Why Instagram for Doctors?
A decade ago, medical professionals and healthcare facilities were slow to transition to social media platforms. Today, they have realized the impact and reach of these channels and are looking at utilizing them to their fullest potential.
Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has been growing exponentially. From its origins as just a photo-sharing app, Instagram has now evolved substantially. It is now an efficient digital marketing tool with sophisticated algorithms, business features, and technological innovations. Statistics indicate that 1.22 billion people use this social platform each month, and the number is growing with each day. While you may find it difficult to believe, this is a fact – Instagram is an ideal tool that doctors can effectively use to reap various benefits.
Here are some reasons why the team at DIGIMAAP recommends you set up an Instagram account for your medical practice if you haven’t done that already!
Nurture existing relationships and connect with new patients
Posting anecdotes and interesting insights into your life as a doctor is one way of humanizing yourself to patients. It helps them see you as an actual person rather than an aloof medical professional. At appointments or during visits to the clinic, it may not be possible for you to find enough time to bond with patients. Displaying a different side to your personality on social media will help you nurture your existing relationships and even foster new ones.
Disseminate factual information and build credibility
Misinformation is rampant in the digital world and can be especially harmful when it is about all things medical. Being a doctor, you can ensure that you come up with accurate and informative content that can be shared on Instagram. Besides keeping your patients informed, it can prove helpful to other people who are looking for medical advice. This serves the dual purpose of building your credibility as well as that of the medical fraternity as a whole.
Advocate public health issues and encourage participation
A powerful medium such as Instagram can be used to promote public health causes such as organ donation, the importance of vaccination, and pulse polio campaigns to name a few. More people are bound to take notice and treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves when the social media posts come from a doctor.
Garner visibility for your practice and showcase your skills
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words! Instagram is first and foremost an image-sharing app, and you can use it to your advantage. Being regular about posting photos of you and your staff, your clinic, and photos of happy patients can help you connect with existing and prospective patients. You could also post educational materials or data relevant to your specialty that may help keep your patients informed.
Learning about the tools available on Instagram and making appropriate use of them can help you grow in more ways than one. It is something that will take some time and patience to master.
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