How to Avoid Meta Scams | Facebook and Instagram Scams

How to Avoid Meta Scams and Protect Yourself Virtually

Anyone with a private or professional social media account needs to keep an eye out for scammers. If you own a business and use Meta paid ads as part of your search engine marketing strategy, you must be especially wary. Many criminals would love nothing better than to steal your information.

Scam artists like to target people who run ads because they know that if they can hack those accounts, they’ve hit the jackpot. Scammers work quickly to steal credit card information from hacked advertiser accounts. Then, they turn around and use that stolen money to run ads for their products on the accounts they’ve hacked. Business owners and regular people alike can lose thousands of dollars to online swindlers in a matter of hours. Here’s how to recognize and avoid Meta scams so you don’t become a victim.

Understanding Meta Scams

If you spend enough time on social media, you’ll likely encounter a scam. Scammers are becoming more conniving and convincing all the time. As their methods become more sophisticated, many of their tricks become less obvious than they used to be. That means you must be more watchful than ever to ensure your info stays secure.

Instagram and Facebook are particularly ripe for cybercriminals because they’re so popular. Fraudsters know they can find more potential victims on Meta sites than anywhere else. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission states that social media scams lead to millions of dollars in financial losses yearly.

Examples of Common Meta Scams

There are so many Meta scams that they won’t fit in this guide. However, here are some of the more common scams you might encounter.

  • Duplicate Friend Requests:

This is when a hacker takes over or replicates a friend’s account to get info from you. Never click on videos or links sent to you by a supposed “friend” you’re already friends with.

  • Violation of Policy Emails:

It’s natural to panic if you receive an email claiming you’ve violated policy and are in trouble. But don’t respond hastily. Check the email for poor grammar and look at the sender’s email address to verify whether it’s genuinely from Meta.

  • “Is This You?” Scam:

If you receive a DM link from a supposed friend asking you to verify whether you’re in the video, don’t fall for it. This is a typical Facebook scam.

  • Request to Re-Enter Login Information:

One of the more popular Meta scams is an email with a link to re-enter your login and password. The email will claim you entered the wrong information the first time and that you need to re-enter it for security purposes. Report the email to [email protected], then delete it.

  • “Friend” Asking for Money:

By now, most people should know that scammers love to pose as friends and ask for money. No matter how caring you may be, never send money to someone on social media.

How to Avoid Meta Scams

Now that you know what some of the more popular Meta scams look like, it’s time to take steps to avoid them. Remember that Meta will contact you personally if there’s a legitimate issue with your account. They may also lock or restrict your account if they suspect fraudulent activity. But to avoid becoming a victim in the first place, here are ways to avoid falling for a Facebook or Instagram scam:

  • Never trust messages asking for your credit card info, social security number, or password.

  • Report any messages demanding money or threatening to ban or delete your account unless you do something in return.

  • Never click on suspicious links, even if they claim to be from Meta.

  • Don’t open any attachments from unsolicited people or accounts. You should even be wary about opening attachments from people you know.

Cybercriminals often pose as Meta or other trusted companies to phish for information from unsuspecting victims. Remember that official emails from Facebook or Instagram will only come from accounts ending in “@facebookmail.com” or “@mail.instagram.com.”

How to Contact Meta and Appeal

If you think your information has been compromised or someone has hijacked your Meta business accounts, contact Meta as soon as possible. Here are the different Meta email accounts to contact when your account is hacked:

  • [email protected]: Use this email address to appeal suspended accounts or removed content.

  • [email protected]: This is the email to use if you want to recover a hacked account or cannot access your page.

  • [email protected]: Email this address if you have any concerns or financial questions about your Facebook accounts.

To report or attempt to recover an account you can no longer access, go to the cover photo of the impacted page. Next, click on the icon with three dots directly beneath the cover photo. Then, select “Find Support or Report Page.” You can then choose the auto-generated option that’s most appropriate for your issue.

Tips to Keep Accounts Safe

One of the best things you can do to keep your professional Meta accounts safe is to create a strong password in the first place. Make sure this password is different from any other password you use. Avoid including any part of your name, birth date, or social security number in your password.

Another way to keep your Meta accounts secure is to enable two-factor authentication. If your password is ever successfully guessed or stolen, two-factor authentication will help keep your data safe. In addition, it adds another layer of security to your sensitive info. Most two-factor authentication processes use two of the three different factor types to verify your identity when logging in:

  • Possession:

Something physical (like a phone app or security token) that only the account holder owns.

  • Knowledge:

A piece of information (like a PIN or security question) known only by the account holder.

  • Inheritance:

Typically, biometric credentials like a retina or fingerprint scan.

