Build Your Medical Practice with Social Media

What's the first thing your future patients do when they wake up tomorrow? Most of them roll over, reach for their phone and take to social media for scrolling and checking in with the world. What's the firts thing your future patients will do when they expect a health problem or have a nagging pain. For most the answer will be the same - they'll pick up their phone and look for answers in a crowded internet space before calling your office.

But what patients want more than ever is a voice they can trust. A source they don't have to double check. So how can your business capitalize on that need while also offering the convenience and direct access of social media.

Historically medical practices have posted up and allowed for referrals and drive by’s to increase traffic. In today's market though, your business can reach people quickly and directly by providing valuable information, showcasing your expertise, and helping your community get to know you.

In effect, today’s doctors can build a relationship with patients before they even step foot in the door.

So how can medical professionals utilize social media to be at the top of their game and the top of the market?

1. First Impressions Are Key

This seems basic, but all of your social media accounts should be professionally organized and all information should be up to date. Correct addresses, phone numbers and professional pictures are key. Ensure that your email address and social media inboxes are attended to and responses are provided in a timely manner. After all, what's the point of online presence if you can’t turn a prospect into a patient when they reach out.

2. Provide Unexpected Value

Most offices stop at contact info and information about promotions. While this is a good start, you are missing out on the opportunity to establish your expertise and be seen as a resource before someone ever comes in. Use your platform to answer common questions in your field, make suggestions about preventative exercises patients can do at home, have real talk sessions about common procedures they may be considering, or to give information about what to expect during their first visit.

3. Personalize the Experience

It’s great for patients to see before and after pictures of a surgical procedure, but its also impersonal and lacks context. Giving the person behind the before and after pic a voice is highly engaging though. Many of your future patients are experiencing the same pain points and hesitation as those you have helped. This is your chance to make a connection.

Showing the perspective of someone who is just like them - who was in pain and had to make the decision to reach out and get help - helps let a patient's guard down. Showing their results and improvements instills confidence and prompts them to schedule sooner rather than later.

You can do this with short 1-3 minute videos, testimonial statements or by encouraging patients to write reviews on Google that you can share.

Last But Not Least: Don’t Overwhelm Yourself (or your team)

Many of today’s physicians and offices are busy. Don’t feel like you have to overdo it on social media to be relevant. The key is to just be consistent. Here’s a sample week that would take 10-15 minutes per day to stay on top of:

Mondays: Showcase your facility or a service you offer with a link for booking

Tuesdays: Share a relevant journal or magazine article that could benefit your patients

Wednesdays: Q&A Day. You can do this in video form or using Instagram's “Ask Me a Question” feature

Thursdays: Quick Tip from the Doctor. Include a short post with a tip to help prevent injury or get healthier

Every Other Friday: Patient Testimonial