The truth is that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted most businesses. So, if your healthcare practice has been turned upside down by the current crisis, just know that you are not alone. While it may be tempting to put your social media on hold during this confusing time, we highly encourage you to rethink this decision. Maintaining a strong social media presence at this time will result in so many long-term benefits for your practice. If you are conflicted about what social media content is appropriate to post amidst the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we are sharing a list of engaging social media post ideas that you can use during this uncertain time.
1.Acknowledge The Crisis
First things first, take the time to acknowledge the current crisis. The worst thing you can do is say nothing about the elephant in the room. The purpose of this social post should be to ensure your patients understand that their safety and health is important to your healthcare organization. Be sensitive to the delicate emotions of your patients and choose the appropriate wording to avoid any potential issues.
2. Post Protocol and Biz Hour Updates
Patients want to know that their health and safety are being prioritized by your practice. Clearly communicating the current protocol and hours of your business should be of utmost importance. The community will appreciate your transparency and the clarity in how to connect with you during the coronavirus pandemic.
Social media pro-tip: Pin your most recent protocol and business hour updates at the top of your Facebook page and/or create a highlight on your Instagram to make this information easily accessible to patients.
3. Throw in a #TBT
It can become harder to produce additional content with your staff and patients social distancing at home. And to be completely honest, sometimes you might just run out of content ideas. A fun and easy way to fill your social media content calendar is to do a weekly throwback to a memory that your audience will enjoy. We advise that you keep these posts optimistic by reminiscing on positive events.
4. Collect User-Generated Content
This is a great time to collect user-generated content. Get your audience involved by conducting a challenge or a giveaway. Asking folks to send in a photo holding or using a product is an easy request to make your audience feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves.
5. Look On The Bright Side
Times are hard. People are losing their jobs, homes, health, and, in some cases, their loved ones. We all need a little encouragement, including your social media audience. Create posts to encourage your patients to look on the bright side of things. Everything may not perfect, but spreading a positive quote and/or message can make a difference.
6. Utilize The Stories Feature
According to Sprout Social, 500 million accounts look at their Instagram stories every day. So, if you haven’t been utilizing your stories, now is a great time to get familiar with the feature. An engaging way to use your stories is for behind the scenes content that patients can’t see on your general feed.
7. Create Educational Videos
Did you know the global e-learning market is projected to reach $325 billion by the year 2020? Social distancing has probably freed up the time of many of your patients. So, this is the perfect time to educate your community on topics related to your expertise. In addition to spreading value to your audience, this allows your healthcare practice to establish more credibility in your niche.
8. Personal insight/advice from staff
Spreading a lighthearted message during this time can brighten the mood of your audience. Get your entire team involved by asking them to answer a few questions related to social distancing and taking care during social isolation like "how are you spending quarantine?" or “what are you grateful for at the moment?”.
Social media pro-tip: To add a personal touch, invite your team to send in pictures of themselves doing quarantine activities.
Hopefully, this list of social media post ideas has given you some inspiration for what to post during the coronavirus pandemic. We encourage you to use this crisis as a stepping stone for your healthcare marketing efforts. Use this time to post social media content, connect with your audience, and reassure your patients that your healthcare practice is here to stay.