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In this episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Barbara sits down with Chris Pantel, co-founder of Linkify, a digital PR and link-building agency that specializes in helping health brands and clinicians secure editorial features in some of the world’s top publications. Chris went from running a family fish & chip shop to landing clients backlinks in outlets like Forbes, BBC, and New York Times. His unique journey, paired with his deep SEO and PR expertise, makes him the perfect guide for doctors who want to grow patient numbers while boosting credibility and search rankings.
In today’s digital-first world, patients aren’t just searching for doctors—they’re searching for trust. How can medical professionals cut through the noise of AI search engines, online directories, and countless clinics competing for attention? How do you build authority online when your expertise isn’t always visible?
If you’ve ever wondered how media mentions drive real patient growth, why being “featured in” major outlets is worth its weight in gold, and how to start pitching journalists effectively—this episode is packed with insights you can apply right away.
Key Takeaway:
“Being quoted in WebMD or Healthline is the digital equivalent of a Shark Tank badge—its instant trust for your patients.”– Chris Pantel
Connect with Chris Pantel:
- Website: https://www.linkifi.io/
- X: https://x.com/Linkifi_
Connect with Barbara Hales:
Twitter: @DrBarbaraHales
Facebook: facebook.com/theMedicalStrategist
Business Website: www.TheMedicalStrategist.com
Show website: www.MarketingTipsForDoctors.com
Email: Barbara@TheMedicalStrategist.com
Books:
Power to the Patient: The Medical Strategist
YouTube: TheMedicalStrategist
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/barbarahales
TRANSCRIPTION:
Welcome and Introduction
Dr. Barbara Hales (00:02) Welcome to another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors. I’m your host, Dr. Barbara Hales, and today we have with us Chris Pantel, co-founder of Linkify, a digital PR and link-building agency that helps brands secure high-quality editorial backlinks. With a background in SEO and digital marketing, Chris has built a reputation for creating innovative campaigns that drive visibility and growth, while also exploring the role of AI in shaping the future of online marketing. Welcome to the show, Chris.
Chris Pantel (00:33) Thank you, Barbara. It’s a pleasure to be here.
From Fish & Chips to Forbes
Dr. Barbara Hales (01:00): Your path into digital PR is quite unique. How did you get started?
Chris Pantel (01:14) I actually started out running my family’s fish and chip shop. After reading about bloggers making money online, I launched a personal finance blog. That’s when I discovered backlinks and began pitching journalists through HARO. Soon, I was winning links from outlets like BBC, Forbes, and New York Times. When my now business partner saw what I was doing, Linkify was born organically from there.
Why Doctors Have an Edge in PR
Dr. Barbara Hales (03:03) What does digital PR mean for doctors, clinics, and health brands?
Chris Pantel (03:21) Doctors and clinicians are in a wonderfully unique position. They’re credentialed experts, and journalists actively seek them out to add credibility to their articles. By responding to media requests with thoughtful commentary, doctors can land powerful backlinks, elevate their authority, and grow their patient base.
The ROI of Media Mentions
Dr. Barbara Hales (04:44) What’s the value of being featured in outlets like Healthline or WebMD?
Chris Pantel (05:00) It’s twofold. First, you get the SEO benefit of quality backlinks. Second, you gain instant credibility with patients. Think of it like the “Shark Tank effect”—brands proudly display ‘As Featured In’ badges. For doctors, being quoted in WebMD or Healthline builds trust before patients even step into your office.
How to Start Pitching Journalists
Dr. Barbara Hales (06:37) HARO used to be the primary source. What’s the landscape now?
Chris Pantel (07:01) HARO is still active and unrestricted, and so is SOS (Source of Sources). Both deliver journalist requests straight to your inbox three times a day. If you’re a qualified expert, you can pitch directly. The key is to provide precisely what they ask for—short, precise, and valuable answers. That’s how you get noticed.
Inbound vs. Outbound PR
Dr. Barbara Hales (07:30) Can doctors pitch their own story ideas, too?
Chris Pantel (07:52) There are two types of digital PR: inbound and outbound. Inbound is when you respond to journalists’ requests—that’s the best place to start. Outbound is when you pitch your own ideas. But my advice is: nail inbound first, build relationships, and once you’ve gained trust, then you can pitch original stories.
Journalists’ Needs and AI Search
Dr. Barbara Hales (09:52) What do journalists really want from health experts?
Chris Pantel (10:00) They’re usually not after groundbreaking discoveries. They want qualified experts to validate points or dispel myths. And with AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity, this has never been more important. Mentions in authoritative outlets are now trust signals that help both patients and algorithms decide who to recommend.
Two Tips to Implement Right Away
Dr. Barbara Hales (10:44) What practical advice can our listeners apply today?
Chris Pantel (11:00) First, get PR ready—make sure your website clearly shows who you are, your qualifications, and why you’re credible. Second, don’t get discouraged. You won’t win every pitch, but persistence pays off. That first media feature is the hardest—after that, momentum builds.
Closing Thoughts
Dr. Barbara Hales (12:20), Chris, thank you for sharing these valuable insights. Where can our listeners connect with you?
Chris Pantel (12:29) You can visit my website at www.linkify.agency or connect with me on LinkedIn. We share a ton of resources, frameworks, and practical tips to help doctors and health brands grow through digital PR.
Dr. Barbara Hales (12:50) Fantastic. This has been another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors with our guest, Chris Pantel. Until next time—bye!
