SEO Alone Isn't Enough

Solutions by Design

If your business has invested in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), you’ve already taken an important step toward improving your online visibility. SEO helps your website appear in search results and makes it easier for potential customers to find your business.

But in today’s competitive online marketplace, SEO alone is no longer enough.

Search engines have evolved. While keywords, website structure, and technical optimization remain important, Google and other search engines look at much more than what is on your website. They also consider signals that demonstrate your business is active, relevant, trustworthy, and engaged with its audience.

That’s why combining SEO with a strategic social media marketing program can help maximize your online visibility, drive more traffic to your website, and create additional opportunities to attract new customers.

The message is clear…an active online presence matters.

Consider these trends:

• More than 90% of consumers use the internet to find local businesses before making a purchase.
• Studies show that roughly 70% to 80% of people look up a business on the internet before they buy from them or call them.
• Businesses with active social media profiles can generate more website traffic than those relying on SEO alone.
• Companies that consistently publish fresh content across their website and social media channels create more opportunities to connect with potential customers.

SEO and social media should not be viewed as separate marketing strategies. When they work together, they can strengthen your overall online presence.

A consistent social media program can help increase brand awareness, drive qualified visitors to your website, provide fresh content, build credibility, and create more opportunities for customers to discover your business.

Every social media post is another opportunity for someone to learn about your company. When that person clicks through to your website, you have another opportunity to build trust, generate interest, and convert that visitor into a customer.

SEO helps people find your website. Social media gives them a reason to visit…and a reason to come back.

At Solutions by Design, we understand that successful online marketing requires more than improving search rankings. Our SEO and Social Media Programs are designed to work together to strengthen your online presence.

From optimizing your website and creating keyword-focused content to developing engaging social media posts and driving qualified traffic back to your website, we create an integrated strategy designed around your business goals.

If you’re already investing in SEO, adding a professional social media program can help you get more from that investment.

Don’t let your competition get ahead. Contact Solutions by Design today to learn how an integrated SEO and social media strategy can help your business get found, get noticed, and grow online.

 

 

Level Up Your Social Media Game In 5 Easy Steps

Solutions by Design

Social media has transformed the way businesses interact with customers, providing a powerful platform to build brand awareness, drive engagement, and increase sales. For many companies, an effective social media strategy is essential to long-term success. However, simply creating profiles on various platforms isn’t enough. To fully harness the potential of social media, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of how these platforms work, how to engage your audience, and how to align your strategy with your business goals.

Step 1. Choose the Right Platforms - One of the first steps in mastering social media for your business is selecting the right platforms. Not all social media networks are created equal, and the platforms you choose should align with your target audience and business objectives. Each platform serves a different purpose.

• Facebook: Great for community building, customer service, and targeted ads. It appeals to a broad audience and supports diverse content types such as videos, text, and images.
• Instagram: Perfect for visually driven businesses like fashion, lifestyle, or food. Instagram is great for high-quality imagery, short-form video content, and influencer marketing.
• LinkedIn: Ideal for B2B businesses, professional networking, and thought leadership. LinkedIn is where you share industry insights, company updates, and business opportunities.
• X/Twitter: Best for real-time updates, news, and concise content. Twitter is also a powerful platform for customer service and direct communication with your audience.
• TikTok: Popular among younger audiences, TikTok is best for short, engaging videos that can quickly go viral. It’s particularly effective for businesses looking to tap into Gen Z and millennial audiences.

Each platform caters to different demographics and content formats, so it’s important to tailor your approach based on your audience and business type.

Step 2. Develop a Content Strategy - A successful social media presence isn’t just about posting frequently, it’s about posting with purpose. To ensure you’re making the most of social media, you need a solid content strategy. Your strategy should include the following:

• Content Types: Social media supports various content formats, from blog posts and infographics to videos and polls. A mix of content types can help you engage different segments of your audience.
• Posting Frequency: Determine how often you should post on each platform. For example, Instagram might benefit from daily posts, while LinkedIn may only require a few updates per week.
• Tone and Style: Your brand’s voice should be consistent across platforms, but it can also adapt slightly to fit the unique culture of each network. LinkedIn might call for a more professional tone, while Instagram allows for a more casual, friendly voice.
• Engagement: Don’t just post and leave it at that…engage with your followers by replying to comments, liking their posts, and participating in conversations. Building relationships with your audience is key to growing your social media presence.

