Instagram is a social media platform that can help you increase brand awareness and engage with your patients in an informative, yet personal way. Deciding what to post and when to post could increase your following and reach potential patients where traditional marketing efforts fail. To help navigate the Instagram platform, our social media experts at Bryant Consultants are sharing Instagram do’s and don’ts for dentists.
Instagram Marketing Etiquette for Dental Practices
Instagram Don’ts
- Don’t over-post. Every practice will have its own needs, but on average, one to two posts a day is sufficient to showcase your practice without driving away your followers.
- Don’t post photos with only words. The consensus is that Instagram is for real images. Selecting an eye-catching picture with carefully placed words that emphasize the purpose of the photo is typically accepted.
- Don’t use too many filters. Although they can be fun, they can also be distracting to patients.
- Don’t use photos of patients without their permission. To share photos of patients in your practice on social media, you can have them sign a consent form.
- Don’t overuse hashtags. Hashtags are an effective way to target a specific audience and contribute to a collection of photos. However, too many hashtags can be distracting and annoying.
- Don’t over-post about dental services. The quickest way to lose your patient’s interest is a never-ending stream of dental service offers. Share services sparingly and focus on building the relationship with your patients.
Instagram Do’s
- Do post real photos. Patients want to see their dental practice as a trusted friend. Therefore, unfiltered or raw photos that show realness can help grow the connection.
- Do share behind the scenes photos. Patients are keen to see what happens “backstage.” Give them a glimpse of what it takes to prepare for patients each morning or how things get prepared to travel to the lab.
- Do feature patients. Sharing a simple photo of you with your patient shows you care about them. Patient appreciation days are a great way to focus on your patients.
- Do team spotlights. Highlight your team members and include interesting facts about them. Make sure you tag them and get permission to post their image on social media.
- Do comment back. Your followers will comment on your photos, and you should respond to the comments. Your response shows you are listening, you care about the comments, and helps you increase your engagement.
- Do use hashtags. Before using a hashtag, research what other photos connect to that hashtag. You may find the hashtag is being used by another company or for another contest. Aim to keep your hashtags unique to your practice.
- Do run contests. Brainstorm with your team an idea for a photo contest. Research a unique hashtag that will correlate with the competition and your practice. Then, have patients submit their photos using the hashtag for an entry. Finally, select a photo that embraces the contest and provide a prize for participation.
- Do promote events. Charity, community, or office-specific events are a great way to show your involvement with the community and your patients. Make sure to take and share photos during the event.
- Do respond to tagged photos. When others post and tag your practice in it, react to the tag by commenting on the post. It shows reciprocity and that you appreciate their tag.
- Do print photos. Printing some of your Instagram photos and posting them in the office area could be an effective way to promote awareness of your Instagram presence to other patients and guests. The images are an easy conversation starter about your social media activity.
- Do follow other dental practices and local businesses. Getting involved with your local businesses online can keep you involved in community concerns and conversations.
Instagram Marketing for Dental Practices
Building a following on Instagram could increase the overall value of your dental practice. Promoting an engaging and fun environment can also help reduce dental anxiety for some patients because they will get to see past the needles and drills. If you would like to learn more or schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation, please contact Bryant Consultants by calling (877) 768-4799. We provide consultation, training, and coaching and will continue to post relevant updates regarding the coronavirus pandemic. To ensure that you receive the latest updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
