If you are looking to grow your private medical practice, taking advantage of social media is a must. With the right strategy, you can engage your existing patients.
You can also attract new ones.
Social networks are the fastest growing sites today. Internet users have made this their primary online activity. Over 81 percent of Americans have a social media profile.
Here are three way you can use Facebook and other social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to build your reputation.
1. Define Your Social Media Goals
Before you venture into the social media world, take a moment to define your goals for doing so. One goal is to build a community of followers. So, take some time to think about the types of patients you have in your private medical practice, as well as the types you’d like to attract.
Are your patients younger professionals, or baby boomers? For example, younger people tend to use Twitter and Instagram more than the older generations.
Understanding your patients’ social media interests will help you target your content as well. You are building a community as well as creating a trusted brand, or profile of your practice.
2. Post Poignant Content
Health information is abundant on the web. If you want to educate your patients about current health topics, be sure the content is credible. It should also be reassuring to readers who may have personal concerns.
You can mix some lighthearted material in from time to time. Keep it relevant to your audience. Post humorous content only occasionally. You don’t want to distract from your goal of building a trusting relationship with your followers.
Posts should relate to your practice but do not have to be rigid. For example, you may want a lighthearted post but don’t want to share another funny YouTube video. Instead, write an article featuring your favorite Save Rite Medical products sales rep.
3. Apply Etiquette to Your Posts
You are a private medical practice, so your social media posts should be professional. Posts should be informative and positive. Other platforms may welcome rants and reviews. But, that’s not what patients want to hear from their medical providers.
Posts should be professional in presentation along with tone. Be sure to edit for grammar and spelling before posting. Avoid posting content that is promotional only. Posts should contain useful information and not be about self-promotion.
Finally, a note of common sense. Avoid oversharing patient information. For instance, you may want to use a patient as an example. Even if you don’t reveal the patient’s name, sharing details of his or her treatment is a potential HIPAA violation.
Or, a patient may pose a question on one of your social media account. Reply by asking him or her to call your office rather than attempt to answer the question in a public forum.
Start Building Your Private Medical Practice Online Presence
Bolstering your online presence builds confidence with your existing patients. It also draws new patients to you. Without a social media strategy, you are hard pressed to create a recognizable brand for your private medical practice.
If you have any questions about social media marketing for your practice, please contact us.