Social media seems to be a new innovation to healthcare

Healthcare marketing has nothing to do with social media in the past; however, technology advancement brings healthcare marketing into a new era. 34% of consumers use social media to search for health information, according to research data from "How American Searches: Health and Wellness".

Today people rely a lot of the internet, and they believe in what they see online. Furthermore, 78% of internet users trust the opinions and recommendations of other people, according to the Nelson Report 2007. Surprisingly, even physicians are using online resources for work.

Through social media, people not only get to get connected with you, but also sell and advocate you and your organization. In order to send the healthcare messages correctly and effectively, several criteria are being emphasized.

First, medical personnel need to learn how to use social media to communicate with the audiences. Little kids nowadays seem to have the inborn talent on using internet, but this talent is not applicable to young adults. Medical personnel need to know what messages are acceptable to send out and what are not.

Second, social media can serve as a way to educate the public. The public wants to know the accurate information regarding the healthcare service, medication, etc, give all the information to them through the net.

Third, it is easier to reach the audiences using the online platforms they are familiar with. We are all creative and adventurous. When it comes to marketing, it is better to start with something people have heard of and trust.

Undoubtedly, there are always both positive and negative sides, especially marketing through social media. You should not choose to do nothing in order to avoid negative feedback or outcome. Make yourself invisible and reachable to the public, this is the most important task.