It may seem inconvenient to input additional information when you log in. But implementing two-factor authentication can keep your accounts secure.

Sources:


https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2020/10/scams-starting-social-media-proliferate-early-2020
https://blog.adwhite.com/different-ways-to-contact-facebook/meta-support

SCHEDULE A MARKETING STRATEGY SESSION

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*By submitting the form above you agree to be added to our email list for updates & promotions.

Sources:

“44 Mind-Blowing SMS Marketing and Texting Statistics .” SlickText, 12 Aug. 2022, https://www.slicktext.com/blog/2018/11/44-mind-blowing-sms-marketing-and-texting-statistics/?utm_term=.

 “Email Open Rate: Statistics & 17 Best Practices (2022 Guide).” Mailmunch, 22 July 2022, https://www.mailmunch.com/blog/email-open-rate#what-is-the-average-email-open-rate.

Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig was born at a young age. He is a digital marketing expert who specializes in customer acquisition.

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5 Things NOT to Do in Text Message Marketing

5 Things NOT to Do in Text Message Marketing

Communication is a crucial element in marketing. This is especially true for medical practices looking to attract repeat and new patients. The majority of medical practices are likely emailing or calling patients regularly. However, a successful medical practice should also be texting prospects. Why?

There are two main reasons why you should text your patients:

  • It increases your chances of getting in touch with the prospect.

  • You’ll have an advantage over competitors who only call and email.

Facts and statistics show that text message marketing can give you a leg-up on your competition. Open rates for SMS are as high as 98%, while the open rate on an email averages 21.33%. This means that people open almost all of the texts they receive but only open about one-fifth of their emails. Therefore, texting clients significantly increases the chance of your message being seen by the prospective lead.

If you rely solely on calls and emails, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to gain an advantage over competitors. Since most practices don’t currently use texting as a regular form of communication, you’ll be more likely to get ahold of a prospect before your competitors. 

That being said, there are protocols that you should follow when implementing text message marketing. Texting prospective patients isn’t the same as texting your family and friends. There are a few things that you should never do. Below, we detail these things to help you avoid common mistakes marketers make when implementing text message marketing.

5 Things You Should NEVER Do in Text Marketing

1. Don’t send long paragraphs without spacing.

Long paragraphs are difficult to read and turn people off. Keep it short and simple. Add links to pages if you have more info to share. Break up longer messages with spacing and separate any links or calls to action from the main message.

2. Don’t use too many emojis.

Read your demographic. Studies show one or two may help increase engagement, but the overuse of emojis loses credibility and authority for the practice. Emojis can also annoy certain demographics in your targeted area.

3. Don’t forget to state your name or your medspa’s name at the beginning of the text.

This ensures that leads know where the text is coming from and don’t think it is unwanted spam. Example: Hi, Jenny! This is Sue at Luxurious Medspa.

4. Don’t send multiple texts that have the exact same message.

This is annoying and of no value to the lead. It leads to high opt-out rates and being flagged as spam with phone carriers. Texts should have valuable information such as appointment booking assistance, limited-time promotions, helpful information about the service, before and after photos of the procedure, links to financing or online booking, and a reminder of a deadline for sales and promotions. Include only relevant information, and always remember to keep the message concise and to the point.

5. Don’t text too frequently.

Texting multiple times per day or every day can be annoying and cause clients to opt out of text message marketing. We recommend spacing out text automation. A text can be a great reminder to the lead to connect with you and book an appointment. Try timing your text messages in the following way:

  • Text the lead every day for the first 2-3 days.

  • After that, space the text messages out with a few days or weeks in between touchpoints.

  • You could also send out reminders or promotions on a monthly basis.

Executive Director of Client Experience, Vania Jenny says “A medical practice that utilizes text message communication is much more likely to get in touch with a lead. The more methods of communication you use, the higher the chances of getting a reply. “

MedStar Media strongly encourages our clients to text their patients to improve lead generation. We are happy to provide more insight into the dos and don’ts of text message marketing and how to make the most of your client communication. Click here to learn more about our services and how we can improve lead generation for your med spa.

SCHEDULE A MARKETING STRATEGY SESSION

Fill out the form or call (801) 890-3847

*By submitting the form above you agree to be added to our email list for updates & promotions.

Sources:

“44 Mind-Blowing SMS Marketing and Texting Statistics .” SlickText, 12 Aug. 2022, https://www.slicktext.com/blog/2018/11/44-mind-blowing-sms-marketing-and-texting-statistics/?utm_term=.

 “Email Open Rate: Statistics & 17 Best Practices (2022 Guide).” Mailmunch, 22 July 2022, https://www.mailmunch.com/blog/email-open-rate#what-is-the-average-email-open-rate.

Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig was born at a young age. He is a digital marketing expert who specializes in customer acquisition.

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10 Tips: How to Market Your Medical Spa on a Budget

Tips for marketing your medical spa on a tight budget graphic

10 Tips: How to Market Your Medical Spa on a Budget

Marketing a medical spa on a budget can be challenging. But with the right strategies and tools, you can reach potential customers and grow your business without breaking the bank. Let’s explore ten cost-effective ways to promote your services and stand out from your competitors.

1. Build and Optimize a Website

Building a website is essential for any medical spa looking to reach new customers. 

Your professional website’s layout should be formatted to generate leads. It should:

  • Show people what services you offer and how much they cost

  • Provide information about your team and specialties

  • Let potential clients make appointments online

  • Make it easy for people to find and contact you

  • Include an offer above the fold (immediately visible in the upper half of a web page without scrolling)

Besides considering the layout, it’s crucial to include valuable content on your website:

  • Include before and after images for services you're offering (where applicable)

  • Highlight treatment benefits in a scannable, easy-to-read bullet format

  • Explain how procedures work and supplement them with informative graphics

  • Add videos showcasing treatments in action (where applicable)

  • Call-to-action with a form for customers to fill out and get started

When creating content for your site, be mindful of best SEO practices:

  • Incorporate relevant primary and secondary keywords. For example, if you offer Emsculpt, you should use terms such as “Emsculpt before and after photos," "Emsculpt results," "Emsculpt cost," and "Emsculpt near me."

  • Include variations of the location when targeting a local region. For example, if you're in Queens, NY, offering CoolSculpting, you may weave in "CoolSculpting Queens, NY" somewhere on the page where it's natural.

  • Aim for at least 1,000 words of unique, SEO-optimized, and valuable content.

Here are a few examples of optimized websites:

SITE 1: Emsculpt NEO

This is an example of a practice that offers Emsculpt NEO. They optimized their site with a layout that demonstrates a clear offer, critical information above the fold, and their phone number.

Source: Emsculpt NEO provider NS Medical Wellness

Source: Emsculpt NEO provider NS Medical Wellness

The treatment pages include before and after images of multiple patients. They also present valuable content about treatment benefits and results. Prospective customers can get a feel for what they can expect by watching a video showing the procedure in action. The service page includes key SEO terms for Emsculpt NEO, like “Emsculpt Before and After” and “Emsculpt Near Me.”

SITE 2: CoolSculpting

This website is optimized for CoolSculpting patients. Visitors can find information about the team and learn about the practice’s specialties. Contact information is easy to find, and the call-to-action (i.e., book now) is above the fold. When you land on the site, a pop-up will greet you, allowing you to input your information to get 20% off.

Source: CoolSculpting Elite provider Azul Medspa

Source: CoolSculpting Elite provider Colorado Center for Aesthetics & Rejuvenation

Similar to the Emsculpt NEO example, this website has treatment pages with several before and after photos. Treatment benefits and the procedure overview allows new patients to get a better understanding before committing. At the end of each page, there’s a call to action inviting visitors to visit the facility or schedule a consultation.

At the end of each page, there’s a call to action inviting visitors to visit the facility or schedule a consultation.

Source: CoolSculpting Elite provider Azul Medspa

SITE 3: Potenza by Cynosure

This medical spa offers Potenza, a Cynosure treatment. They make it a breeze for new clients to make appointments online and schedule consultations. People can either fill out a form or call the facility at the number provided at the top (above the fold). There’s an about page that provides insight into the spa, the team, and the specialties.

Source: Potenza RF Microneedling provider Gafnea Health and Wellness

Source: Potenza RF Microneedling provider Aesthetika Medical Center

Before trying Potenza RF microneedling, patients want to get an idea of what they can expect from the treatment. Before and after photos on the treatment pages show real outcomes for real patients. Blogs and service pages include a wealth of information answering commonly asked questions in a scannable format.

TIP: Making a website doesn't have to be expensive. You can use a content management system like WordPress to create a functional website without costly web development services.

2. Establish a Social Media Presence

There are billions of active users on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use them to show off your medical spa! Choose the ones your target audience uses and make posts showing what you do and what you’re good at. This can help you build your brand and bring in new customers.

Leverage social media by offering promotions and discounts. This can attract people to your business and increase sales. Our favorite part? Building a social media presence is usually free (at least to start), so it’s an affordable way to get your name out there.

3. Run Paid Digital Ads

Paid digital ads can reach new customers without costing much. Google Ads and Meta allow you to show ads to specific groups of people who might need your services. This is especially useful for medical spas, as you can target people interested in beauty and wellness.

