It took me a few years to really figure out the meaning of social media and its potential for medicine. There are too many social media “experts” that don’t really understand what social media means…they can give examples, but few can actually verbalize the meaning.
Social media can improve health education.
More than Just Twitter and Facebook
Social media is more than just name dropping. Social media is any platform where an exchange of information can occur between the author, reader and other readers. Websites where you can leave a comment are called…blogs.
Social media also is a powerful tool that can be used to effectively create and sustain relationships between doctors and patients…virtual or real.
Blogs became popular because of the “Comment.” Empowering the reader, allowing participation, asking for an opinion are the most powerful attributes of a blog. In this case, if you read an article here, and have a question…just ask! I try and answer almost all comments within 3-4 days of receipt.
By the way, for a medical practice, use of Twitter, Facebook or other “social media” platforms should be used to drive “traffic” or attention to an office website. Ergo, if a medical practice doesn’t have a website….no reason to utilize FB or Twitter.
Medical blogs should contain information about health problems and patients are looking on the Internet for….answers to health related questions. As long as physicians are careful not to offer medical advice there should be no liability issues. Sadly, most physicians choose not to engage at all.
Marketing a Medical Practice
Doctors will soon realize the need to market themselves on the Internet as already >80% of Americans turn to the Internet first when looking for health related answers. Websites that rank highly (those websites that provide relevant content and on a regular basis) will attract the most patient traffic.
In summary, those doctors that engage the Internet by producing relevant content, will also market themselves successfully…and at the same time, improve the level of education of the public!
Social Media for a Medical Practice
My Favorite Tools – Hosting
I use Go Daddy for my hosting. Originally, I signed up for the Economy, but soon increased to Deluxe. There are a few more bells and whistles. I would suggest starting with Deluxe and upgrading when you are ready. They are pretty good about simply prorating your fee. I am an affiliate of Go Daddy through Commission Junction. The link below can send you straight to Go Daddy (and I’ll get a few cents on anything you purchase).