Step 3. Understand Social Media Algorithms - Most social media platforms use algorithms to determine what content gets seen by users. To ensure your posts reach your audience, it’s important to understand how these algorithms work. Generally, social media algorithms prioritize content that receives engagement (likes, comments, shares) and favors posts that keep users on the platform longer, such as video content.

To work with the algorithm, focus on creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Posting consistently and interacting with your followers will help increase visibility, as the platform will recognize that users find your content valuable.

Step 4. Social Media Advertising - Organic reach on social media is limited, and algorithms often favor paid content. Social media advertising allows businesses to reach highly specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer robust advertising tools that can help you promote your products, drive traffic, and generate leads.

Start by setting a budget and determining the goal of your campaign, whether it’s brand awareness, lead generation, or direct sales. Use tools like Facebook Ads Manager or LinkedIn Campaign Manager to create targeted ads that align with your business goals and monitor the performance of your campaigns to optimize results.

Step 5. Measure Your Success - Tracking the performance of your social media efforts is crucial to understanding what works and what doesn’t. Most platforms provide built-in analytics tools that allow you to track key metrics such as:

• Engagement rates: Likes, shares, comments, and clicks.
• Reach and impressions: How many people saw your posts.
• Follower growth: The increase in your audience size over time.
• Conversions: Sales, sign-ups, or any other actions taken as a result of your posts.

By regularly reviewing these metrics, you can adjust your strategy to better meet your business goals and improve overall performance.

Mastering social media for your business takes time, strategy, and a deep understanding of how each platform works. By choosing the right platforms, developing a solid content strategy, understanding algorithms, leveraging paid advertising, and tracking your success, you can create a social media presence that drives real business results. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your social media game to the next level, focusing on these key elements will help you build a thriving online community and grow your business effectively.

If you need additional help or just want someone else to handle all of your social media needs…give Solutions by Design a call. Everything we do at Solutions by Design is custom designed and developed with your company in mind.

 

 

Elevating Your Brand with Custom Social Media Content

Solutions by Design

Social media has become the heartbeat of brand communication. With millions of businesses vying for attention on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, the need for a unique and compelling social media presence is more crucial than ever. This is where the importance of hiring a company for custom social media content truly shines.

Every brand has its own story to tell, and generic content simply won't do justice to the intricacies of your identity. Hiring Solutions by Design for custom social media content ensures that each post, image, and caption is tailored to perfection, reflecting the unique essence of your brand. The one-size-fits-all approach is replaced with a bespoke content strategy that resonates with your target audience and communicates your brand values authentically.

Custom content not only captures attention but also creates a memorable impression. It allows your brand to stand out in a crowded digital space where individuality and authenticity are prized commodities.

The ultimate goal of social media marketing is not just to accumulate followers but to convert them into engaged brand advocates. Our professional content team understands the nuances of crafting posts that spark conversations, inspire shares, and drive meaningful interactions.

Consistency is paramount in effective brand storytelling. A unified brand story not only reinforces brand identity but also enhances brand recall. It creates a seamless experience for your audience, allowing them to navigate your digital presence with familiarity and confidence. Our team ensures that your brand narrative is consistently woven across various platforms…from Instagram stories to Facebook updates, every piece of content contributes to a cohesive and compelling brand story.

The social media landscape is ever-evolving, with trends and algorithms changing at a rapid pace. Our dedicated content team keeps a vigilant eye on market trends, ensuring your brand remains relevant and adaptive. Leveraging our expertise, you can navigate the social landscape with confidence, staying ahead of the curve and positioning your brand as an industry leader.

