For the New Year, CNN compiled a list of somewhat tongue-in-cheek social media resolutions. While humorous, the list does highlight some important issues regarding how we should conduct ourselves on social media. Here are three of the recommended social media resolutions, along with suggestions for how you can apply them to your medical practice’s social media accounts.
Think before you post. “It takes only a few seconds to compose a dumb tweet. The damage can last much longer,” the article states. This especially rings true for business accounts. Prior to hitting “publish” on a Facebook post or tweet, consider these three things:
- Is this in any way offensive or inappropriate? If you’ve not sure, better to play it safe and not post it, rather than risk offending and losing your followers.
- Is this professional? Even though a practice’s social media account can have a few fun and friendly posts, make sure that your humorous, light-hearted posts are not too off-color, strange or rude.
- Does this accurately reflect my brand? If it doesn’t ring true to your practice’s mission statement, you may want to reword your message or not post it at all.
Fact-check first. You want your social media accounts to seem up-to-date and relevant, so reposting, mentioning and commenting on current events, topical news stories and whatever popular issue is “trending” on Twitter is a great way to achieve that. However, do a little research before writing about a news story you’ve come across online to make sure that it’s not a hoax. This Christmas, a fake photo of a bald Jennifer Aniston went viral, with many people – and even news outlets – falling for the claim that she’d shaved her head. So make sure to check that the story you’re about to mention is accurate.
Remember that less can be more. On social media sites like Facebook and Google+, most users just skip over long, rambling posts. Furthermore, Facebook posts that are longer than about 70 words automatically get shortened with a “…See More” link. It’s best to save your longer posts for your practice’s medical blog, where you don’t have a word limit. If you absolutely have to make a long post on Facebook, make sure that the most important portion of your message is stated before the link cutoff point.
MyAdvice Can Handle It for You
Too busy to manage your social media needs? Let MyAdvice help! We can plan an organized and effective social media strategy for Facebook and Google+ to get potential clients interested in your services! Contact an MyAdvice Representative to learn more.
