in the sandwich generation—are increasingly starting their search online. Agencies that leverage SEO, paid ads, newsletters, local SEO, retargeting, and execution-focused tools like Sage AI position themselves as visible, credible, and ready to help.

Start small: write a blog post this month, claim your Google Business Profile, send your first newsletter, test a modest ad budget, and ensure you have systems in place to deliver consistent care. Even a few hours per week can create a 24/7 lead generation engine for your agency.