Twitter, Facebook, Instagram…. oh my! There are so many options when it comes to choosing which social media platform will work best for you and your clients. A major mistake is using all of the platforms available at once to start. Instead, try starting with just one or two and make the most of your usage with those. Here are some things to consider when picking the best social media platform for your practice:
The key to any platform is knowing your audience
Consider the type of clients you want to attract and provide services for. Think of what platform your ideal client is most likely to use and who are they turning to for trusted information. For example, if you specialize in teens and adolescents, you may want to consider Snapchat as it is reported more than half of American teens ages 13-70 use Snapchat. If you tend to work with more young adults, ages 18-24 YouTube is your best bet as around 94% of Americans in this age range report using YouTube on a daily basis.
Different demographics lean into different social platforms more heavily
Once you identify your ideal client, assert your energy into communicating to them in that place and in the way they want to be communicated with. Are they looking for advice? Offer creative content that serves their need. Think of things like tips, listicles, article sharing, infographics etc.
Social media shouldn’t be used solely as a promotional channel
It should be viewed as an engagement channel. A place where you can foster community of like-minded individuals. Think of this when choosing your platform. How will your target audience most likely engage with you? Use this space as an opportunity to engage with your target audience.
It’s important to only choose one or two platforms at most to start with
You want to make the most of your postings. Don’t post the same content on each platform. Entice your clients and potential new clients to follow your business on both platforms as they will expect to find different content with each.
Once you’ve decided on the platforms you would like to start with, remember to always have your goal in mind.
Is your goal to increase the number of followers you have, to attract new clients, or build engagement with current clients? Once you have your goals, make a plan to set, meet and maintain goals.
Social media can be a great resource for your clients if you spend a little time planning. If it all seems overwhelming and you are not quite sure how to maintain your platforms, you can always outsource your social media management to a virtual assistant. Make sure to track the impact you are making through each outlet and if you are meeting your set goals. For example, is Facebook helping to increase number of new clients monthly? Is Instagram helping to increase engagement with target audience? You got this!
Happy posting!
Alycia Burant, MA, LPC, NCC is founder, owner and therapist at Healthy Minds Therapy in bustling Alexandria, VA. Her practice has three locations in Northern Virginia providing expert support and services for people in times of need. When she is not working, she enjoys relaxing with her family, wine tasting, cooking and traveling.
