The Power of Social Media
Social media has become one of the leading forces in the marketing atmosphere. The reason for this is the mass amount of people who utilize social media platforms. In fact, as of 2021, 82% of the U.S. population uses social media. This number is only rising. Therefore, brands must meet their audience on these platforms.
Healthcare social media marketing is no different. Right now, a select few healthcare providers are properly utilizing social media platforms. Over the next few years, it is predicted that the broad majority of healthcare practices will join.
Many people do not understand social media’s potential for their practice. Social media has progressed past being just a photo-sharing medium and is now a vital part of many companies’ marketing strategies. However, navigating the social media landscape can be difficult, especially from a healthcare standpoint. You may be thinking – does anyone even pay attention to healthcare content? The answer is absolutely.
Pew Research reports that 48% of Americans get healthcare news from social media often or sometimes. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, the news surrounding it was coming rapidly, and people wanted it in real-time.
A Unique Approach
Depending on your practice, there are different ways to approach social media through a healthcare lens. For example, hospitals may post more newsworthy content, whereas physical therapists may post exercises or stretches for their patients.
Developing unique social media content essential to creating a platform that people will return to regularly. By evaluating your patient base and their needs, you can formulate a plan that will increase your engagement.
Social media plays a unique role in marketing strategies. It allows practices to communicate with and educate patients, acquire new patients, and build their brand. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of social media and how it can be a great addition to your practice’s current marketing efforts.
Engage Patients Through Communication
One of the most valuable attributes of social media is its potential to connect people, and this is no different for brands. Your brand’s ability to communicate with patients directly reflects your brand’s customer service. If patients struggle to reach you through any platform, it dehumanizes your brand and leads to a loss of trust. Creating an open environment that welcomes patient interaction will build reputability.
There are many ways to connect with patients over social media. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram encourage comments and direct messages.
Communication is helpful when acquiring new patients and maintaining current ones. With all things considered, the most significant part of a patient-relationship building is ensuring that they feel heard. Studies have found that patients prioritize empathy and compassion, just as much as quality care. By being accessible through the platforms that your patients are already using, patient reach will increase significantly.
Utilize Patient Reviews
When patients are searching for a new practice, they are curious about what the patient experience is like. This is where testimonials come in handy.
By sharing reviews, potential patients will have a better understanding of what a visit to your clinic will be like. With permission, patient testimonials can be used in a variety of ways on social media. This can include promoted or sponsored posts, campaigns, or stories. Regardless of how you choose to implement these, occasional testimonial posts will help your practice build reputability.
Maintain Consistent Branding
Brand consistency is difficult to maintain between all social media marketing channels. However, it is very important since it makes your brand more recognizable to potential patients. This includes streamlining your colors, fonts, and image style. One way to stand out from other healthcare providers is to invest in personal photography. This allows your practice to use brand-specific pictures that will make your social media accounts stand out.
Social media is a great place to reinforce your brand message and personality. By highlighting the best, most notable aspects of your practice, potential and existing patients will begin to associate this with your practice.
How Can NewGen Help?
Approaching the social media landscape from a brand perspective is challenging. This is especially true for healthcare providers since it is difficult to engage with people on certain topics. For this reason, finding an outside agency to manage your social media presence can be very effective.
NewGen Marketing offers social engineering services to healthcare professionals looking to develop their social media presence. Depending on your practice, it is important to approach social media in a brand-specific way.
NewGen’s experts specialize in creating a custom social media marketing strategy for practices to highlight their unique message and services. Our team focuses on providing your patients with a personal experience to ensure they feel heard and understood.
Each day, new healthcare professionals are enjoying the benefits of social media. Do not get left behind. Contact NewGen today to see how our marketing professionals can elevate your practice.