1. My patients aren’t using social media.
Patients are not only using social media; they are spending a great deal of time researching and talking about the brands and businesses they love on social sites every day. Social networking dominates online activity, and this means that many of your patients are regularly tapping into Facebook, Twitter, and blogs from their PCs and smartphones. Now more than ever your practice needs an active presence on popular social media sites if you want to connect with your existing patient base and generate referrals in this digital space.
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2. Social media is a waste of time.
Most patients make decisions about their health-care providers based on what they’ve heard from other people — it’s word of mouth. And where do you think people do most of their talking today? Social media. You may not see an instant ROI with social media, but with time, you will build awareness for your practice — putting you in front of new and existing patients who are talking about you on these social platforms.
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3.Social media is too complicated.
Staying abreast of the ever-changing social media landscape can be challenging. Start simple by setting up a basic Twitter account or Facebook page. Social media is something that must be carefully monitored, but that doesn’t mean you have to handle everything. Have a social-savvy member of your staff handle your social media accounts, or turn your social network over to a professional who can help you build, maintain, and grow your presence.
Put those social media myths to rest, and start engaging where patients are spending a vast majority of their time — social media. It’s well worth the effort, and with a little practice or assistance, you can establish your own social media presence that generates a steady community of followers and referrals.
