How to Use Social Media to Attract New Patients to Your Practice

Build a thriving practice with the power of strategic social media marketing.

Social media has transformed how healthcare professionals engage with their communities. For dental, veterinary, optometric, and medical professionals, the opportunity to use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to attract new patients and expand visibility is bigger than ever.

Today, more than 77% of patients research healthcare providers online before scheduling an appointment, and social media often plays a key role in shaping their perception. In an increasingly digital world, standing out from the competition means doing more than just providing excellent care—it requires showing up where your ideal patients spend their time.

While there are many ways to market your practice online, integrating your social media efforts with tools like the PracticeFinder App—which functions as a digital marketplace for medical and dental offices—can help maximize visibility without sounding salesy. Let’s explore how to use social media effectively to attract new patients and boost long-term practice growth.

The Benefits of Social Media Marketing for Healthcare Practices

A strong social media strategy isn’t just about posting a few before-and-after photos. It’s about creating real connections, establishing authority, and building trust—all of which directly influence a patient’s decision to contact your office.

Here are key advantages of leveraging social media for your practice:

• Enhanced Visibility: Patients searching for a Medical office for sale or a new local provider will often check social platforms before calling.

• Increased Trust: Consistent, value-driven content helps you appear more credible and approachable.

• Improved Patient Engagement: Platforms like Instagram Stories and Facebook Reels provide interactive ways to engage with your audience.

• Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to print or billboard ads, social media campaigns can offer a better return on investment.
  
  

7 Social Media Strategies to Attract New Patients

Here’s how to effectively use social media to bring more patients through your door, without falling into the trap of generic or inconsistent posts.

1. Optimize Your Profile for Local Search

Start by ensuring all social media bios include accurate information: your practice name, address, contact number, and specialty. Use keywords like Veterinary Practice for sale or “cosmetic dental care in [City]” strategically within your description so you appear in relevant searches.

Don’t forget to link to your website and, if applicable, your listing on the PracticeFinder App—a platform that helps connect buyers, sellers, and brokers of healthcare practices.

2. Showcase Real Stories

Highlight patient testimonials, behind-the-scenes looks at your practice, or your team’s day-to-day interactions. This humanizes your brand and creates an emotional connection with your audience. Videos are compelling, engagement is 1200% higher for video content than text and images combined.

Bonus Tip: Always obtain written consent before sharing patient stories or images.

3. Use Educational Content to Build Authority

Patients love to learn. Posting infographics, how-to videos, and myth-busting posts about dental hygiene, eye care, or pet wellness can establish your expertise and keep your audience engaged.

For example, if you run a dental practice, sharing tips on avoiding enamel erosion or the benefits of fluoride treatments adds value and encourages people to see you as a trusted provider.

4. Go Live for Q&A Sessions

Live streaming is one of the best ways to interact directly with your audience. Host short Q&A sessions on topics like “When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit” or “Signs Your Pet Needs Immediate Care.”

These sessions not only answer common questions but also position your team as accessible and caring professionals.

5. Leverage Social Proof and Reviews

Ask satisfied patients to leave Google reviews, and then feature them on your social media. Testimonials add instant credibility, especially when patients share their experience of finding your clinic through platforms.

Social proof helps convince skeptical potential patients to take action and schedule that first appointment.

6. Target Ads to Local Audiences

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer powerful ad tools that let you target users by location, interests, and even behaviors. You can promote seasonal offers, new patient specials, or highlight a new service.

For instance, if you’re a provider with a Dental Practice for sale, you can use geo-targeting to reach potential buyers or patients in your region.

7. Stay Consistent and Plan Ahead

Posting once every few weeks won’t get results. Use a content calendar to stay organized and post consistently. A balanced mix of promotional content, education, engagement, and behind-the-scenes posts ensures you reach a wider audience without sounding too salesy.

Integrating Social Media with Listing Platforms

If you're actively growing or transitioning your practice, perhaps listing a Veterinary clinic for sale or dental equipment for sale, it's wise to coordinate your social media and marketplace presence.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Link to Your Listing: Share updates about your practice’s growth or available services and subtly mention where users can learn more.

• Cross-Promote Your PracticeFinder App Profile: Encourage patients, partners, and brokers to follow your practice's journey through both social media and your listing.

• Use Platform Highlights for Testimonials or Services: Instagram and Facebook Highlights can showcase your services, team, and patient results—giving interested visitors a snapshot of what your practice offers.

The PracticeFinder App works like a Zillow for healthcare practices, connecting practice buyers, brokers, and sellers in an intuitive, mobile-first experience. Having a strong social presence ensures that those who find you on the app can quickly validate your practice’s credibility.

Social Media Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

In today’s digital-first world, social media is no longer just a place for fun videos or vacation photos—it’s one of the most effective tools for growing and sustaining a successful practice. From increasing visibility and engagement to strengthening trust and driving appointments, social platforms are critical to modern patient acquisition strategies.

By integrating your social efforts with robust tools like the PracticeFinder App, and ensuring your presence is educational, consistent, and local-friendly, you’ll position your practice for steady growth in a highly competitive healthcare environment.

Start leveraging social media to attract the right patients, increase engagement, and future-proof your practice.
Explore new opportunities on the PracticeFinder App—where practices grow and transitions thrive.