If there’s one thing that matters in Social Media Marketing, it’s momentum – that is, posting quality content on a consistent basis. So, why is this important? Unlike other marketing channels, you can think of Social Media as essentially a conversation. It’s a dialogue between you and your patients and an opportunity to engage potential clients before they ever set foot in your office.

The problem is, today’s Social Media users have become inundated with choice. If they’re not getting the information and experience they’re looking for in one place, they’ll simply move on and seek it out somewhere else. So, to help ensure that your Social Pages don’t lose steam, we thought we would offer a few of our favorite tips!

Here are 3 Tips to Maintain Your Social Media Momentum:

1. Don’t Treat Social Network Pages as Billboards. If you’re posting advertisement after advertisement to your Facebook and Twitter pages, you can’t expect any meaningful response from your fans and followers. Instead, try to post conversation starters, questions, “behind the scenes” photos and other useful medical information. This is a great way to get patients involved and keep them coming back to your Social Networks.


Scheduling a post is simple. Simply write your content, click the small clock icon in the lower left-hand corner and input a date. Click the blue Schedule button and you’re done!

2. Stay Consistent with Scheduled Posts. Users like to know that every time they visit your Facebook and Twitter, there will be new, interesting content waiting for them. So, if you’re someone who posts once or twice a month, don’t be surprised if your Social Media numbers don’t pick up! Thankfully, Facebook’s Schedule Posts feature allows you to post consistently, even if you’re strapped for time. Take a day to write several posts in advance and schedule them to go live on a day and time of your choosing.
3. Be Diligent in Responding to Comments. If a user posts a comment or question to your page, be sure to respond diligently. This tells your followers that you are accessible and that you have a personal stake in their well-being. If a patient asks a sensitive or personal question, advise them to send you a private message for more information. Remember that anything you post to your page should be considered public!

Medical Social Media Management

Don’t have time to manage your social media efforts? Let MedNet help! We’ll plan and execute a cohesive social media strategy for your practice and get potential patients talking! Contact a MedNet Representative to learn more.

Patients today want to be educated before making a healthcare decision — and the abundance of information on the Internet allows them to do their homework! But, with the seemingly endless number healthcare websites out there, you may be thinking, “How can my website make an impression?” Rest assured, by understanding what patients are looking for, you’ll be on your way toward a successful site!

• To get to know you and your practice. The Internet allows patients to get to know you and your staff before visiting your office. Include physician and staff bios, complete with pictures for a more personal effect. Remember to list your credentials and accomplishments, as this establishes trust and credibility with potential patients. Also, tell your practice’s story. Share what sets you apart from others!
• What to do next? Provide a bold call-to-action, clearly explaining where you can be reached and what your visitors should do next. Consider a contact form, prompting potential patients to share their name and contact information. Want to entice your visitors? Provide incentives for submissions, such as coupons or other special offers.
• To uncover what other patients think. Ask former and current patients to share their experience at your practice by writing a testimonial for you to share on your website. Knowing other people’s success stories is always impressive to potential patients.
• To see results. Web visitors want to see what you’re capable of. Provide case studies and patient before & after galleries to demonstrate your work. It shows pride and confidence in what you do.
• To be educated. Providing an abundance of reliable, informative content is a great way to educate patients and garner trust. From procedure animations to informative blog posts, the more content you provide, the more a potential patient will value your services.
• To find what they’re looking for Not only should your site’s content be appealing and informative to potential patients, but it should also be easy to navigate. This is where your site’s design can make all the difference. Patients come to your site for a specific reason. Whether they want to know where you’re located, which procedures you offer or details about a specific treatment, you must make that information accessible.

Turn website visitors to patients!

At MedNet, we provide custom healthcare websites, filled with content that will grab the attention of your potential patients. Contact a MedNet Representative for information today. Also, ask about our SEO packages to help ensure that patients come across your site when searching the web!

One of the most important ways to stay on top of your social media presence is to explore and adapt to new, emerging platforms. One such platform is Vine, a new mobile app brought to you by the creators of Twitter, the wildly popular microblogging website. However, instead of the 140-character updates you can send on Twitter, Vine allows you to post and view 6-second videos with sound, that continually play on a loop. Much like Twitter or Instagram, you can follow people you find interesting, and search for new people by name or hashtag. Vine videos also don’t have to be done in one shot — you can stop and start until the 6 seconds have been reached, allowing users to stretch their creative muscles. So how can you use this app to benefit your medical practice? There are actually a number of ways!

