Social media algorithm hacks for doctors

Dealing with social media algorithms might feel like combating an invisible monster that destroys all reach on your posts! You carefully and meticulously craft the perfect content with enough information and fun, only to have one or two likes on your posts!

Is it me?

Am I boring?

Am I not informative enough?

Most likely, it’s not the case. You’re just dealing with a case of social media algorithm syndrome, ? And don’t you worry, we have the treatment!

Here’s a well-crafted 10-step regimen to treat this case:

By implementing these strategies, you can elevate your clinic’s online presence, attract more patients, and build lasting relationships in the digital realm. Embrace the power of the internet to showcase your clinic’s expertise, connect with your community, and ultimately drive success in the ever-evolving world of healthcare.

1- Understand the Platform’s Algorithm:

Each social media platform has its algorithm. Stay updated on changes and understand how each platform prioritizes content. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have different algorithms, so tailor your strategy accordingly.

To give you an example of how the algorithm differs on different platforms:

On Facebook: the posts are prioritized based on the reactions they receive. Recently and frequently shared content gets priority and is listed on top in the news feed.. “Love” reaction gets more importance than the reaction “Like”. Posts fade away from the news feed or timeline very soon if no one comments on them.

On Instagram, despite being a Facebook “sibling” under the same parent company “Meta”, the algorithm works differently: As Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes interest, your feed would be flooded with the content similar to the one you have reacted and commented to previously. The posts that are recently posted or shared are given priority in the home page feed. The placement of the content on your homepage feed depends on the relationship you share with the person who has shared that content and how frequently you have liked and commented on their post.

2- Consistent Posting Schedule:

Regular and consistent posting helps keep your audience engaged. Create a posting schedule and stick to it.

Consistency can positively impact algorithm visibility. Your account can technically die if you don’t post for a long time.

3- Engaging Visuals & AI Generated Images:

Use high-quality images, infographics, and videos to make your content visually appealing. Visual content tends to perform better and attracts more attention in crowded social media feeds.

leverage AI to create stunning, scroll-stopping AI generated images and animations. It’s the AI age, and if you don’t ride the wave, you will be left out!

4- Educational Content:

Share informative and educational content related to general health and wellness, and make it specific to your specialty. The more helpful the content, the more it will be appreciated, which means: liked, loved and shared!

Providing valuable information can increase engagement and position you as an authority in your field. When your potential patients come to your social media accounts for free knowledge, they will most likely go to your clinic for a paid consultation when they need to!

5- Use Hashtags Wisely:

Research and incorporate relevant hashtags into your posts. This can help your content reach a wider audience interested in specific topics. There are many types of hashtags, and they can be implemented to achieve different goals.

Specialty-Specific Hashtags: Highlight your area of expertise. #dermatologist, #cardiologist, #neurology, #mentalhealth
Condition-Specific Hashtags: Help people with specific health issues find you. #diabetes, #migraine, #womenshealth, #heartdisease
Treatment/Procedure Hashtags: Promote the services you offer. #botox, #physicaltherapy, #preventativecare, #telemedicine
Location-Based Hashtags: Make yourself discoverable within your community. #Cairohealthcare, #KuwaitCardio
General Health & Wellness Hashtags: Connect with a broader audience interested in health. #health, #wellness, #nutrition
Educational Hashtags: Establish yourself as a thought leader and share valuable information. #medicalfacts, #didyouknow, #healthtips, #askthedoctor
Community/Awareness Hashtags: Support causes and engage with patients on specific topics. #breastcancerawareness, #mentalhealthawareness, #rarediseaseday
Branded Hashtags: Create a unique hashtag for your practice or a specific campaign #DrMansourClinic, #DigitalDoctorsAgency

6- Encourage Interaction:

Ask questions, conduct polls, and encourage your followers to share their thoughts and experiences. Increased engagement signals the algorithm that your content is valuable and should be shown to more people.

7- Use Storytelling:

Share personal stories or patient success stories to humanize your content. Authentic and relatable stories can make your content more shareable and memorable. Remember that this is what your patients are actually after, seeing good results. You’re not serving the algorithm. You’re serving your patients!

8- Optimize Post Timing:

Post when your target audience is most active. This can vary depending on the platform and your specific audience and their habits and geographical locations, so analyze your insights to determine the optimal posting times.

For instance, if you are a pediatrician and targeting mothers, they are most likely active on social media when their children are in school. Also, during the month of Ramadan, most Muslim patients would be more active at night rather than during the day. Do your own research.

Live videos get better reach & better engagement on most SM platforms

9- Live Videos Have a Better Reach:

For different reasons, platforms often prioritize live video content.

Consider hosting live Q&A sessions and discussions. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work in your clinic and with your success cases – only with their permission – to connect with your audience in real-time.

10- Monitor Analytics and Adjust Your Strategy:

Regularly analyze your social media analytics to understand what content performs well. Adjust your strategy based on the data, emphasizing the content that resonates with your audience and aligns with the platform’s algorithm.