Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram have been called “a pain in my side” by many physicians and medical professionals. Beyond the frustration, there is confusion, misunderstood myths, fear, and complete reluctance to get involved with any form of social media. At Quaintise, we see these traits as a detriment to the limitless possibilities that social media marketing in healthcare can offer.
The tide is shifting, and for many generations is has already shifted, from traditional communication between patient and physician to digital communication – including online and on-the-go. Healthcare marketing agencies understand this, and it is our responsibility to be sure that medical professionals and physicians, while they may not understand it, at least appreciate the amazing potential that social media can offer their practice and brand.
More than 40% of consumers say that information found via social media affects the way they deal with their health. (source: Mediabistro)
Nearly half of all consumers surveyed base the decisions that impact their health on information they’ve seen on social media. Let that sink in for a moment. Just as it’s a healthcare marketing agency’s responsibility to education physicians on the importance of integrating social media into their marketing campaigns, it’s imperative that physicians provide patients and potential patients with the correct health information via social media. When a subject is as important and as sensitive as health is researched and impacted via social media, you, as a physician, better be the one providing the most accurate information.
90% of respondents from 18 to 24 years of age said they would trust medical information shared by others on their social media networks. (source: Search Engine Watch)
The traditional form of Word of Mouth has become a digital referral, and the next generation of patients greatly depends on what their online network has to say about health issues.
Case Study: Recently we launched a Facebook Campaign for Arizona OBGYN Affiliates. This campaign, featuring a new spa service they are offering, increased monthly website traffic by over 200% strictly due to an extremely targeted Facebook Advertising Campaign.
30% of adults are likely to share information about their health on social media sites with other patients, 47% with doctors, 43% with hospitals, 38% with a health insurance company and 32% with a drug company. (source: Fluency Media)
Individuals of all demographics feel more comfortable sharing health information on social networks. With transparency and authenticity, health care topics are becoming more productive and allowing physicians on social networks to provide relevant, accurate medical information to those who might need it, thus increasing the potential for Facebook Users to turn into actual patients.
YouTube traffic to hospital sites has increased 119% year-over-year. (source: Google’s Think Insights)
As one of the most innovative and dynamic healthcare marketing agencies in the Southwest, Quaintise fully utilizes the potential that Youtube has to offer. Social media marketing is fluent, and Youtube allows for video marketing to convert traffic into patients with ease.
60% of social media users are the most likely to trust social media posts and activity by doctors over any other group. (source: Infographics Archive)
This is a big one, and should be an eye opener to any physician who might be floundering with the idea of launching a social media campaign. Physicians are trusted just as much on social media as they are in person, and as the tide continues to shift towards digital communication, it’s imperative that as a credible physician you impart that credibility in digital realms.
49% of those polled expect to hear from their doctor when requesting an appointment or follow-up discussion via social media within a few hours. (source: HealthCare Finance News)
You not only need to be online, you need to be active and engaged online. This is where a social media marketing expert team comes into the picture!
The numbers are truly staggering, and the statistics don’t lie. If you’re not actively engaging with your patients and audience on social media, you are falling behind the curve. Call Quaintise for more information.