Social media is a different affair for the various demographics that use it. Gen Z can build a whole reputation off it while baby boomers simply want to check in with their friends and family. For better context, we’ll be using a business that is niched and its age sample is 40+. This is Social Media Tips for Chiropractors!
Social media has been the rave for the longest time and more businesses are jumping on the new channels to get the new audiences there. The effect of social media on businesses has been nothing short of astounding, and for a good reason.
First of all, social media has numerous possibilities apart from typical personal networking. It gives a potential client the opportunity to experience a personal connection to your business, simply because they are constantly online.
However, most people market online in the traditional way. They overload their social media profiles with sales and promotions. This doesn’t work well anymore, not in 2019 or in years to come.
The best strategy focuses on building relationships with people, engaging and identifying with their problems, providing value, and sharing stories.
One of the first tips is to understand your client. What is their psychographics?
Who is your target? What are their interests? What do they like? What do they want to see?
The answers to these questions will help you plan better so you can get the best response for your services.
But, there are limitations. Most baby boomers still do not have Instagram and are just barely getting by on Facebook and LinkedIn. If you even dare mention other popular platforms like Snapchat or Pinterest, most of them have no clue what you are talking about.
Next, branding…
- You must have a brand with a logo.
- Your designs must be the same everywhere.
- Your website should identify with your brand.
- The social media handle should be the same/ identical on the different platforms.
- The more specialized and focused your brand is, the better.
Focusing on your brand makes it easier to make yourself identifiable to the general public.
Photography
A good photo to use for all your profile photos is necessary when establishing your presence on social networking sites. Hire a good photographer to capture the best shot of your face and half of your torso. Just keep in mind that your photo is part of your brand. Don’t skimp on these things.
Find your theme
What would you rather post? Actual photos of you at work or related images of your business you found on the internet?You have to choose your theme. The problem of repetitive pictures comes up, but who says a chiropractor cannot have a nice cup of mocha latte after a long day? Your theme could be more laid back and personalized. That way, people would not feel they are following a robot’s page.
Also, keep your profile up-to-date with your contact info, current address, and other relevant information.
Share it everywhere
Once you post, you don’t just let it linger on the internet and hope that someone finds it. You have to share it on your company’s social pages or boost it, so that it can be seen by more people on places like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Spending just a few dollars to promote a post or an ad can help you reach a bigger audience and that can make a big difference, depending on your goals.
You should also engage with your employees and ask them to share the posts on their own personal pages. This not only helps grow your reach, but it makes your employees feel like they’re a part of the big picture of your business goals.
Self-promotion to people you already know
Social networking should be used as a way for you to introduce yourself and your services to as many people as possible. Do this by introducing yourself and your services to all of your peers and to as many patients as possible. You only get one chance to make a good first impression. If you meet someone at a business meeting or networking event, give them your business card. There is a good chance they will check out your website and social media profile if it’s listed on your card.
Get a Call-To-Action
Social media profiles are just channels to showcase your business. What happens after the posts on Instagram or Facebook. Most of these platforms will drive traffic to your personal site. Lead your potential clients to where you can be easily reached. This could be your business phone number or your official website where they can book appointments. Make sure that your website is highly professional.
Social media is not the endpoint. It is the means to an end.
Post engagement
Your caption could be a question or an opinion poll. You could do trivia, something fun and educational about your business. Reply to comments quickly using a friendly and spontaneous tone. Post statements that would be highly relevant to your followers. One good trick is to ask people to share the post if they agree, or comment if they disagree.
Be careful not to become annoying or offensive, but definitely make sure that everyone knows that you are active and available through your posts. On any page that has clients or on your business pages, please try to avoid subjects like religion, politics, weapons, views on sexuality etc.
Divisive topics should be avoided. It is always best to not engage in trends except they are related to your business. Neutral is best.
Use every tool at your disposal
It is becoming easier to update multiple profiles on multiple sites with services like Hootsuite. It could get difficult when you try to make out time from your schedule to post on social media. Scheduled posts make it easier.
Use hashtags (#) for more visibility. Hashtags work like magic and make you easy to locate online. Use the ones e.g. #chiropractor #chiropractic and others relevant to your business and location often. It is important to understand how to effectively use a social network to maximize the benefits.
Finally, videos have more engagement than pictures; find a way to post videos that are related to your business.
DON’T
- Don’t ever share your patients’ identifiable information on social media.
- Don’t share any information about yourself that you wouldn’t want patients or colleagues to know on public networks.
- Don’t criticize patients on social media. Yes, they can rate you and criticize you, but it doesn’t go both ways.
- Don’t be afraid to show some of your personality – the fun side. It will help patients connect with you and you might have more effective visits.
- Don’t underestimate the impact that social media has and will have on health.