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First let’s look at what Twitter is – Twitter is a micro blogging platform, a way to get a short message to your patients, to you’re soon to be patients etc… I know many offices that are actually using Twitter to fill the open spots in their schedules – really! By getting your patient base to follow you on Twitter you can actually use it to communicate an opening in your schedule. Yesterday an office sent out a tweet announcing a hygiene opening at 3:00 p.m. – same day with 10% off for the first person to tweet back and fill the opening. Within 15 minutes that time was filled! You can also use Twitter to advertise specials – Fall Zoom special $ 395.00 to the first 10 Twitter responders. Use Twitter to encourage referrals – Thanks to @Jan for referring her friend Amy.
Twitter is not a natural instinct kind of communication. Twitter has a learning curve. It’s not evident right away what you’re supposed to do. At first it can seem overwhelming and full of a bunch of “tweets” that you are not interested in. But hang around a bit, follow your patients – ask your patients to follow you. Start a few conversations. There really are no set rules for how to use Twitter. If you want to Tweet about the new Laser you just got – do it! But if you want to get the full benefit of Twitter for your practice, here are a few guidelines that we use:
Respond
You don’t have to re-tweet everything, but letting people know you’re there and like what they say is always good, so re-tweet. Don’t worry if they don’t answer back – it’s not about how they interact with you, but how you interact with them.
Don’t Tweet because you want more followers!
There are millions of Twitterers, they will follow you because they like what you say in 140 characters, not because you’re trying to sell your practice.
Tweet, often and honestly.
That doesn’t necessary mean you tell the truth it just means tweet things from the heart, things that you care about, things that amuse or entertain you or, if you must, things that will get a re-action.
Follow Local
Find people you like in your local area and follow them. Use “Twellowhood” http://www.twellow.com/twellowhood/
to find local people and businesses and then follow them. They might follow you back!
Share interesting things
Funny photos and videos, interesting links, things that make you smile or angry, music tracks (see blip.fm) and other peoples blogs.
Re-tweet.
See a Tweet you like? Share it with others – that’s what makes the Twittersphere go round.
Block Offensive Tweeters
While it’s good to have people with different opinions on your follow list, there’s no need to put up with those you find offensive or annoying. That’s what blocks for.
Give Twitter a chance – you might just get a few new patients and have less open time in your schedule! For more Twitter Tips and information, check out http://SocialMediaMarketingMavens.com.
Make it a Great Day!
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August 10th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Hi Jan,
I can see if you have a selected type practice, such as dentistry, how using Twitter can be an effective way to keep your patients plugged-in with useful info, especially in-between their regular treatments. This approach, I believe, can most likely work with any type of specialty, especially if you are actively promoting that you are on social media sites, such as Twitter, and asking people you work with to follow you & that communication is two-way…for them to feel free to use Twitter to send short questions back your way. Great tip!
Christine
Christine Casey´s last blog ..How do you use Facebook
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August 10th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Hey Jan: Great tips for twitter. Appreciate the tips that are so useful. Thanks
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August 11th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Hi Jan!
What a wonderful way you described Twitter! Sometimes it gets to be too complicated, but you explained it very well in this post. There is a whole method to it and you have achieved that.
Thanks for this great information,
Donna
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September 5th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Hello Jan,
I found this to be a very helpful blog about how to use Twitter effectively. Thank you for sharing!
Taji
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September 17th, 2010 at 11:42 am
So glad I stopped by now I must go check out this “Twellowhood” http://www.twellow.com/twellowhood/ Would love to tweet with the locals, too!
That tweeting Often and honestly is an excellent tip and a great way for people (patients) to get to know you a bit more especially if you add a bit of personal flavor
Robin Lynn Brooks´s last blog ..Powerful Healing Strawberries!
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