Vets Ignore Social Media At Their Peril

Veterinary practices should be embracing the power of social media to get in front of their customers. That’s the advice of Veterinary Social Media Specialist, Ali Burden-Blake, who is on a 30-day mission to take veterinary practices from social media no-shows to social media superheroes. From Thursday 7th March, veterinary practices from around the world have the opportunity to take part in an innovative online programme run by the Veterinary Marketing School to fast track their understanding of how social media can help them get in front of their customers. Through a series of webinars, Q&A sessions, short workbooks and a private Facebook group where they can connect and brainstorm with fellow vets, Ali Burden-Blake will cover all-important topics such as creating winning websites and blogs, as well using social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube for customer engagement. “When it comes to social media, vets are painfully behind the curve compared to other business sectors,” warns Ali, “but veterinary practices that don’t embrace social media as part of their marketing and customer care plan will fail. That’s the bottom line. “Social media represents a brave new world for most practices but, to attract new clients, they have to not only get on board but also get up to speed quickly. My Social Vet Superhero 30-days programme will help them do this.” Historically, veterinary practices have been reticent about marketing, relying on business from repeat clientele and believing that ‘if we provide the service, customers will come’. However, a growing number of practices are facing dwindling client numbers, a financial downturn and losing out to more social savvy vets. Social media is here to stay. According to recent figures rounded up by The Huffington Post, more than 850 million people worldwide are active on Facebook every month. Of those, 23% check their account at least five times a day, while a staggering 80% of social media users prefer to connect with brands through Facebook. Platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn are equally as powerful, while the popularity of Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ is growing at a staggering rate. The figures speak for themselves. To get in front of potential customers and fans, vets need to embrace social media platforms. They need to understand that the power of social media isn’t in numbers but in its potential for relationship building, PR, marketing and customer care. The 30 day programme provides the tools to do that without requiring a huge time or financial commitment. This is an ideal opportunity for any vet who is ready to don his cape and become the social media saviour of his practice. Places are still available. Visit socialvetsuperhero.com to find out more.

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