Here are the 5 ways you can use Vine to help your medical practice:

1. Show off your office or location. By making a quick video tour of your office, you allow potential patients to familiarize themselves with the practice before they even visit. Additionally, if your practice is tough to find, a Vine video can help patients to know what to look for!
2. Introduce your staff. You can use Vine to introduce your followers to the doctors and other staff members in your practice. This will help to humanize your practice, bridging the gap between patient and doctor.
3. Record patient testimonials. Vine is a great way for patients to give video testimonials about your practice — which can be more effective than standard text reviews. Potential patients will be much more inclined to visit you if they see real people speaking positively about their experience. Ask patients if they’d be willing to record a testimonial — at only 6 seconds, it likely won’t cut into their schedule.
4. Provide health tips. Posting a daily or weekly health tip is a great way to keep your followers interested and coming back for more. It only takes a few seconds, and it benefits not only your patients but your practice as well.
5. Promote upcoming events and offers. If your practice holds any sort of events or offers any promotions, Vine is a great tool for creating promotional videos. Make video teasers to stir up interest in what you have to offer!




Medical Social Media Management

Don’t have time to manage your social media efforts? Let MedNet help! We’ll plan and execute a cohesive social media strategy for your practice and get potential patients talking! Contact a MedNet Representative to learn more.

So, it seems like you’re doing everything right. You’re tweeting and posting Facebook updates, but they never seem to gain any traction. You have fans, but none of them are commenting on the page. Wondering why you’re not seeing people talking? Well, it’s possible you’re not encouraging them to!

It’s easy to think of social media simply as a marketing campaign. You post relevant content on a timely basis, and that should be enough. However, it’s much more than just that. Instead of thinking of social media as a campaign, think of it as a conversation, or relationship you have with the people interested in what you’re offering. Consumers want to engage and and they want their voices heard! If your social media updates paint you in the wrong light, no one will be encouraged to join the conversation. Here are some tips on how you can create a community with your social media presence.

Tips on How to Encourage Conversation in Social Media

• Give your audience prompts. You should be asking your audience questions, whether they are about matters regarding your practice or just fun, simple ideas that can grow a conversation. Fill-in-the-blank prompts are great ways to get people talking, as well as asking open-ended questions that allow for creative responses. Asking for their opinions will let them know you value what they have to say, and that’s important in maintaining an active and engaging social media presence.

• Offer them something. A study conducted in 2010 revealed that almost 40% of Facebook users become fans of a page for special offers and discounts. By offering some sort of incentives for your audience, you encourage them to stay active in the community and spread the word to their friends, family, and colleagues.
• Know who you’re talking to. Understanding your demographic is key if you want to engage with your audience. If you don’t know who your fans or followers are, how can you know who to cater your posts to? If you’re using Facebook, you can use their insights tool to see the types of people your posts are reaching, and with other forms of social media you can refer to the demographic studies that have been conducted. Target your posts towards the people that are reading your page!
• Join the conversation. It’s not enough to simply make a post and then leave it alone when people start commenting. You have to stay involved in the conversation in order for there to be any sort of community centered around your brand or practice. It’s important to respond to all your comments (yes, even the negative ones) so consumers will be more encouraged to write back in the future. They’ll know that they’re not simply talking to a faceless company, and it will prompt them to be much more involved.

Medical Social Media Management

If you don’t feel as if you’re able to foster a community with your social media channels, let MedNet help! We’ll plan and execute a comprehensive social media strategy to get people talking about your practice. Contact a MedNet representative today to learn more.

When folks visit a practice, where do they spend most of their time? More often than not, it’s the waiting room. In fact, according to a recent article from the Huffington Post, “Nationwide, patients spend an average of 21 minutes tapping their toes and flipping through old magazines as they wait to see their docs, according to a recent analysis of data from over 700,000 physicians’ offices.” An oft-missed opportunity to connect with patients and their loved ones, take a moment to ask yourself this important question: “What am I doing to engage patients while they wait?”

