Common Mistakes Healthcare Providers Make on Social Media
Social media has become essential for healthcare providers to connect with patients and promote their practices. However, healthcare providers must be mindful of the potential risks and pitfalls of using social media for their business. Knowing the mistakes and how to correct them can help strengthen your brand online.
Common Social Media Mistakes to Avoid in Healthcafre
Not Having Active Social Pages
One common mistake healthcare providers make is not having an active social media page or profile. Let’s be honest; when running a business, dealing with daily operations, and treating patients, online social profiles is the last thing on most providers’ minds.
However, almost 80% of people in the United States have looked on social media to find information about doctors. When physicians use social pages to help educate their patients on specific conditions, treatments, or wellness tips, they strengthen their brand and are seen as leaders in their industry.
The more physicians can engage with their patients’ comments on social media, the more the patients will relate to their doctor and increase their relationship. That type of nurturing and connection is vital for growing a practice and keeping long-lasting patients.
Not protecting patient confidentiality.
Another common mistake healthcare providers make on social media is failing to protect patient confidentiality. This is especially important in the age of social media, where information can easily be shared and spread online. Strict confidentiality laws and regulations bind healthcare providers, and any breach of confidentiality can have serious consequences.
To avoid this mistake, healthcare providers should ensure they only share necessary and appropriate information. This includes not posting identifying patient information, such as their name, age, or location. It’s also important to remember that even if patients consent to sharing their information online, it’s still the healthcare provider’s responsibility to protect their confidentiality.
When working with a digital marketing team on social media, it’s best to ensure that they are certified in HIPAA compliancy to guarantee the information is safe and protected.
Not being consistent with branding.
Another mistake healthcare providers make on social media is inconsistency with their branding. Consistency is vital in branding because it helps establish trust and credibility with patients. When a healthcare provider’s branding is inconsistent across different social media platforms, it can be unclear and undermine their integrity.
To fix this mistake, healthcare providers should ensure that their branding is consistent across all social media platforms. This includes using the same branding assets like profile picture, cover photo, and color scheme. Keeping information about your practice consistent is also a large part of maintaining consistency across social platforms: hours of operations, services, providers, and contact information are included. It’s also essential to use the same tone and voice in all their social media posts to help establish a cohesive brand identity.
Not engaging with patients and followers
Another common mistake healthcare providers make on social media is not engaging with patients and followers. Social media is a two-way communication platform, and healthcare providers must actively engage with their patients and followers. This can involve responding to comments and messages, starting conversations, and asking for feedback.
To fix this mistake, healthcare providers or their marketing team should make an effort to regularly check their social media accounts and respond to comments and messages promptly.
Not being authentic
A final mistake that healthcare providers make on social media is needing to be authentic. Healthcare providers need to be personable and genuine in their online communication regarding digital communication. Patients and followers are more likely to trust and engage with healthcare providers who are honest and authentic rather than those who are perceived as being inauthentic or insincere.
To fix this mistake, healthcare providers should make an effort to be open and transparent in their social media interactions.
Get the Online Support You Are Looking For
Social media has a lot of pros and cons, but when used appropriately and consistently, it can have a lot of positive impacts on healthcare practices.
If you are looking for help getting your social media up and running with a confident posting schedule and industry-related content, Valet Health’s social media solution can help. Contact us today to get started.
