For anyone in the healthcare industry, social media may seem like a double-edged sword. While healthcare providers and patients can discover and share old and new, general and unique information, it may be too easy to miss the point where one can violate both healthcare and online rules and regulations.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few social media practices (or lack thereof) that healthcare professionals are often faulted with.
1.Not using healthcare social network at all
Today, no business, whether in finance, technology, fashion or healthcare, can progress without some sort of online presence. In the U.S. alone, a whopping 80 percent of people search for a variety of health-related issues, on the internet, from medical aid to common ailments
If you or your healthcare company is not using social media, you’re missing out on tools and features created just to help you expand your medical practices.
2.Setting up too many accounts
There is such a thing as being “over-social”. Every other social media or healthcare social media website will seem attractive, but you need to understand that it takes time and effort to make sure your profile and content does not become redundant.
A smart option would be to use just a couple of healthcare-related social media sites that connects people from all around the world, and promote information and practice.
1.Using a “corporate tone”
If users wanted a TV commercial-like approach from businesses they are interested in, they would just turn on their TVs. On social media, people come to talk, share their opinions, discuss areas of interest and learn about the products rather than being told to buy them.
It’s all well and good to purpose your social networking towards promoting your practice, but you need to start a conversation first. If you are promoting supplements, talk about healthy nutritional habits and common mistakes, before you head on to recommending your products. Build up a good relationship with potential patients and customers first.
2.Failing to communicate with your audience
Good or bad, every feedback you receive, every question you are asked should be responded to. Social media tools do allow users to block and blacklist negative posts and individuals. As for the rest of the queries and questions, know when and how to respond.
Never ignore a negative feedback; it makes you look uninterested and uncaring about your field and your patients.
It may seem a tad complicated to figure out how healthcare audience thinks and interacts with businesses online. Keep to the site’s guidelines, set your goals and interact with as many peers and patients as you can, and you are well on your way towards social media growth.
Join in the healthcare discussions on Healthguv. As a social media for medical professionals, the site has all the tools for users to share information and connect with people anywhere in the world!