What do Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube have in common? You probably know the answer. They are all social media platforms—places where anyone (including you) can create and share content.
Is this great news for your practice? You bet. Here’s why:
Zero Down / 0% APR / No Payments Ever
These platforms are free to use, as in $0.00. Zero! Though some offer enhanced business versions for a fee, you are not obliged to purchase, nor do you necessarily even need to. Is that your financial manager smiling? You should probably take a picture.
Open All Hours
Submit your content whenever you like. Want to blog in your pajamas at 3:00 a.m. while snacking on a tuna melt? Knock yourself out! Now that’s convenience.
The Helm Is Yours, Captain
Content is controlled by the owner. (That’s you!) Say whatever you want, however you want to say it. It’s smart to steer clear of divisive topics, though, especially politics and religion. And, of course, never post confidential patient information. Also, if you’re concerned about crossing doctor-patient professional boundaries, here’s an easy solution: set up an account specifically for your practice and use this to post practice-relevant content for your patients. Don’t invite patients to follow any personal accounts you may have; instead point them towards the practice account. That way, there are no ruffled feelings when a patient asks if they can “friend” you on Facebook, and you get to keep your private life private.
Text. Photos. Audio. Video.
Content format is not limited. Take your pick, or pick them all!
Size Doesn’t Matter
These platforms are scalable. What does that mean? Well, you won’t suddenly be able to leap Everest in a single bound. But you will be able to reach ten people, ten thousand people, or ten million people, with equal ease.
But the biggest deal of all?
Communication: A Two-Way Street
Social media platforms are interactive. They allow information to flow back and forth between you and your fans (your patients and colleagues!). A simple way to network within your community? On a scale of one (meh) to ten (awesome), that’s an eleven.
Fantastic, But Who Has Time?
“This is great,” you say. “But do I really need to invest time in social media? I’m already so busy.”
If this sounds like you, consider the following: Social media is not going away. The telephone was once new-fangled tech. So were the internet, email, and mobile devices. Long story short, your patients almost certainly have social media accounts, assume your practice does too, and would love to hear from you
Take advantage of social media. They complement your website and are a convenient way to keep in touch and show patients you care. Best of all, social media need not mean a big time commitment on your part.
The Bandwagon
Ready to jump on the social media bandwagon but don’t know where to start? Here are a few key players: Twitter (microblogging); Facebook (social networking); LinkedIn (social networking for businesses and professionals); Pinterest (online pinboard); YouTube (Google’s video-sharing site); Vimeo (video sharing); and Instagram (photo sharing). Some are more suited to a medical practice than others, so use at your own discretion.
You don’t have to pick just one platform—each has its own strengths. That’s why you can follow Facebook and LinkedIn on Twitter; Twitter and LinkedIn on Facebook; Facebook and Twitter on LinkedIn; and all three on Instagram.
When you set up your social media accounts, don’t forget to link back to your website!
Happy blogging!