Everyone you know has a social media profile: your friends, your grandma… maybe even your dog has a social following. But what about your medical practice? Social media has changed the marketing landscape. Instead of calling the doctor with a medical question, people are overwhelmingly going first to the Internet to ask “Dr. Google” (using Google to search for information on their symptoms). When you are competing with “Dr. Google,” can you still afford to not have an online presence? Here are five statistics that say “NO.”
42% of customers use social media platforms to view health-related consumer reviews.
Next to Google, patients look to their peers for advice. The easiest way for them to connect is through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. By creating profiles for your practice and physicians, you are able to showcase your expertise in their review search.
71% of social media users are more likely to refer friends and family to a brand after a positive social media experience.
You’ve heard the old phrase, “don’t trust everything you read on the internet,” In today’s online society, it’s more common for people to trust everything they read on the internet, for better or worse. By putting out accurate messages and engaging with your patients, they are more likely to trust your brand, leading to possible referrals to friends and family.
24% of patients look at health-related images of other patients.
While determining what procedures might be correct for them, many patients look at before and after results of other patients. Whether a cosmetic procedure, surgery or weight loss procedure, before and after photos and stories influence a patient’s decision-making. By posting your patients’ success stories, you can increase your chances of becoming the go-to practice for the procedure.
90% of social media users say that videos are a helpful aspect of the decision process.
Video marketing has become integral across all social media channels as an easily digestible form of content. Video effectively gets your message across and shares a human element while showcasing your facility and your staff. By seeing a doctor bio or hearing the physician explain a procedure, users become more comfortable with your practice. Video is an essential part of your website and your social media presence for SEO and engagement purposes.
70% of Millennials trust social media influencers for recommendations and advice.
Influencer social media presence has been steadily increasing over the last few years. It has reached an all-time high in 2020. These social media voices have the ability to reach thousands of people—your practice and physicians can do the same. By using social media, your practice and physicians can reach patients in real-time, answering their questions and offering advice.
The digital world is ever-changing. The Points Group digital team studies the latest trends to stay up-to-date with all aspects of the digital world, including social media. Contact us if you need help brainstorming, building or implementing your practice’s social media strategy.
