In today’s world, social media is ubiquitous. We use Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, and other emerging social media networks to connect, share ideas, and stay in the know.
For most of us, engaging with social apps has become part of our daily routine. In fact, the average person spends about two and a half hours on social media each day, according to Statista.
What does this mean for your practice? It means that you have an open invitation to meet your patients, and potential patients, right where they are.
To make a great first (and lasting) impression on social media networks, keep the following in mind:
- Post and respond regularly. Maintaining an active presence on social media shows that you are accessible, up to date, and communicative—three elements that go a long way in building patient satisfaction. Remember to keep it positive, and always be sure that you reply in a way that adheres to the rules laid out in HIPAA.
- Be engaging and thoughtful. Social media networks are a platform for you to share your knowledge and expertise in a relatable way. This can help you build credibility and rapport with your patients and prospective patients.
- Showcase your merit. People like to read reviews, check credentials, and see qualifications before choosing a dental practitioner. Be sure to highlight yours across your social media accounts to show that you’re committed to your field.
While social media sites are “open” 24/7, your office doesn’t need to be. There are ways to optimize your social media activity so that you make the most of your time online. Tools to make your social media strategy easier include:
Management Platforms
Social media management platforms provide a one-stop destination to manage multiple social media accounts. For example, Hootsuite has a dashboard where you can integrate your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube content all in one place. You can also schedule your posts ahead of time so that they publish on a certain day or time. This makes planning and sharing new content incredibly efficient.
Content Libraries
As a Bullseye Media client, you receive our social media newsletter each month. This email is full of content ideas and topics that are timely and relevant for your patients. We’ve already started the brainstorming and planning process for you!
You can also sign up for our Bullseye Media Social Media Library, where you have 24/7 access to visual content that we’ve already created for you. This ready-to-use, attention-grabbing imagery can help improve engagement across your social media networks.
Design Platforms
If you want to create even more customized visual content, you can use a graphic design platform. Apps like Canva enable you to build social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, and other visual content via ready-made templates.
We’re all on social media now more than ever before, so make this the year you level up in the social media space. If you need help, let us know!