First impressions matter and visual appeal is at the forefront of capturing attention. The team at Solutions by Design understands the visual language that resonates with your audience. From eye-catching graphics to stunning photography, we craft visuals that not only pop but also leave a lasting impact.

Timing is everything. A strategic posting schedule takes into account peak engagement times, regional differences, and platform-specific nuances. It's the key to ensuring that your content doesn't just exist in the digital space but actively contributes to your brand's visibility and engagement. We develop strategic posting schedules tailored to your audience's behavior. This ensures that your content reaches the right audience at the right time, maximizing its reach and impact.

The importance of hiring a company for custom social media content lies in its strategic significance in elevating your brand in the digital landscape. From tailoring content to perfection and amplifying engagement to consistent brand storytelling and staying ahead of trends – custom content transforms your social media presence from ordinary to extraordinary.

Contact Solutions by Design and elevate your brand, tell your story, and forge meaningful connections with our custom social media programs.  

 

Harnessing the Power of Social Media

Solutions by Design

In today's digital era, social media has become an integral part of our lives, transforming the way we connect, communicate, and consume information. But its impact doesn't stop there; social media platforms have also emerged as powerful tools for businesses, opening unprecedented opportunities for growth, engagement, and brand visibility. From small startups to large corporations, companies of all sizes are recognizing the potential that social media holds in reaching their target audience and achieving their business goals.

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, boast billions of active users worldwide. These platforms are not only spaces for personal interactions but also serve as virtual marketplaces where businesses can establish their online presence, engage with their target audience, and build meaningful connections.

The Advantages of Utilizing Social Media for Your Business

• Enhanced Brand Awareness: Social media allows you to showcase your brand identity, values, and unique offerings to a global audience. By creating engaging content you can amplify your brand's visibility and attract potential customers.

• Direct Customer Engagement: Social media provides a direct line of communication between your business and your customers. Through comments, direct messages, and feedback, you can engage in conversations, answer questions, and build loyalty and trust.

• Competitive Edge: Having a strong and strategic social media presence can set you apart from your competitors. It demonstrates your willingness to engage with your audience on platforms where they spend a significant amount of their time.

Using social media effectively can significantly contribute to your overall success. 

Five Strategies to Help You Utilize Social Media Effectively:

1. Set Clear Goals: Determine your objectives for using social media. Whether it's increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, or improving customer engagement, having specific goals will guide your social media strategy and help you measure success.

2. Choose the Right Platforms: Select social media platforms that align with your business and target audience. Each platform has its own user base and characteristics. For example, Facebook is versatile and widely used, Instagram is visually oriented, and Twitter is focused on real-time updates. Invest your efforts in platforms that will reach and engage your target audience effectively.

3. Develop a Content Strategy: Create a content strategy that aligns with your brand identity and audience preferences. Plan a mix of content types, such as informative articles, visual content, and educational videos. Maintain a consistent posting schedule and focus on providing value.

4. Build and Nurture Relationships: Social media is a powerful tool for building relationships with your audience. Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. Engage in conversations, offer assistance, and show appreciation for feedback. Building strong relationships on social media can lead to customer loyalty and valuable word-of-mouth promotion.

5. Stay Up to Date with Trends: Social media trends and features constantly evolve. Stay informed about the latest updates, algorithm changes, and new platforms to ensure you are using social media to its full potential. Experiment with new features, such as live streaming, Stories, or polls, to keep your content fresh and engaging.

Remember, social media success takes time and consistency. It's important to evaluate and refine your strategy based on your audience's response and evolving trends. By effectively utilizing social media, you can build a strong online presence, connect with your target audience, and drive positive business outcomes.

 

How To Get More Reviews on Google

Solutions by Design

At Solutions by Design, one of the many services we offer to our clients is Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Management. In all of our years doing this, we can’t tell you how many times we’ve been asked “How can my business get more reviews on Google?”

