Developing a social media profile for a veterinary practice

Establishing a presence on social media is not as straightforward as it first seems. Social media has put marketing into the hands of individuals and when it comes to veterinary practice, this often means responsibilities fall to staff members who otherwise may not be familiar with marketing strategies. Setting up a social media profile for a business is significantly different than creating a page for an individual. The profile must show who the practice is and offer ways to learn more about the business, but it must also entertain and educate to keep people interested in the practice's profile (Hanbury, 2011).

Fans expect a lot and are easily swayed by unattractive profiles, poor grammar, unprofessional names and descriptions or uninspiring presentation. With only one click and a few moments of contemplation they may choose to unfollow a profile if it does not live up to expectations. Therefore, it is important to establish a profile that is professional, useful, appealing to the eye, and entertaining to fans. Ultimately, a good social media profile will present the business well and will hopefully keep current fans, as well as attract new ones.