In 2022, the average cost per click for Facebook ads was just under $1. Every 1,000 views averaged out to $13.57, and the price per acquisition was $19.68. Google Ads is another popular pay-per-click network offering a robust return on investment of $2 for every $1 you spend. Google gets people to click on your ad and take action after they do so.

But for paid digital ads to be effective, you must figure out the “sweet spot”—or how much you need to spend to see worthwhile results. This process can take time, but you can trust an expert to guide you in the right direction. It’s critical to track ad performance and make changes as needed to get the most out of your budget.

4. React to Leads Quickly With a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tool

A customer relationship management (CRM) tool helps improve and streamline customer interaction. It can manage lead communication, bookings, and other important tasks. This saves you valuable time and resources, allowing you to better serve your clients.

Furthermore, engaging your leads quickly with a CRM tool provides a second-to-none experience for your prospects. In turn, you’ll see an increase in conversions.

With a CRM, you can automate some of the first touchpoints, such as sending out an automated relevant email or text. This is a fantastic way to nurture your subscribers at the right time based on the data about their behaviors on your site.

Fact: Leads are ten times more likely to respond after five minutes. But if you respond within the first minute, you can increase conversions by 391%.

Bottom line: Excellent customer service is vital for building a loyal client base for any medical spa. CRM tools like Salesforce, Hubspot, and Zoho make interactions more efficient, so you can focus on delivering top-notch experiences.

5. Utilize Traditional Forms of Advertising

Traditional forms of marketing, like print and radio ads, can target locals looking for your services. They can be a valuable addition to your marketing strategy. Remember to track how well your ads are performing to ensure a good return on investment.

Unlike digital marketing forms, it can be trickier to track the performance of traditional advertisements. But one way to do it is to have new customers fill out a survey sharing where they found you and what made them decide to come in. These surveys can give you an idea of what’s working and what’s not.

From there, you can adjust your strategy to get more out of your advertising spend. If most of your customers are coming in because they saw an online ad, it may be smarter to focus your marketing efforts there. Print and radio ads can generate traffic for some businesses in certain towns, but they may not be for everyone.

6. Offer Promotions and Discounts

Offering promotions and discounts is a tried-and-true method for attracting new business and encouraging repeat visits. You could offer a discount on a new service or bundle package. Some medical spas give a special promotion for first-time clients. Promotions can be an exceptional way to get people through the door.

As with any marketing effort, it’s crucial to see if promotions are effective and worthwhile. Let’s say you decide to run a New Year’s special of $250 off any body contouring service like CoolSculpting. After the promotion ends, study the data: How many people used the promotion? Did sales increase compared to times when you don’t run promotions? Answers to these questions will let you know whether your promotions are working and if you need to make changes.

Source: Promotions and Discounts offered by Skinney Medspa

7. Leverage Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways to promote your medical spa, especially if you provide unparalleled service. When people have a stellar experience, they’ll tell their friends and family about it. Encourage your clients to spread the word about your business. You could offer discounts or promotions for referrals as incentives.

In addition, ask happy clients to leave reviews on your website or social media sites like Yelp. Engage with all your customers by responding to reviews—whether it’s good or bad. This shows you put your clients first and, as a result, will garner trust with them over time.

8. Partner with Complementing Businesses

Partnering with businesses that offer complementing services can be a fruitful way to tap into new markets. For example, you might consider partnering with a local gym or yoga studio to offer discounted services to their members. This is a win-win situation for both parties. The gym or studio can offer its members added value while you introduce your services to potential customers from a targeted audience.

Here's a real-life scenario to consider:

A woman who goes to the gym every day strives for a fit, youthful-looking body. But no matter how much she works out and eats clean, she struggles to shed the final bit of fat and show solid muscles.

If you’re a medical spa offering Emsculpt NEO and Emtone, this prospect may benefit from giving your business a shot. Seeing your marketed services daily at the gym will remind her to take action and schedule a consultation.

Source: Promotions and Discounts offered by Skinney Medspa

9. Host Events or Workshops

Hosting events or workshops can increase awareness about your medical spa. You’ll get the chance to:

  • Showcase your services and expertise

  • Build relationships with potential clients

  • Connect with people in a more personal way

  • Make yourself known as an expert in your field

  • Create a sense of community, which leads to trust and loyalty

A couple of engagement ideas include:

  • Hosting a workshop on a topic related to your services

  • Hosting a client appreciation event to thank your existing customers

Suppose you decide to host a workshop related to CoolSculpting. You could perform a live demo to show attendees how the procedure works while highlighting the benefits of non-invasive body sculpting. After the demo, encourage participation by gathering questions from the audience. People are more likely to give something a try if they know what they’re getting into—and a workshop is a fun place to get those answers!

