Where do you start with Social Media & Marketing for your office?
We know the first step can be the hardest! Let us introduce you to one of our favorite tools…a Content Calendar. It’s a great way for you to develop a marketing plan.
Here’s a look at one we did recently for a client.
What are the benefits of using a Content Calendar?
1. Planning your Strategy: A content calendar forces you to look ahead, and to plan the messages you want to share. Instead of scrambling for ideas, you have a set schedule of a topics, which can be clearly developed and well-executed. Variety keeps it interesting and shows your practice’s personality. Focus on programs, employees, patient testimonials, health information and things that make your office unique.
2. Maximizing Impact: Coordinating your strategy allows you to use the same content over a number of platforms, giving you a smart strategy that reinforces your message both on-line and in the office. Blogging about your Referral Program? Have some displays about it in the office, email it to your patients, and print it out it to include with the billing statements. You can find multiple ways to use the same content.
3. Coordinating Efforts: A content calendar allows for clear communication with your staff about your marketing plan. It also encourages staff input, since they know the topics ahead of time. Your staff can suggest ideas and enhance your message.
4. Setting Deadlines: The best motivation for getting things done! The content calendar sets clear dates for information to be completed, posted, and sent out. Most people work best with a clear deadline…I know I do!
Is the Content Calendar set in stone? Of course not!
Priorities change and opportunities arise; so your content calendar can be changed as needed. A content calendar is your framework for planning.
Try it out! Think about the messages that your office wants to share. List the hot topics, coordinate the messages, think through the timing and define the platforms you want to use.
We think you will find it a useful tool. Developing a content calendar is just one of the ways to make social media marketing work for you!