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Instagram Dental Social Media Posts

April 27, 2022

Everything Your Dental Practice Needs To Know About Instagram Marketing

In recent years, Instagram has become the most favourable and relevant social media platform of choice. And this claim isn’t only in reference to personal use – many businesses have come to see the benefits of using such a visual medium to market their products and zservices. It’s likely that you can think of at least one brand that you were introduced to via Instagram, so it makes sense why so many other individuals and businesses are using it to attract potential customers.

All around the world, dental practices have begun using Instagram to share photos with their existing and potential patients. While the primary focus is to retain and attract new business to their dental services, it also allows them to share valuable information and show off a more personal side to the industry.
If you are a dentist who is looking for ways to share and engage with valuable content, creating an Instagram profile for your dental office is a great place to start.

Here is everything you need to know about undertaking dental marketing with this particular social media platform.

In recent years, Instagram has become the most favourable and relevant social media platform of choice. And this claim isn’t only in reference to personal use – many businesses have come to see the benefits of using such a visual medium to market their products and services. It’s likely that you can think of at least one brand that you were introduced to via Instagram, so it makes sense why so many other individuals and businesses are using it to attract potential customers.

Here is everything you need to know about undertaking dental marketing with this particular social media platform.

7 Dental Marketing Strategies For Your Instagram Account

While many dentists may think it is enough to simply have an Instagram account for their dental practices, there are a variety of social media marketing tools and strategies that need to be utilized and followed in order to ensure the account’s success. Instagram has a very specific formula and taking advantage of the following 7 strategies will undoubtedly be beneficial to reaching the intended target audience.

#1: Ensure Your Business Account Is Turned On

This is a very simple step, but also one of the most important. Once you have created your profile, make sure it is enabled as a business account as opposed to a personal profile. Business accounts are open to everyone and also allow you to add additional information that a standard account doesn’t offer. This includes:

You will also have access to analytics and the ability to run ads, which can be useful when trying to attract new patients. Additionally, you can also link your business profile to the dental practice’s Facebook Page, allowing for the potential of a greater online presence on various platforms. Be sure to also select a category for your dental Instagram page. The following options are currently available:

You’ll only have the option to select one category for your profile, so be sure to choose the one that best reflects the dental services you offer.

#2: Thoroughly Optimize Your Dental Instagram Page

Optimization is key for dental marketing on Instagram. After you’ve created a profile, you’ll want to focus on the background of your account. Optimization means ensuring that other users can see your page’s:

Name
Use the name of your dental practice in order to be easily recognizable.

Display Image
This should be your office’s logo or a photo of the main dentist.

Description
Use relevant keywords to describe the services your practice offers and where the office is located.

Website Link
Be sure to link the page of your website that is most relevant to your audience.

Having all of these components on your dental Instagram page will make it easier for followers to understand your service and may even encourage people to make an appointment.

#3: Follow Other Relevant Accounts and Local Hashtags

While you definitely want to gain followers, it also helps to have other dental professionals and relevant hashtags in your Instagram feed. By following other accounts, you can use their content as inspiration or an opportunity for interaction, which may then build your own following. For instance, a dentist may post about new equipment that your practice could find beneficial. Community building and growing your social networks are very important when it comes to Instagram marketing. In order to follow other accounts or hashtags, simply go through the search results and click the ‘follow’ button at the top.

#4: Create A Social Media Content Plan

Before you start posting on Instagram, you should have a content strategy plan in place. Having a social media calendar will not only help you stay organized but will also ensure that you post regularly. In regards to social media marketing practices on Instagram, businesses are encouraged to post photos or videos at least once per day. Your social media posts should include: Educational Posts These types of Instagram posts could share tips on how to improve dental hygiene, as well as interesting facts about certain dental procedures. Be sure to also share these on your practice’s Facebook page.

Behind The Scenes Posts

Sharing pictures or short videos that introduce staff members is a great way to keep followers engaged and build trust with new and existing patients. Going to the dentist can be intimidating for some so feeling comfortable and familiar with the dentists and hygienists is important for patients.

Case Studies

If someone is looking for a new dentist, they will definitely want to read testimonials or see the results of services performed on current patients. Case study posts on social media are a great way to showcase your work but is it mandatory to get patient permission before sharing photos.

Tagged Photos

Social media is a great place to highlight and share real photos so that they can be seen on followers’ feeds. If your patients share photos of dental work performed by you, feel free to repost those tagged onto your own account. This allows your work to also be shared with your own social network. This tactic applies to both Facebook and Instagram marketing.

Engaging social media posts are crucial to creating interaction with your audience. Plan ahead so that you’re prepared for the month ahead.

#5: Do Extensive Hashtag Research

While not as relevant on Facebook, hashtags are key to ensuring Instagram success. Hashtags categorize your content on the social media platform and help to get it seen by your intended audience. Before posting a picture, be sure to do research on popular hashtags that relate to the photos or videos you want to share. The common practice for Instagram marketing is to include at least 11 hashtags, but some accounts prefer to add up to 30.

#6: Make Use Of The Instagram Story Function

A few years ago, Instagram stories were thought to be the same as Snapchat. However, this feature can be very beneficial for your business in a way that the latter platform is not. Instagram stories are a series of videos or photos that appear at the top of the mobile app and take over your entire mobile screen when clicked. This is a great interactive tool that allows you to share quick tidbits, links and perhaps even free stuff to your Instagram followers. Stories are usually more authentic and entertaining than posts that appear in the news feed. While Facebook now also has the feature, it is not widely used.

#7: Generate Engagement On Instagram

Much of your dental practice’s success on Instagram depends on how you interact with your audience, and vice versa. While posting content is a great place to start, it is only the beginning of getting recognition on the platform. In order to show up followers’ feeds and get on the right side of the complex Instagram algorithm, you need to build engagement. Here are some ways to do so:

Always respond to comments on your Instagram posts

Show your appreciation for your followers by always responding to their comments. This can create a conversation that may just result in gaining a new patient.

Respond to all direct messages quickly and efficiently

If a potential patient and their family members are in the market for a new dentist, they have likely messaged multiple accounts on Instagram. Reinforce how much you value them by responding to their message promptly and answering all questions and concerns.

Ask questions about your stories and in your photo captions

Want to engage with your audience and inform them of important information about your industry? A great way to do that is to ask questions on your Instagram stories or in your photo captions. When you ask a question, you’re more likely to get a comment on a post.

Fill gaps with relatable content

Everyone loves a good meme or a cute picture of a puppy once in a while. While your feed should never turn into a complete meme page, don’t hesitate from posting some humorous photos from time to time. Try to always relate the caption back to a service or product your dentistry offers.

Instagram Marketing Is Essential For Dental Practices

No matter where your dental practice is located, marketing your services on Instagram, or other social media platforms, is highly beneficial. The world has become increasingly digital and people turn to mobile apps far more than they do the newspaper, television or print photos. Whether you want to create more interaction with existing patients or are looking to attract new patients, Instagram is a great place to start.