Source: Events offered by Haus of Aesthetics

10. Consider Paid Sponsorships or Partnerships

Paid sponsorships with local influencers can help medical spas reach a niche audience. Influencers have many followers on social media or in their local community. Partnering with, say, a beauty blogger can expose your business to a new group of potential customers.

Find local influencers by searching for popular accounts in your area or industry. A platform like BrandSnob can help you connect with influencers in your region. Once you’ve found influencers to work with, negotiate a sponsorship agreement.

Here are a few approaches you can take:

  • Offer payment in exchange for exposure

  • Exchange free or discounted services for exposure

  • Give partial payment and partial service

A possible agreement may look like this:

  • An agreed amount paid in full for 3 Instagram and/or Facebook posts (the exact amount varies depending on the influencer's reach, audience, and offerings)

  • 3 Instagram posts documenting the influencer's experience with laser hair removal in exchange for a complimentary full treatment

  • 3 Facebook posts documenting the influencer's experience with CoolSculpting in exchange for a $500 discount on their treatment plan

Grow Your Med Spa with Medstar Media

Effective medspa marketing is paramount for any business with growth in mind. Using different strategies and tools can help medical spas reach the right target audience and stand out in a competitive market.

There are countless ways to market your business without spending a lot of money. For example, establishing and maintaining an online presence, hosting events, and word-of-mouth marketing can all reach new people. But finding the right marketing mix for your business is key to achieving your revenue goals.

If you’re ready to take your marketing to the next level, Medstar Media can help. We’re a digital marketing agency elevating businesses in the medical aesthetics industry. Our team can help you reach your target audience and get the most out of your advertising spend. We can build your website, create compelling content, run targeted ads, and analyze data to optimize your efforts. Contact us at 801-890-3847 to schedule a consultation!

SCHEDULE A MARKETING STRATEGY SESSION

Fill out the form or call (801) 890-3847

*By submitting the form above you agree to be added to our email list for updates & promotions.

Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig was born at a young age. He is a digital marketing expert who specializes in customer acquisition.

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How to Post on Google Business Profile for a Medical Practice

How to Post on Google Business Profile for a Medical Practice

Starting a successful medical practice is no easy task. But there are several things you can do to ensure that your practice gets the attention and traffic it deserves. Local SEO optimization can help your medical practice rank locally when someone searches for the services you offer. One major step in SEO optimization is setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly Google My Business (GMB). The new update has made GBP easier to navigate than ever, but this article provides a handy guide on the best practices for posting on your profile.

It isn’t enough to simply claim your Google Business Profile. Many business owners do this and never look at it again. This causes them to miss out on countless leads. GBP has several tools to help you engage with online users and generate clientele.

Optimizing Profile

The first step is to ensure your GBP is set up, and all information is correct, including full business name, address, and hours of operation. To do this, click on Edit Profile and look at the information. If it is incorrect, simply click on the little pencil and make the edit. One of the most important parts of your profile is the Description section. This is your opportunity to sell your business and implement SEO strategies to help your profile rank higher in a Google search.

Add Services

The next step in optimizing your GBP is adding the services you offer. We recommend choosing “Medical Spa” for your primary category if you provide services like neurotoxins, body contouring, dermal fillers, or other nonsurgical and surgical medical aesthetic services. However, choose the primary category that best showcases your services. You can also add secondary categories if you offer other services that don’t fall under the primary category.

The important thing is to ensure your services are up-to-date and optimized. GBP allows you to add services under the “Edit Services” tab. You can also add a description for each service listed, with up to 300 characters. We recommend utilizing all the characters and using as many keywords related to the service as possible.

Create Posts

Another way to help your profile rank higher in a Google search is by adding regular updates, photos, and videos that showcase your medical practice. GBP provides two ways to do this.

Adding Updates

Medstar Media suggests posting once or twice a week. To do this, click on the “Add Update” section on your GBP. It is recommended to upload a photo with your post that corresponds with the content. GBP allows you to write up to 1500 words per post, but only the first 100 show up in the knowledge panel. Therefore, it is crucial to add the most relevant information at the beginning.

These posts can highlight services, team members, awards, the medical practice space, and more. There is also an option under “Add Update” to add events and limited-time offers. We suggest adding a call to action to these posts, such as “Book Now,” “Learn More,” or “Buy,” with relevant links to attract clicks. We highly recommend you use this handy GBP tool to attract customers and improve your ranking.

