There has been a lot of news coverage about how hospitals are expanding health marketing budgets to include more digital media in an effort to attract new patients and recruit physicians. However, many private practice doctors are getting into the social media game as a way to market themselves, establish an authoritative voice and attract new patients. Doctors are incorporating social media into their health marketing strategies in three important ways.

1. To bring accurate and relevant medical news and information to the masses

There are plenty of sites offering health advice online, but that advice could be incorrect. Many doctors are trying to supply their patients (and others) with helpful information about, say, when a condition requires medical attention.

2. To connect and engage with current patients

Many doctors are turning to social media to help connect with their patients outside of the office. They send reminders about appointments or alerts about flu & allergy shots/season. According to US News, Dr. Thomas Lee even rallied his patients, staff and social media communities to participate in his annual fitness challenge. He found the community was able to encourage and challenge each other, breeding more healthy competition and success.

3. To establish themselves as medical authorities

Connecting through social media and blogs can be a great linking project for any professional’s website. And SEO best practices tell us that refreshed, new content and links can help your rank and traffic. Providing relevant information, recruiting new patients, engaging with current patients and reaping Google benefits–what’s not to love?

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