How to Use Hashtags to Promote Your Clinic

Hashtags have become an internet must have and much like adorable cat videos, hashtags are right here to stay. Not just as a fun social media trend, (#ThrowbackThursday) hashtags have advanced to become a crucial part of a business #OnlineMarketingStrategy. Not only can hashtags help your audience interact with your veterinary practice, when used efficiently they could help your practice grow. Use the next hashtag techniques as a guide to your online marketing plan.

#YourClinic

Brand hashtags, a hashtag that uses your clinic’s name or tagline, are one of the best ways to promote your practice online. A quick search on facebook or Twitter will tell you if your brand hashtag is unique in your clinic. The last thing you want to do is promote another vet! Use your branded hashtag frequently throughout your internet site, blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts. This is the best way to see what your customers are saying about your clinic and helps promote brand recognition.

Include Promotional Hashtags

Nothing captures consumer attention like a promotion. Promotional hashtags that are worthwhile will greatly increase online visitor engagement. Is your practice running any offers on pet vaccinations? Create a hashtag for #DiscountPetVaccines to turn those online visitors into new customers. Promotional hashtags are easy to share with friends, which could bring even more clients and their pet friends to your practice.

Know your clients needs

Social media users commonly view hashtags related to their interests and pastimes. It’s easy to recognize why a dog lover will follow #DogOfTheDay or #PuppyLove and similar hashtags. Dive into these trending hashtags by including them in your best posts about dogs to catch client interest. Anyone looking for cute dog pictures will be able to see your practice’s post. This gives potential clients the chance to view more of your posts and find out more information about your veterinary practice.

Don’t spam your followers

Hashtags have the potential to increase your SEO goals and launch your practice into a brand new marketplace. It’s essential to know the difference between good and bad hashtag usage. Spam hashtags can negatively affect your online advertising approach. The use of a large number of hashtags in a single post is considered “spamming” and may turn potential clients away. Twitter recommends that brands use one to two hashtags per post. This is a great rule of thumb to help preserve your client’s loyalty.

Hashtags are just one of the tools every online marketing strategy should have in its arsenal.