Recently, one of our valued AMPers (Advanced Mentoring Program) had been approached by a social media management company offering to represent their clinic for just over $1000 a month.
ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS! $1000 a month for a few posts and reels.
Our response? We took their precious face in our hands, told them how pretty they are and gently whispered “ ARE. YOU. OUT. OF. YOUR. MIND?”
We would later cry ourselves to sleep, shaking a fist to the sky and bellowing ‘have we taught them nothing?!”
But seriously, the truth is that social media management doesn’t have to be the complicated, all-consuming nightmare that some influencers lead you to believe. But the bad news is that you HAVE to do it yourself.
Or better yet, hire staff to do it (like someone who physically works in your clinic every day). We’d even be amenable to you freelancing this to your 12-year-old nephew (assuming he would, if challenged, finish in the top 4 of a spelling bee) in exchange for V-bucks. The who isn’t as important as long as the posts and content are an authentic and intimate reflection of you and your practice. (And it doesn’t cost you what we spend on REAL marketing.)
You see, while you might think that people are using Facebook and Instagram to find their next healthcare provider, the reality is a little different. Yes, that happens on the rare occasion and sure, they might stumble upon your clinic while doom scrolling in the wee hours of the night but more often than not, they’re turning to social media to verify your existence and make sure you’re worth their time and money.
That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a professional social media presence – one that reflects the quality and expertise of your practice. Avoid the temptation to cross-contaminate your clinic page with personal rants or irrelevant content.
For example – posting your manifesto or how passionate you are about jiu jitsu because you’re feeling self-important is not a great use of your time and won’t attract patients. Posting a picture of you and your staff enjoying a box of donuts because a patient brought them in to treat everyone, totally acceptable and encouraged. It’s a great way to introduce staff and show the kind of community your foster in your clinic.
Focus on sharing content that adds value to your audience’s lives. Whether it’s updates on treatments or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your cliinic, aim to post AT LEAST 3 TIMES PER WEEK. If you’re just getting started or your page needs some serious TLC, consider posting daily to boost engagement and visibility.
And lastly, do not sleep on Google My Business. If you haven’t already claimed your listing, better late than never. And if you just got wide-eyed, confused and all ‘Google my who and what listing?” Trust us, Google My Business is as easy a quick Google search (because why wouldn’t it be?)
So there you have it – some practical tips for harnessing the power of social media and using it to represent your practice in an authentic way. Remember, it’s not about chasing likes or followers; it’s about building trust and credibility with your audience.
Here’s to thriving clinics and flourishing feeds!