Why Is LinkedIn Important For A Dermatologist?
As a dermatologist, creating a personal brand is an essential part of your profession. In today’s day and age, potential patients prioritize learning everything they can about their prospective healthcare providers before ever setting foot in the office. With the majority of patients having access to the internet, it is crucial to consider using an internet platform to increase your popularity, establish trust, and obtain high search volumes. LinkedIn has become a common social network for dermatologists to display their backgrounds, discover new business opportunities, and increase their patient load.
LinkedIn provides you with a unique way to tell your own story and shows you are enthusiastic about your work. You WILL be looked up by potential patients and your profile should be a concise summary of who you are and your professional interests. Consider displaying the following aspects on your profile:
- Educational background
- Experience
- Awards
- Specializations
Keep in mind that because LinkedIn is a social media platform, it’s essential that you are frequently active on your page. It should not only be a place to update when you are looking for new patients but instead used to show that you are engaging with your peers and staying involved with your LinkedIn professional network. The online connections we make can be just as authentic as the ones we have face-to-face!
How Do I Keep My LinkedIn As Professional As Possible?
There are numerous ways to enhance your profile and create a professional image on your LinkedIn page.
Photo
We have all heard the saying “a picture is worth 1000 words”. Your profile picture provides your potential patients with their very first impression of you. This should be a recent photo and should show you wearing a lab coat or other professional attire. Avoid the urge to post a “selfie” from the office, no matter how great that filter is. Have your picture taken professionally, just as you would for your website. And don’t forget to SMILE!
Avoid “Buzzwords”
Terms like “strategic”, “experienced”, “expert”, and “specialized” may seem like great words to enhance your profile. Unfortunately, these words are often overused on many LinkedIn profile pages and won’t convince anyone that you actually possess these qualities. While it’s not a terrible idea to describe yourself as someone with these qualities, it’s much more important to demonstrate them through the other activities on your media platform.
Endorsements and Skill Assessments
Endorsements and recommendations from other members can increase your credibility. Patients will consider recommendations from others on their search for a qualified dermatologist. Social proof is one of the strongest marketing techniques on the internet. From testimonials to case studies, and even Amazon reviews – everyone wants to hear from other consumers before investing in a good or service. Endorsements are LinkedIn’s way of allowing you to display “social proof” of your abilities.
A skills assessment is an online test that provides you with a badge as proof of your heightened level of skills in that area. By showing off your unique skill sets, you are able to enhance your personal brand and display your professional abilities. Even if you don’t perform well on a skills assessment the first time around, LinkedIn allows these assessments to be taken again and again. Data shows that this increases your chances of being hired by up to 30%.
Publications
This under-used profile feature can make you stand out significantly from other dermatologists. If you’ve guest-posted for a blog, been published in a medical journal, or guest-starred in a podcast – those publications can be used to supercharge your credibility and increase trust. Post your published articles, blogs, eBooks, or white pages here and you are sure to be published more!
Connections
Syncing your profile with your email address book is a simple and effective way to increase your network connections. Don’t only make these influential connections-be sure to interact with them often. When requesting to connect with a colleague or professional within your extended network, personalize it with a message. Connection requests are significantly more likely to be accepted when accompanied by a personalized message. It’s also important to note that you should not use your personal email to make professional connections on your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn Top Five Features And How To Use Them
LinkedIn has many features that can be used to enhance your personal brand and help you reach success. In order to take full advantage of your marketing plans, it’s important to learn about everything the platform has to offer. Consider using the following top five features to boost productivity and reach your highest level of success.
Video Cover Story
This new feature allows you to personally introduce yourself to profile visitors by posting a short video. Take this opportunity to show off your personality and attract potential patients with your unique skill sets and services. Energy, enthusiasm, and professional demeanor are all great ways to make the most of your video cover story.
Headline
Creating an effective headline is a crucial part of your LinkedIn profile. Your headline is basically the description on your profile page. Consider using more than just your job title here. This feature gives you the opportunity to tell a bit more about who you are and why you love the job you do. You are essentially creating a more unique headline for potential patients to relate to and remember when choosing their dermatologist.
Blogging Interface
A regular LinkedIn post has a character limit. Sometimes you have more to say than your post will allow. Enter the blogging interface feature. This LinkedIn asset, called Pulse, can be used to help you write more in-depth content and publish it directly on your LinkedIn account. Sometimes your content will grab the attention of Pulse editors and be featured on Pulse news. This is an instant way to increase your network, gain popularity and increase credibility. The platform also provides a valuable editor tool that can be used to proofread your work. Posting this original content can help you to create a strong media presence and attract more attention to your profile page, or even your professional blog.
LinkedIn Scheduler
This feature allows you to sync your contacts and calendar. It also allows you to schedule meetings and interviews through the webpage and provides information about your upcoming availability.
Hidden Identity When Viewing Checking Profiles
This feature allows you to visit a profile anonymously and hide your identity when maneuvering around the platform. This is particularly useful when researching competitor analysis, as well as generating leads for your dermatology practice.
Take these tips and create a LinkedIn profile today, or overhaul the outdated LinkedIn profile that’s been collecting dust for the last few years. Leverage a comprehensive profile to strengthen your personal brand, and widen your patient base. Become the dermatologist that patients search for by name.
