Is It Worth Marketing Your Veterinary Hospital Using Social Media?

Considering that 90% of small businesses now devote some portion of their time to social media marketing, the short answer is yes. And because more and more pet owners are spending considerable amounts of time every day on social networking sites, this new method of marketing has been shown to be extremely effective.

Navigating through social media avenues is an easy and inexpensive way to link people to one another and to your hospital. It also provides an opportunity for your practice to attract new clients who are seeking veterinary information and advice. It’s also a good way for you to stay up-to-date with veterinary industry news and keep an eye on your competition.

Whereas it was once merely considered trendy to have a Facebook account, it is now proving to be invaluable to the modern veterinary hospital owner.  More than a billion people actively use Facebook each month and the consumer potential resting within those numbers is hard to ignore.  While traditional marketing strategies are still important, statistics show that there are some genuine advantages to switching over to social media oriented marketing tools.  Having a presence in several of the top five sites (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn) allows for you to secure your place in both the digital and traditional marketplace.

Social media can help your hospital’s advertising strategy in several ways. For example, if you are looking to boost your website’s SEO rankings through video, YouTube may provide the best avenue to advertise.  Posting fresh video content boosts SEO rankings and allows a pet owner to see your “real” side. It also gives potential clients the opportunity to see what your hospital offers first-hand prior to making an appointment. By using Twitter or posting frequent micro-blogs, you have the opportunity to connect with your clients, establish yourself as the authority on pet care matters and market the benefits of existing and new services.

A small amount of time online can pay off in big rewards.  Dedicating a few hours each week to networking on social media sites can produce increased profits and a larger client base.  If you are hoping to attract new clients, expand your services and increase your revenue, then attention to social media offers a recipe for your success.

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