Adding Photos and Videos

You can also add photos and videos to your Google Business Profile by clicking “Add Photo.” This option allows you to add an image or video that showcases your services, staff, events, and more, or add a logo or cover photo to your profile. This option doesn’t require a description and can be an easy way to keep people engaged with your business profile.

One crucial step when adding photos via “Add Update” or “Add Photo” is to ensure you rename the image to be SEO optimized before adding it. We suggest using a keyword related to the photo, such as the service it shows, the name of the practice, and the city and state where the practice is located in the photo name.

Optimize Q and As

The Q and A section of GBP is often underutilized. Consider common questions that patients have, and use them to optimize the Q and A section of your GBP. People often ask questions on a business’s Google profile that go unanswered. Check your Q and A section often, and answer questions in a timely manner.

If you aren’t getting regular questions from internet users, it is okay to use your own profile to ask and answer questions. This isn’t the time for long-winded responses. Answers to questions should be short and to the point. Answer the question and suggest the potential client call or visit your practice to learn more.

Attract Reviews

Patient reviews can help grow the online visibility of your medical practice. Reviews that mention specific services or products are a great way to help your business appear in relevant Google search results. Patients don’t always leave positive reviews after great experiences, but often leave negative reviews when they have a bad experience. You might wonder how to attract more positive reviews.

Luckily, the answer is simple. Don’t be afraid to ask for them. If you know a patient had a wonderful experience at your medical practice, asking them to leave a review is acceptable. If they are unsure of the steps to take to do it, feel free to show them. We recommend providing them with a direct link to your Google Business Profile to make it easier for them. Positive and negative reviews can contribute to the SEO optimization of your GBP and improve your ranking. Click here to learn more about how to attract customer feedback online.

Respond to Reviews

Many potential patients read online reviews before choosing an establishment to help with their goals and needs. Having an online presence with reviews is crucial for establishing rapport with the community, in addition to online search optimization. Replying to both positive and negative reviews holds as much importance in establishing rapport and increasing search engine ranking.

This can be a bit tricky, though, because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, which protects patient privacy. It is vital to consider that all responses to reviews are HIPAA compliant. It is easy to make a mistake and break the guideline, even if the intention was not meant to do so. It also seems controversial, because patients often give away their own confidentiality when posting a review, but the established wellness practice must still adhere to the guidelines in responding. By following these strategies in responding both to positive and negative reviews, the practicing wellness provider can manage their online reputation with more ease while maintaining HIPAA compliance.

GENERAL REPLYING TIPS

When responding to any positive or negative review, these tips will help create a response that acknowledges the reviewer in a general and anonymous manner, which does not confirm that the person leaving the review was, in fact, a patient.

  • Refer to the standards of the practice establishment that mirror what the review talks about. For example:
Review: “I am so grateful for Dr. Doug and his great attention to my needs. Everyone at The Wellness Center was so kind, attentive, and informative. I am grateful for the answers that have come from being in their care.”
Client Name
Client NameLocation

Non-HIPAA Compliant Response:

“Thank you for your kind words about Dr. Doug. We are so happy to hear your feedback and grateful to have been in service to your needs!”
The Wellness Center
The Wellness CenterLocation

HIPAA Compliant Response:

“At The Wellness Center, we strive to provide enjoyable visits for all patients. We love to hear about positive experiences!”
The Wellness Center
The Wellness CenterLocation

  • Even if the person leaving the review leaves detailed information, the medical practice cannot comment or talk about any details in the reply.

  • Do not mention names.

  • Be general in responding.

  • Keep patient privacy intact.

  • Create a response strategy for managing less desirable reviews and negative reviews.

  • Take anything critical offline for resolution.

  • Thank them, but keep it anonymous.

  • Refer to the practice, policies, and goals when replying.

REPLYING TO NEGATIVE REVIEWS

It is equally important, if not more important, to reply to less desirable and negative reviews to maintain rapport in the community and online. Having an established protocol for how to reply to these kinds of reviews can save a lot of time. Some helpful tips for responding to these types of reviews are as follows:

  • Don’t answer when feeling reactive to the comments. Give it space and come back with a calm mind.

  • Do not mention names.

  • Thoroughly examine the review to assess the feedback.

  • Respond to direct having the resolution made offline. For example: “We always strive to provide the best care and service, and we are always open to discussing how we can do things better. In order to protect patient privacy, please call {Name} at xxx-xxx-xxxx to discuss this further.”

  • Never retaliate.

  • Address any internal issues relevant to the review.

  • Be positive.

  • Never threaten.

  • Don’t post fake positive reviews to try to negate the negative ones.

