Whether you are a large dental practice or just starting, social media will be an important part of your digital marketing efforts.
Nearly everybody is on social media these days. Facebook alone has over 2.5 billion active users, and the curve is rising. Most importantly, a majority of people have profiles on more than one social platform, which gives businesses like yours a variety of options to work with.
However, given the long list of social media platforms available, it can prove difficult to keep active on all of them. A dentist social media expert can study your audience to determine the most ideal platforms for your practice.
That being said, here are the three most common social platforms where most dentists begin, along with a few tips to get you started.
Facebook is the most popular social platform and a go-to for all businesses interested in social media marketing. As a dentist, you can share written content in the form of posts, accompanied by attractive visuals and videos with your audience.
Facebook also provides high engagement for shared content, making it perfect for sharing articles and other website content.
The primary reason to use this platform is the large database of users who range anywhere from 15 to 45 years. This means your potential patients are likely to be spending significant time here as well.
However, you might experience stiff competition, especially when you’re new. Investing in a creative social media management company, as well as Facebook paid ads, can help you improve your digital presence.
With its focus on visuals, Instagram is most ideal for dental practices whose primary goal is brand promotion. The majority of users on this platform are below 35 years and appreciate creative content in the form of images and videos.
Mastering Instagram marketing, including using hashtags, leveraging reels, and live videos, has the potential to reach tens of thousands of potential clients. Like Facebook, Instagram has a paid feature where you can boost your posts to reach a larger audience beyond your follower count.
If you are looking for growth over engagement, however, Instagram might not be the best social platform.
Instead of the primary uses of other social media channels for entertainment, LinkedIn offers a more professional experience.
Even so, don’t let this prevent you from trying this platform for your dental practice. With the right LinkedIn marketing strategy, there are numerous ways you can use it to promote your business.
Getting referrals from loyal clients and professional connections, as well as spending quality time engaging on related posts, are some of the ways to get quality visibility rates on LinkedIn.
Social Media Tips for Dentists
When implemented right, social media marketing can create awareness, promote, and grow your dental practice in several months. Social media can also help SEO for dentists indirectly through important search engine metrics, like increased traffic.
Some of the most important tips to keep in mind when using social media are:
- Consistency is Key: There are tens of other dentists advertising on social media and hoping to convert clients just like you. Sharing consistent content on your chosen platforms ensures you remain at the top of your potential clients’ minds.
- Choose Two or Three Platforms Only: The most effective social media marketing strategies begin with identifying the goals of your dental practice and determining which platforms offer these KPIs. When you strive to use every platform, you risk being all over the place or failing altogether.
- Always Measure Your Results: Social media offers business accounts with analytical features that they can use to improve their overall marketing plans.
The Future of Marketing Has Arrived
Digital marketing, especially through social media platforms, is the future of marketing services. If your practice is not utilizing these platforms, you’re certainly missing out on the benefits. Although it can feel overwhelming, you are not alone. Consider retaining the services of a dedicated digital marketing firm to find the edge your practice needs to thrive.