Yes it’s true! It’s really that simple! I actually owe my success to my social media followers! This week I thought I’d add them all up along with my email list and it came to over 6,000 worldwide followers! That figure just blew me away.
Sounds a bit too easy, right? Building a business on social media? What kind of airy fairy idea is that?
Whether we like it or not, social media is now at the centre of our lives and more recently at the centre of our business lives. Those who use social media strategies to create interesting conversations with potential patients and maintaining relationships with current patients are keeping their bookings flowing in.
Ignore your social media followers at your peril!
What do I mean by this? Well, it’s very common for people to stand at the edges of social media and watch you! In the early days of my business, I would notice certain people connecting with me, I could see they were reading my stuff and I began building relationships with many on social media. Gradually I saw them coming towards me and then, one day, they would get in touch or buy a course from me.
However, more recently, I’m getting emails and contact from people whose names haven’t been on my radar. Several times a week I get enquiries from people who say, “I’ve been watching you on social media” or “I’ve been clicking through and reading your blogs” or “I always follow your Facebook page with interest – you post really good stuff.”
This is why it’s so crucial to be regularly posting on your social media. Because if you’re silent, nothing is passing through the newsfeeds and in front of your potential patients! When I come across an Osteobiz page which hasn’t had anything posted on for many months, I feel so despondent!
These days getting your social media marketing sorted is very much a part of running a successful business.
How do I get social media followers?
I have many strategies for this frequently asked question! One way is to post content which is of real interest to your local community. You are an expert so share some expertise! Use hashtags on Twitter and Instagram in particular so that if people search that term, your post will show up in the results. If you’re writing things of interest to them, they will like your page or follow you to see more of your advice, tips and information.
Here’s a demo showing you one way you can increase your page likes on Facebook:
And,if you haven’t already, please do pop by and like my Facebook page!
Don’t forget to reassure your social media followers that you love to treat pain and discomfort. Remind them that you are like a pain detective, searching for the reason why they are in pain. Most of all encourage them to call you to find out if you can help them. They may feel unsure, shy, nervous or even intimidated by your expertise and position in the community.
Without social media marketing, my business would still be in its infancy. Instead, I have a wonderful following and every week many new enquiries are coming at me from all angles. Many times I have been totally surprised that Osteopaths who I thought would never need my help have actually come to me to take them swiftly to the next level. So it’s also worth checking your social media platforms regularly in case potential patients have left you email messages there.
Just think of it as the same as networking locally. If you share interesting conversations with people, they will connect with you and be interested to know more and book in with you or recommend you to others.