HOW MEDSTAR MEDIA CAN HELP

We know that managing your Google Business Profile can be time-consuming, but we have seen the results of an excellent GBP firsthand. The expert team at Medstar Media is happy to help your medical practice make the most of your Google Business Profile. Our SEO package includes profile optimization, including adding services and descriptions and Q and As, as well as two SEO-optimized updates and one photo or video per month. We work hard to help you improve your local ranking in Google searches and attract as many new clients as possible.

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Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig was born at a young age. He is a digital marketing expert who specializes in customer acquisition.

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How to Outrank Your Medical Competitors on Google Search

How to Outrank Your Medical Competitors on Google Search

Google is an incredible tool for reaching potential customers. But it’s also crowded with millions of other websites fighting for top visibility in search results. If you want eyeballs on your website, you need a strategy to help it stand out from the crowd. This can be difficult if your site isn’t optimized or lacks unique content. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to boost your SEO and get your site on the first page of Google. Whether you’re a medical spa, surgeon, or dentist, this guide will walk you through how to rank higher.

9 Tips for Ranking High on Google

Being the top search engine in the world, Google wields enormous influence on people’s lives. To rank well, you must consistently:

  • Provide value (answer questions that people have)

  • Write for your reader (rather than focusing on keywords you want to rank for)

  • Create original and engaging content on relevant topics to establish authority

  • Educate people about your services, products, or industry

Don’t think about search engine optimization for search engine optimization’s sake. Instead, think about answering questions people are seeking answers to.

Chris Z.
President of Medstar Media

Besides these simple rules, there are nine considerations to keep in mind to rank on the first page of Google. Let’s get into it!

1. Be Patient

It takes patience to get more patients. SEO is the delicate art of providing unique content, monthly updates, and technical support to optimize your website so Google sees you as an “authority” over your competitors. It’s far from a quick fix—it takes time and consistent effort.

Many of the major websites you’re familiar with were built over decades to receive the amount of traffic they do every day. It’s not unusual for SEO to take a few months or even a year before you start seeing results—and even then, those results may be small at first. But if you’re willing to put in the work and patience, then SEO can be your ticket to success online.

Let’s say you’re a dentist trying to rank for the term ‘Invisalign.’ It’s going to take time because other dentists in your area may have had Invisalign on their websites for years. The best thing you can do is to offer superior content to anyone in your city. Google will eventually recognize the quality and reward you.

2. Share Unique Content Frequently

By sharing unique, high-quality content consistently, you help Google understand what your site is all about. Search engines will show your website at the top of their rankings if they recognize your business as an authority in your niche.

Aim to produce two to four blogs per month with relevant and helpful content. Your blog articles should have not only original copy but also unique photos and videos. This takes time and effort, but it’ll pay off in the long run when you start appearing more often in search results.

If you’re a plastic surgeon and have a new technique or approach, introduce it on your blog! Then, direct traffic to that article by sharing it on your social media channels.

3. Keep Technical SEO in Mind

Businesses often overlook the technical aspect of SEO. But the reality is that SEO isn’t a one-and-done deal. It requires constant nurturing—like a baby! You must conduct regular checks to ensure your website:

  • Loads quickly
  • Is mobile-friendly
  • Has working links

Remember, your SEO score can change at any time. Optimizing your website is just the first step to increasing visibility in search engines. You must continually monitor it and make adjustments whenever necessary.

Suppose you’re a med spa offering Morpheus 8. You must ensure that it’s a breeze to discover information about this treatment on your website. The content should be distinctive, and the page should load quickly.

4. Get Reviews Consistently and Respond to Them

Respond to all your customer’s reviews, both good and bad. This can be tough, especially if you have negative reviews. But it’s crucial to address all feedback. If you don’t address issues head-on, they will continue to haunt your business online.

Customers who leave reviews about your business want to know you’ll take their comments seriously. And prospective customers use reviews as a way to gauge whether they can trust you as a business. By offering to make things right, people (and Google!) recognize your care and are more likely to give you another chance.

Let’s say you’re a med spa offering Emsculpt NEO. You received a negative review on Yelp from a customer stating they didn’t get the slimming muscle-toning results they had hoped for. Taking the time to acknowledge and solve their concern will not only restore trust, but it will show prospects that you do what it takes to ensure a positive experience.

When responding to customers, ensure that each response is HIPAA-compliant. Avoid going into too much detail about the patient’s treatment or mentioning specifics about their visit. If you feel the need to discuss something further, provide a general response and offer to take the conversation offline. Include a phone number where they can reach out to get their issues resolved.

