How Do Your Healthcare Marketing Images Stack Up?

I just read a great spoof in The Weekly Probe that is certain to make anyone in the healthcare marketing smile. The article discussed a new Photoshop filter called "DrClonetastic" that supposedly allows all of the partners in your practice to take a group photo without actually being in the same room. (Like mere technology could make that happen!) A highlight of the obviously fake filter is that you can even Photoshop your staff into the classic 'arms folded' position that every doctor's website in the universe seems to favoer!

While it's sad that this story is fiction, you can actually learn a lot by trying to utilize this idea!

Pictures Tell In Social Media
In all seriousness, it's critical for your practice to utilize the group photo for online promotions. You can stick it on your website and also make use of it as your Facebook Timeline Cover. This is a great healthcare marketing tool for potential new clients to get to know the feel and look of your staff and office. For this type of thing it's best to schedule a professional shoot and give your stuff a good deal of advance notice. If they're to be displayed prominently on the web, they'll usually want to look their best. You might also want to use this as an excuse to purchase new scrubs so everyone has a cohesive and clean look. Try to make the event fun to take the pressure off. A good way to do this is provide some snacks and refreshments.

Make The Most of It
Make sure your photographer is prepared for any other pictures you might like to take while you have everyone in the same room. Some other standard shots include:

Individual headshots of each employee

Pictures of your building exterior

Interior shots of your reception area and treatment rooms

Close-ups of any new high tech equipment that looks impressive

Images of any special amenities that make your practice stand out

A few patients (for tips on how to do this right, go here)

Utilizing The Proper Channels
Now that you have great images of your practice, it's time to dispense them into the proper channels. Stick them on your website, blog, FaceBook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google + , ect. This way you can be sure you're getting the full bang for your buck. Make sure to utilize your healthcare marketing team and get their input on which images can be used in your medical marketing campaign. There’s a LOT less competition for keywords in the image market vs. text content. So, the more high quality photos you have online, the better!