Social Media and Healthcare

If your practice doesn’t have a blog — or you have one that’s not actively maintained — it’s time to make a change.

Spice up your doctor blog by experimenting with different post formats like interviews, how-tos, and personal stories.

More than half of marketers (55 percent) cite blog content creation as their top inbound marketing priority, according to HubSpot.

As a busy doctor, not having much time for healthcare marketing activities like blogging is understandable.

However, your competitors likely have a doctor blog, so you need one, too. Here’s a look at several different kinds of blog posts to help you get inspired.

Different types of healthcare marketing blog posts

These healthcare marketing tips can help you connect with new and current patients during the holiday season.

Film a holiday video

When it comes to digital content, consumers can’t get enough of video.

According to HubSpot, 54 percent of people want to see more video content from businesses. Videos allow you to showcase your personality, and the holidays are a great time to send your patients a warm, heartfelt message. Just set up a digital camera or use your mobile phone.

Video marketing is great holiday marketing for doctors because it helps build your relationships with patients, and can also bring more patients through the door. 

Hold a social media photo contest

Healthcare social media is one of the easiest places to foster an authentic connection with your patients, and people love a chance to win something. Invite people to share a holiday-themed photo related to your specialty.

For example, if you’re a dentist, host a photo contest for good dental hygiene habits with a holiday spin. Make sure the rules for entering the contest are made clear: 

• Let people know when entries will close.
• Designate a hashtag so you can keep track of entries.
• Note that people must have a public profile and be following your account to win.

Host a holiday Q&A

People have health-related questions year-round and aren’t shy about going online to look for answers. In fact, 74.6 percent of people have looked online to find out about a doctor, a dentist, or medical care, according to PatientPop.

Because the holidays can be a particularly hectic time for many people — from dealing with flu season to seasonal food choices to increased travel — this is a great time to give patients the opportunity to ask you timely questions by hosting a Q&A on your healthcare social media channels.

You can use Facebook Live or Instagram Live to answer questions on the spot or use Instagram Stories for a more curated experience.

Invite patients to submit New Year’s resolutions

The end of the year can be a reflective time, and people are more likely to be thinking about improving their health habits. 

As a trusted source and invested party in your patients’ health, invite your patients to share their resolutions with you via social media or even an email campaign. Start the conversation by sharing your own resolutions. 

Write holiday-related blog posts

Use the holidays as inspiration for your blog. Creating timely content makes your blog more relevant to patients. It also increases the likelihood that your blogs will be shared, which may help you get on new patients’ radar.

You can blog about any number of topics depending on your practice location or specialty. For example, if you’re a dermatologist, you can offer skincare tips for colder weather.

Send a holiday marketing email

Nearly six in 10 people say they prefer email communications from brands above any other channel, including text, phone, and social media. 

Send healthcare marketing emails to your patients this season that:

• Offer tips for staying healthy through the holidays
• Contain a “Happy Holidays!” message
• Share healthy holiday recipes
• Remind people to book an appointment before the end of the year

Send patients a holiday greeting card

The holidays are a popular time for old-fashioned greeting cards. Design a holiday card featuring you and your practice staff and a heartfelt message.

Including a thoughtful note can strengthen your relationship with your patients, and they’ll receive a nice surprise when they open their mail. Let them know you are happy to be taking care of them.

Spread some seasonal cheer by implementing some of the tips on this guide to holiday marketing for doctors. You’ll stand out among healthcare or dental practices and can help mitigate against a slower season. 

Read More: https://www.patientpop.com/blog/marketing/10-practice-holiday-campaign/