If you haven’t already embraced the power of online communication to boost your business’ presence this article will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to set up social profiles to reach new audiences and engage with your current patients. At Locate a Locum we have an engaged commmunity of locum healthcare workers who offer advice and guidance to those looking answers. We see great benefits engaging with locums and customers via social channels and making sure everyone stays up to date with our latest news and developments.

Making connections

Social media allows you to communicate the story of your practice to your audience and also highlight important aspects for your patients and the local community. If you’re holding an informational evening or have a new product or service in-store it’s important to maximise the reach of these for your benefit and the community.

Teamwork makes the dream work

A successful social media strategy invites contributions from every member of the practice team. For example, front-of-house staff may hear positive feedback that can be shared on social channels. Dispensing opticians are able to capture photographs of customers collecting their new frames while optometrists can offer clinical insight for social media posts. Your team members may have surprising other talents outside of their full time job. Ask around for those who manage their own blog or photography profile and you'll have industry experts to help you.

Industry tips and tricks

It’s essential to remain consistent when you have an online presence. Ensure that all your practice’s details are up to date for example opening hours. If you don’t have time every day to think of a post that’s okay - try social scheduling tools that automatically post your content for you. Many businesses set aside a certain time each week to populate these tools and leave it up to them.

Staying safe on social media

To keep people engaged, it’s important to monitor and make use of the practice’s social media channels regularly, but try to keep communications focused and professional, and don’t post content just for the sake of it. If you don’t have much time to devote to social media, it may be better to focus on a small number of social media channels, rather than posting items infrequently on a wider range of channels.

If the practice receives a complaint or a negative review, the practice owner should respond promptly by asking the individual to contact the practice so their concerns can be addressed. Organisations that post reasonable responses to negative reviews are often viewed in a positive light by potential customers, but it is extremely important to avoid commenting publicly on any concerns raised or disclosing any personal information relating to the complainant.

Get in contact

Are you looking to join a practice on a permanent or temporary basis but are unsure where to look? If you're interested in lending your both your optical (and digital) skills to a new employer get in contact with Locate a Locum today. You can also view all our available locum shifts and permanent jobs here.