According to The Pew Research, nearly 80% of people go online for answers to health questions and information. One third of health consumers now use social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and online forums for health-related matters including medical information and commenting about drugs, treatments, doctors, medical services and health plans. The phenomenal growth of social media is overwhelming. There is no way a natural therapy practitioner can be successful with social media marketing if their practice is not social.
Here are the different types of social media natural therapy practitioners can use:
• Website
• Public comments on Websites
• Social Networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ others)
• Photo Sharing (Flickr, Pinterest, Instagram)
• Blogging/Micro Blogging (Tumblr, Twitter)
• Social Bookmarking (Digg, Delicious)
• Video Sharing: (YouTube, Vimeo)
• e-Newsletters (Mailchimp)
Here are some prominent examples of social media sites:
Facebook – this popular free social networking site allows users to create profiles, send messages, and upload photos and video. Internet users spend more time on this site than any other networking sites.
Twitter – this free microblogging site allows users to post 140 character messages called tweet. Twitter members can follow other users and tweet using multiple platforms and devices.
LinkedIn is the social networking sites for business community. Registered users can establish network with people they know and trust professionally.
Pinterest – is a site for sharing and categorizing images found online. This visual site allows users to see the original image source when they click on the image.
Social media can help natural therapy industry to:
Educate – sharing and discussing relevant and useful information help to educate patients, prospects and community. Social media let natural therapy practitioners and patients discuss current practices and share experiences in real time. Video sharing sites like YouTube can be used to provide brief educational videos.
Engage – social media provide two way communication channel. Regular interaction with patients and community is possible through social media. Patients can voice their concerns or ask questions. And it allows practitioners to reply, engage and give opinion.
Listen – discover what your current and prospective patients are saying about your clinic on social media. Acting on the information provided will ensure quick and exceptional customer service.
Sell – people love finding special offers and discounts, use social media to promote and sell your services. Just be discreet and tactful when promoting your services.
If you have an osteopath clinic, identify first who are your patients. Then think where your prospects spend most of their time when they are online. Open social media account on sites your prospects most likely be hanging out. Typically people gravitate to three social networking sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. These sites are good place to start. Plan at least an hour everyday for social media activities like liking, following, sharing content, answering questions and connecting to people and other health practitioners. Leveraging online presence through social media will keep your clinic infront of consumers mind.
Content is king for growing natural therapy services. Content creates engagement and build trust around your brand. It starts with your website and populates on your social media platforms. Every post on social media platforms has the potential to negatively impact your reputation and public perception on your services. Watch your language and avoid posting nonprofessional photos. Manage our status updates, tweets, blogs and article post and make sure it speaks your brand. Avoid negative comments about other medical professionals that could be regarded as libellous. Use caution when responding to negative comments on sites that allow patients to rate your services. If you disagree with other’s opinion or comment keep your reply appropriate and polite. Also be cautious when providing online medical advice, recommend that patients seek professionals for any medical concerns.
Social media can be a valuable tool for natural therapy industry when handled properly. It helps to promote your services and disseminate health information. It helps people find you easily and tell them what to expect when they visit. Develop your social media program and use social media as a part of your marketing mix. Use it to drive visitors to your website to take a deeper look at your brand.