5. Update Your Google My Business Profile Regularly

To get your website on the first page of Google, you must ensure your business information is up to date:

  • Address: Check to see if the address listed on your Google My Business profile matches what someone would find when they type it into Google Maps. Otherwise, they may get confused and end up somewhere else.
  • Phone number: Make it easy for people to reach your office by including an updated phone number.
  • Photos: Think about why people would visit your establishment and take pictures of those things. Then, add the images to Google My Business so people can see what you're all about. For starters, med spas may consider adding patients' before and after images, photos showcasing the facility and equipment, and friendly staff members.

6. Include Unique Before and After Photos

When you’re working with patients on cosmetic procedures, it’s imperative to show the outcome of your work. Including authentic photos on your website helps builds trust with potential clients. If they like what they see in your before and afters, they’ll be more likely to turn into customers. Google prioritizes websites with helpful content—before and after transformations show you deliver excellent results.

If you offer facial services, include transformation photos showcasing the drastic improvement in your patients’ skin tone and texture. Does the facial target acne scars? Hyperpigmentation? Wrinkles? Whatever it is, make sure it shows in photos so visitors know what they can expect if they choose this treatment.

7. Only Add Unique Content to Your Site

If you’re offering treatments such as CoolSculpting, use unique content rather than copying the content from the manufacturer’s website. Google warns users against using plagiarized content and rewards unique content. Invest in unique copy and visuals if you want to rank your website and avoid penalties.

8. Get Quality Backlinks

One of the best ways to get your website on the first page of Google is by getting in touch with the press. If you have something that will be of interest to them—such as a new product or an exciting event planned at your spa—you can invite journalist(s) to come in and write about you. Getting quality backlinks can be costly, though. Med spas often pay PR companies $10,000+ for this service. However, small-town med spas have allowed news anchors and writers to try out Emsculpt NEO for free in exchange for a backlink. It’s something worth considering!

9. Apply for Citations with BrightLocal

Citations are vital for SEO purposes because they increase your website’s authority in Google’s eyes. When people search for local business information on Google Maps or Google search result pages (SERPs), they want to see that businesses have been referenced by reputable sources.

BrightLocal is one of the most popular citation services on the web today. We include this in our local SEO for Medical Spas, but you can also do it yourself by visiting www.brightlocal.com.

When Should I Invest in SEO?

When asked when the best time to invest in SEO is, Medstar Media’s VP of Client Experience, Whitney Zelig always says, “last year!” But if you’re reading this now, don’t feel like you’re too late to the game. It’s better to start now than wait longer. The sooner you implement SEO strategies, the faster your website will climb in search engine rankings.

Medstar Media Can Help You Rank #1

For many businesses, the prospect of getting started with SEO is daunting. Even if they manage to get past the initial stage, most don’t have time to keep up. Sound familiar?

We can help—Medstar Media has a dedicated SEO department with decades of expertise and experience to help you rank on the first page of Google. We help our clients connect with their audience by creating blog articles that educate, inspire, and entertain.

Our typical client that invests in SEO will make tens of thousands of dollars in extra revenue from the added organic traffic. Call (801) 890-3847 to schedule a free consultation and learn how you can be next!

SCHEDULE A MARKETING STRATEGY SESSION

Fill out the form or call (801) 890-3847

*By submitting the form above you agree to be added to our email list for updates & promotions.

Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig
Chris Zelig was born at a young age. He is a digital marketing expert who specializes in customer acquisition.

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6 Strategies for Marketing a Successful Medspa Event

6 Strategies for Marketing a Successful Medspa Event

Hosting a medspa event is a great way to expand your marketing efforts. Medspa events allow people to gather to learn about beauty procedures like fillers, body sculpting, and skincare. It also presents the perfect opportunity to make connections with others in the industry. But proper planning and marketing are essential for a medspa event to be successful.

Not sure where or how to begin? Here are six tried-and-true strategies that will make your next event a hit!

1. Plan Ahead

When planning a medspa event, you must put together a marketing plan and make sure you have everything in order. The more organized you are, the smoother things will go on the day of the event.

Timing is crucial when it comes to planning. The sweet spot is no longer than a month ahead of time but no shorter than fifteen days before the event. You want to allow plenty of time for people to make accommodations and schedule it into their calendars. Planning too early may result in people forgetting about the event, or putting it off for later to think about. On the other hand, waiting until the last minute to plan can be disastrous. The last thing you want to do is not allow enough time for people to RSVP and end up missing the event altogether.

2. Host an Event that People Want to Attend

The best way to get people to an event is by offering something they want. People are busy and have obligations. So providing immense value is key! Hosting an event that is engaging, fun, and exciting will give people a reason to carve out time in their schedules to attend. There are various ways you can spice up your event. Consider incorporating the following elements:

  • Giveaways

  • Perks

  • Refreshments

  • Gift bags

  • Special pricing