1. Add a social media kiosk. While you should always encourage patients to check out your social networks at home, adding a social media station to your waiting room can make a world of difference. No need for anything fancy – a basic laptop or iPad will certainly do the trick. When patients arrive, encourage them to “like” your page on Facebook or “follow” you on Twitter. Not only does this grow your base, but likes and follows serve as instant word-of-mouth advertising. So, don’t be surprised if you see a few of your patients’ friends walking through your doors!
2. Display an email opt-in list. Email marketing is still a great way to keep your patients thinking about – and talking about – your practice. And, the easiest way to build your list of contacts is to keep a simple opt-in form on your reception desk. When patients arrive, encourage them to join your online mailing list, leaving their name and email addresses. And, when you send out your monthly or weekly email, make sure to include links to your website and social networks.
3. Give them something to look at. Whether you’re advertising your website, promoting your blog or encouraging patients to check out your social network pages, waiting room literature is a great way to make sure your patients are thinking about your practice long after they leave your office. Think about printing up some inexpensive postcards, flyers or brochures.

Let Us Help You Connect With More Patients!

MedNet Technologies offers solutions across the board to help boost your online presence. Contact a MedNet Representative, to find out which types of online and social advertising will best suit your practice.

Anyone that’s written for a blog knows that at certain times, coming up with good topics can be a challenge. Maybe there’s a dry spell in the news, a slow week at the office or simply, a classic case of writer’s block. No matter the reason, it’s important to know that good topics won’t always come to you — sometimes you have to go looking for them!

Here are our favorite websites for finding interesting and relevant medical blog topics:

• Google News
  Google News has become an invaluable resource for up-to-the-minute information on virtually any news story. And, best of all, like Google, it’s completely searchable. Try searching for your medical specialty, procedures you offer and any other keywords related to your field. You’ll be amazed with what you come up with.
• NPR Health
  NPR isn’t just on the radio any more — it’s on the web. And, their section on health news is a great resource for drawing inspiration. With topics from the poignant to the offbeat, NPR represents top-notch reporting and news your patients can most certainly use.
• Medgadget
  For those who like to remain on the cutting-edge, Medgadget is the go-to destination. This medical technology blog, which is maintained by a group of MDs and biomedical engineers, includes recent FDA approvals, consumer medical technology and much more. Once in a while, you can find a great topic here, something your “techie” patients will truly appreciate.
• Medical Society Websites
  When it comes to finding topics specific to your practice, society websites are often your best bet. When you get to these sites, try looking for sections like News, Updates or Featured Articles. Very often, societies will also host their own blog, another great starting point for posts of your own. A few of our favorites are the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Dental Association and EyeSmart from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Still Stuck? Our Blog Writing Service Can Help!

Posting regularly to your blog can be one of the best ways to increase visibility, market yourself cost-effectively and keep people coming back to your site. But, if you don’t have the time, or aren’t comfortable writing, MedNet will do it for you. Our Blog Article Writing service offers four article writing plans, allowing you to choose the level of service that best suits your needs. Contact a MedNet Representative today and find out what this service can do for you.

In the past, blogs were a relatively unknown concept, popular only among a select group of Internet users. Today, they’re a major part of how we consume information, interact online and make decisions about healthcare and other service providers. An invaluable social media and Internet marketing tool, keeping up with a blog can also become a burden. Thankfully, doctors today have a simple, cost-effective solution: blog writing services. Want to find out what it’s all about?

Here are 4 Reasons to Invest in a Blog Writing Service Today:

1. Convenience. Posting regularly to your blog can have important benefits for your practice’s online visibility – but, it can also be time-consuming. Subscribing to a blog writing service can save you time, allowing you to devote more attention to other aspects of your practice.
2. Experience. Blog writing is a skill. And, like any skill, it takes time to master. As experienced blog writers produce content for the web on a daily basis, choosing a blog writing service ensures that you’re publishing good content from day one.
3. SEO-Friendly. Professional blog writers don’t just write with patients in mind, but search engines as well! Using a host of tactics – such as keyword research, internal linking and targeted content – blog writers work to boost your visibility in search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing.
4. You’re Still in the Driver’s Seat. Just because someone else is writing your blog posts doesn’t mean you’ve given up control of your Internet presence. Good ghostwriters give you complete editorial review over your posts.

Medical Blog Writing Service

Posting regularly to your blog can be one of the best ways to increase visibility, market yourself cost-effectively and keep people coming back to your site. But, if you don’t have the time, or aren’t comfortable writing, MedNet will do it for you. Our Blog Article Writing service offers four article writing plans, allowing you to choose the level of service that best suits your needs. Contact a MedNet Representative today and find out what this service can do for you.

