Creating and using a social media strategy for your chiropractic practice is an absolute must in today’s world of online marketing. By using word of mouth techniques, social networking and media can assist in positioning a chiropractor as a trusted expert.
For example, when people are looking for chiropractic services, they will more easily find your business when you are an established expert. Social media methods can accomplish this by using certain techniques.
1. Relationships First
The key component to any social media strategy is building online relationships. The online profile is an essential aspect to this endeavor. Building out profiles on the top social networks (like Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter) can help set you apart and become known as both a chiropractic educator as well as an authority in your local health community.
For example, creating a blog that regularly provides information on how chiropractic can correct subluxations and alleviate pain could establish you as THE expert. As your online information grows, more people will benefit and will help you build even more relationships with potential patients and referral partners.
2. Objectives
The main objective for a chiropractor is to increase the number of patients and referrals. Attracting the best patient begins with knowing what their needs are.
Aside from your basic services, there are specific issues that people are looking to solve. Addressing those issues through blog articles, forums and other social networking arenas can help support your social media strategy which will, in return, effect your practice’s bottom line.
3. Social Media Plan
Once your objectives have been hashed out, you can start developing your social media plan.
For example, when the goal is to become known as the leading chiropractor within your city, the plan must include a website and/or blog that offers resources such as useful information, articles, case studies and videos.
This will also provide ways of connecting with your readers, such as inviting questions and offering answers through the comments section of your blog.
4. Online Distribution Tactics
The information published can be distributed across an entire interactive network that includes a plethora of ways to connect with existing and potential clients. Below are some of the more popular online networks to include:
- Twitter: Also known as microblogging, Twitter is a powerful tool that can be used from anywhere and at anytime to update patients and potential patients about your practice’s news and information. Each time you publish a blog piece or article, a link can be sent out via Twitter. Invitations to events and service offers can also attract new patients.
- Facebook: The networking capabilities on this vast network are extremely plentiful. The business pages on Facebook have a methodology and system that is very easy to adopt. Because of this, the connections on Facebook can help drive more patients into your office.
- LinkedIn: While LinkedIn tends to be more professionally focused, it is still a very valuable tool to establish yourself as an expert while gaining new patients. Professionals refer others to their connections and could themselves become patients.
5. Social Media Search
The search functions on social media networks offer many ways people can find out about your practice. For example, Twitter allows for topics to be monitored by using #hashtags and keywords.
You can connect with potential patients by using relative keywords like “chiropractor,” “back pain,” “accident,” or “injury.” Invitations can be sent to people in these online discussions to get advice or a complimentary assessment.
Many users are part of the target market specified in your social media campaign. Once found, they can also be directed to your Facebook page and relative articles and YouTube videos to create a very inclusive, effective social media strategy.
The above is just a primer on how chiropractors can create a winning social media strategy but should give you plenty of ideas to get the ball rolling.
Question: Have you put together a successful social media strategy?
If so, please share in the {comments} section below what is working for you and your chiropractic practice.
