There’s a common reason many dental practices aren’t seeing a return from their tweets. Some people have the impression that social media is about technology. The tendency then is to think automation or streamlined marketing … However Twitter, like all social media, is all about people and building relationships. What does that mean exactly?
I like to use the analogy of attending a local Chamber of Commerce meeting. Let’s say you and your team agreed to attend Chamber meetings with the goals to network, meet new people in the community, and increase new patients (note, these should be the same goals for using Twitter). Imagine you or a team member attended the Chamber meeting, walked in, left a bunch of business cards on the table and then walked out—that seems ridiculous right? How would you expect to get new patients from that exercise? You wouldn’t.
Likewise you will not receive new patients from tweeting your heart out without interacting or talking with people on Twitter. If you want to see results from using Twitter, you must commit to “attending” on a regular basis. Remember that doesn’t mean walking in and leaving business cards on the table (tweeting without interacting). Rather it means, taking interest in others. Asking other business owners in your community what they do, how you can help them, what type of referral works best for them and so on…
Too often I hear practices say, “We just don’t get Twitter”. It’s impossible to “get” Twitter if you are simply posting tweets (walking in and leaving business cards). You must interact with others or your tweeting efforts will be worthless.
At this point, if you are thinking you just don’t have time for this. If you don’t feel you have time to interact, network and talk with people in your community, then perhaps Twitter is not an ideal strategy for you. While I’m passionate about social media, I fully understand it’s not for everyone. I see it as a benefit to know what you enjoy—which often leads to what you are good at.
Do you enjoy Twitter? If not, I hope you’ve found a new perspective here to boost your Twitter strategy. If so, I hope to connect with you there!