A recent survey by Bright Local studied “Local Consumer Reviews,” focusing on the likelihood of consumers to recommend a local business. The survey touched upon important questions including:

Key Findings for Health Professionals

The survey found about half (49%) of people have recommended doctors and dentists to other based on good or bad experiences, making doctors and dentists the second most popular category for recommendations, after restaurants and cafes.



Image from Search Engine Land

Provide Patients an Experience to Recommend!

The survey also dug deeper into what makes consumers more likely to recommend a local business.

Image from Search Engine Land

Based on the findings above, here on some suggestions for your practice:

Patient referrals are the best source of business for many doctors and dentists. Whether it be by word-of-mouth, on review websites or using social media, patients are likely to speak out when they’ve had an overly positive (or negative) experience.

Need Help Strengthening Your Online Presence?

At MedNet we offer a range of services to help doctors reach their patients and potential patients online. Contact a MedNet Representative to find out what we can do for your practice!

In today’s world, social media is one of the most important tools for promoting your practice, winning new patients and driving profitable patient action. A crucial component of any online marketing strategy, doctors often wonder what they can do to maximize their social media impact. The first step – unsurprisingly – is growing their fan base. Of course, getting more Facebook likes requires strategy. Read on to learn a few of our favorite tips!

Here is our list of the Top 5 Tactics for Getting More Facebook Likes:

1. Spread the word. The only way patients will know you’re on Facebook is if you tell them! Be sure to add your social media links to your email signature, letterhead and other office literature. Also, think about adding a flyer to your waiting room or sending out an email blast.
2. Invest in a social media station. You don’t have to buy an expensive computer kiosk to get more Facebook likes in your waiting room – a simple tablet will suffice. When patients arrive for their appointment, hand them a tablet open to Facebook and ask them to “like” your Page if they’re interested. This way, patients don’t have to remember to visit your Page once they get home.
3. Start your first ad campaign. Facebook advertising is a great way to supercharge your Facebook efforts. Helping you zero in on the most “valuable” likes possible, Facebook allows you to limit your audience by location, age, gender and interests. Of course, managing a Facebook ad campaign takes time and know-how. If you’re looking to “leave it to the experts,” think about subscribing to a medical social media marketing service.

Medical Social Media Marketing

At MedNet, we offer a variety of services to help you launch and manage your Facebook Page, along with Twitter and Google+. Additionally, we’ll create your highly-targeted Facebook Ad Campaign. Contact us to get started!

Do a quick Google search for yourself and your practice. Ask yourself these two questions: Do the search results provide accurate and positive information about you? If you were a patient would you be swayed to pick up the phone to schedule an appointment?

Whether you’re happy with your online reputation or not, this is a task you should perform often. Managing your online reputation is essential in today’s age, where millions of pages of new content and consumer reviews surface the Internet each day.

Still not convinced? Here are the top 3 reasons you must manage your online reputation:

1. 80% of consumers go online to read information about doctors. Before choosing a health provider, most patients search online for practice websites and patient reviews. It’s important to not only make sure patients are finding your website, but also that their impressed by the information search engines provide. This is where search engine optimization can be of help to you and your practice! Learn more here.
2. Establish patient trust. Seeing you and your work online helps develop a personal relationship with patients before they even set foot in your office. Making sure patients come across your impressive achievements and positive patient reviews will establish trust and credibility for you and your practice.
3. A first impression is everlasting. In most cases, your online reputation is your first impression—who you are online is who you are to potential patients. Gain control of your online reputation!

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

• Stay alert: Set up Google alerts for your name and practice name to receive email updates whenever you’re mentioned online. You can also use tools like Twitter Search to monitor what people are saying about your brand on Twitter.
• Build your own brand: Start by claiming and building out your Google+ Local listing. Also, start blogging and work on optimizing your website in search engines. This will help you control what’s ranking for your brand name and keep any negative mentions off of top Google pages. Join social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Your social media presence also influences your rankings within search engine results pages.
• Encourage patient reviews: Patient reviews have tremendous power in search engines. Encourage patients to post positive reviews to your Google listing.

Need Help Managing your Online Reputation?

At MedNet, we provide a variety of services that help enhance the online presence of healthcare practices worldwide. Contact a MedNet representative and ask us about our Internet marketing services.

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