More Than Just Hype: Social Media Works for Medical Practices

Too often, I hear that social media is just for retailers and “traditional” consumer product companies.  I disagree.  If executed correctly, social media can work for almost every type of business, including medicine.  Sure, major consumer brands were some of the first to embrace it, and many healthcare marketers still question its value.  However, social media deserves a seat at your marketing table, especially if you want to strengthen and grow your patient base.  Generating referrals has always required multiple touches or what I like to call layering.  And you never know which “touch” is going to be the final nudge that generates a referral. Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools can play a key role in this process, especially when you can get your current patients to “like” you and share their positive experiences with others.  It may come as a surprise, but social media may just be one of your most cost effective marketing tools.