In 2017, social media plays a very integral role in our personal lives. Seldom a day goes by that we are not on our smartphones documenting the noteworthy (and sometimes less than noteworthy) happenings of the day. Social media not only connects us as individuals, but also as businesses. New effective ways of utilizing social media for business are always surfacing.
In the healthcare industry specifically, there are several reasons why healthcare managers are choosing to incorporate social media into their marketing strategies. Here are 5 noteworthy ways your practice can use social media.
Share Information
Social media allows healthcare professionals to better share information that is important to their patients. This can range from health tips to their take on the latest current studies in their field of expertise. New doctors can be introduced and questions can be answered. Practices can connect with their patients on a more personal level.
Gain Brand Ambassadors
Speaking of connecting with patients on a more personal level, by doing so, your practice may gain some “brand ambassadors.” If a patient feels a doctor or practice cares enough to offer them helpful tips or even reach out to them in a more personal way (by liking comments, answering questions, etc), they will be more likely to refer friends and family or simply share with their social networks the latest treatment they received at your office. Ultimately, customer service is important no matter the industry.
Real Time Updates
One of the great things about social media is that information can be shared immediately. Use this to your advantage. If you work at a hospital, give real time updates on hospital capacity. Do you have extra appointment availability? Share this info with your patients. You never know who might be looking for a last-minute appointment.
Competitive Analysis
Social media provides an easy way to check out your competitors. Take a look at their profiles. See what kinds of information they are sharing. Find out what kind of content their patients are commenting on. This can only help your practice improve the quality of your social media presence as well as offer higher patient satisfaction.
Connect with Other Doctors
Using social media for professional purposes is also very common and useful. Connect with specialists in different fields. These kinds of professional relationships can help with referral business in the future.
