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In this episode, Dr. Barbara Hales discusses:

  • The potential of TikTok for medical professionals to engage patients and grow their practice.
  • How TikTok’s authenticity can enhance a doctor’s relatability, building trust with a diverse audience.
  • Effective TikTok content types include educational videos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, patient testimonials, and trending hashtags.
  • Collaborating with influencers and tracking analytics to optimize engagement and reach.

Key Takeaway: “TikTok offers a unique, fast-paced platform where medical professionals can connect meaningfully with patients by blending education with personal engagement, ultimately expanding their practice’s reach.”

Connect with Barbara Hales:

 

Twitter:   @DrBarbaraHales
Facebook:   facebook.com/theMedicalStrategist
Business website: www.TheMedicalStrategist.com
Show website:   www.MarketingTipsForDoctors.com
Email:   info@TheMedicalStrategist.com

YouTube: TheMedicalStrategist
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/barbarahales

Books:
Content Copy Made Easy
14 Tactics to Triple Sales
Power to the Patient: The Medical Strategist

TRANSCRIPTION (178)

Introduction to Using TikTok for Medical Marketing

Dr. Barbara Hales: “Welcome to another Marketing Tips for Doctors episode. I’m your host, Dr. Barbara Hales, and today, we’re discussing using TikTok to engage patients and grow your practice. TikTok is becoming an influential platform for young users and a broad audience, including potential patients looking for reliable health information. Unlike more polished social media, TikTok thrives on authenticity, allowing professionals to showcase their personalities. Patients today value transparency, relatability, and quick, actionable information, and TikTok delivers that effectively.”

Why TikTok for Healthcare Professionals?

Dr. Barbara Hales: “TikTok’s algorithm promotes content based on user interests, not just who they follow, allowing your videos to reach a diverse audience who might benefit from your information. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a doctor’s video about safely handling groceries went viral and attracted numerous patient inquiries. By sharing your expertise on TikTok, you can position yourself as a trustworthy source, building trust and engagement with potential patients.”

Building Community Engagement

Dr. Barbara Hales: “TikTok’s interactive nature lets you respond to comments, create video replies, and stitch responses to other creators. This fosters a deeper connection with viewers who may reach out for questions or consultations. Engaging with others’ videos that align with your message can increase visibility and make your presence known within the community.”

Types of Effective TikTok Content

Dr. Barbara Hales: “Educational ‘Did You Know’ videos or quick health tips on common topics, like health remedies or myth-busting, resonate well. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your practice, day-to-day activities, or what it’s like in a medical setting builds relatability and trust. Many patients have common questions, and TikTok is an ideal platform to answer these in a quick, direct format. For example, questions like the best time to take vitamins or how often to get a health checkup can be addressed easily. Patient testimonials, with consent, are also effective; they highlight the positive outcomes of your practice. If using an actor, add a note for transparency. Additionally, participating in relevant trends and using popular hashtags, like #SelfCareSunday or #HealthTipTuesday, can enhance reach and visibility. Hosting live Q&A sessions is also powerful, as it allows for real-time interaction and shows patients that you’re approachable and open to engaging with their questions.”

Collaborating with Influencers

Dr. Barbara Hales: “Consider collaborating with health influencers who align with your niche. Influencers can extend your reach by connecting you to their followers, who may be interested in your expertise. When evaluating potential influencers, look for high engagement rates, which signal an active, interested audience. TikTok’s Creator Marketplace is a helpful tool for identifying suitable influencers and offers performance metrics that make it easier to decide who aligns best with your brand.”

Leveraging Storytelling and Emotion

Dr. Barbara Hales: “Storytelling is highly effective on TikTok. Share stories, such as a ‘Day in the Life’ of a doctor or memorable patient interactions, while maintaining confidentiality. These types of stories resonate with audiences and demonstrate the impact of your work, creating an emotional connection and making your content more memorable.”

Finding the Right Influencers

Dr. Barbara Hales: “To find influencers, explore relevant hashtags like #MedicalAdvice or #DoctorTikTok to identify creators who discuss similar topics. Platforms like Upfluence and AspireIQ can help you connect with influencers based on niche, location, and engagement rate. High engagement indicates an active audience that might be interested in your content, so focusing on engagement metrics is key.”

Practical Tips for Getting Started on TikTok

Dr. Barbara Hales: “When starting on TikTok, set clear goals for what you hope to achieve—brand awareness, patient education, or increased engagement. Planning consistent content is essential, as regular posts keep your account active and your followers engaged. Monitoring analytics also helps refine your strategy. TikTok offers insights into which videos perform best, allowing you to focus on content that resonates with your audience while steering clear of topics that don’t gain traction.”

The Big Takeaway

Dr. Barbara Hales: “TikTok’s authentic, fast-paced environment is ideal for medical professionals to connect meaningfully with patients. Balancing information with personal connections can build trust, reach new audiences, and expand your practice. TikTok isn’t just for entertaining videos but can be a powerful tool for educating patients and humanizing your brand. Being genuine, open to experimenting, and letting your personality shine through is key to making the most of this platform.”

Closing Remarks

Dr. Barbara Hales: “Thank you for tuning in to Marketing Tips for Doctors. I hope you found value in this discussion about using TikTok to connect with patients. Remember, social media is all about connection, and your patients will appreciate a doctor who’s approachable and willing to meet them where they are.”