Google Reviews are one of the most important aspects of online marketing for businesses of all types, and why you should put more effort into getting them.

Let’s think about it…when you are looking for a product or service in your area, what’s the first thing you do? If you are like most people, you probably go to your computer and do a quick Google search. According to Forbes “More than 60% of customers check Google reviews online before they visit a business.”

The popularity of Google as a search engine means that Google reviews are more widely read. Getting positive reviews from your customers on Google is important because:

• People are more likely to visit your website or your business if they see good reviews.

• If Google sees that you have good reviews, your website will be ranked higher in search engine results because Google can see you are popular and offer customers an enjoyable experience.

• Good reviews improve brand trust. People trust Google, so they trust reviews found on Google.

How Can You Gain More Positive Reviews on Google?

1. Ask for Reviews From Happy Customers – It’s a good idea to ask for a review just after someone has had an excellent experience.

2. Explain to Customers How to Leave a Review - Some customers won’t know how to leave a review so it’s worth explaining the process to them.

3. Include Links to Your Google My Business Page on Your Website – Encourage customers who visit your website to click on the Reviews link and write a review of their experience with you.

4. Share a Google Review Link - To make it easier for customers to leave a review, send them a link to your Google business page.

5. Thank Customers for Leaving a Review - Thanking a customer for a good review shows that you care what customers think about you and are grateful for their business.

We all want tons and tons of amazing reviews on Google, but the most important thing you can do is… As tempting as it may be, NEVER buy reviews. It’s all about authenticity and search engines and SEO algorithms, can recognize reviews and determine which ones are authentic. Do not fall into the trap of buying reviews, as this can cause serious consequences such as your business being fined or your Google account being shut down. Not to mention, it is also illegal according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Google Reviews are a big deciding factor for potential customers and by leveraging this simple tool, your business can benefit greatly. Need help getting positive reviews for your business? Contact us for more information at info@solutionsbydesign.com.

 

Are You Creating Engaging Content?

Solutions by Design

Social media engagement is an important metric to consider when building your brand. While it is important to increase the size of your audience, it is just as (if not more) important to increase your engagement. When you engage with your audience on social media you can turn some of your followers from fans into clients. The time you devote to building relationships through social media engagement can lead to an increase in client loyalty and higher positive reviews. Social media engagement is not just about looking popular…it’s about making meaningful connections with current and future clients, which will boost your brand online.

First off…what is social media engagement?

“Social media engagement is an umbrella term for actions that reflect and measure how much your audience interacts with your content.Social media engagement can include likes, comments, and shares, but varies by platform.”

Activity and engagement are crucial when trying to build a positive brand experience. Social media engagement is measured by a range of metrics that could include the following:

• Shares 
• Comments 
• Likes 
• Follows 
• Mentions 
• Click-throughs

When potential clients engage with your posts, you’re presented with an opportunity to get to know those clients and build relationships with them. By helping your clients when they’re in need, offers a one-of-a-kind customer experience that they may not get from your competitors.

OK…great. But how can you increase your engagement?

1. Share Engaging Content - Creating unique and relevant social media content is great for attracting new followers and it also keeps existing followers engaged. When creating content for your social media channels, follow the 80/20 rule where 80% of your social media posts either educate, entertain,or help followers solve a problem, while the remaining 20% directly promotes your business. This will help you focus on creating quality content your clients like. Keep in mind…if you’re just talking about how great your brand is, or what you have for sale, it’s going to be harder for your clients to connect and stay engaged.

2. Run Social Media Contests - Hosting a social media contest or giveaway will get people talking and interacting! Social media contests should be designed to entice your audience with a prize and push them to engage with your content by following, liking, sharing, or commenting.

3. Ask questions - When you post questions as content, you can get your audience to engage more with your business. Asking questions is one of the best social media engagement strategies for getting people to participate. Try encouraging your audience to post photos of your products or results from your services. Invite them to tag your business in the picture. When you find their posts, ask permission to post them on your social profile, and once granted, schedule the content to post on your page. User-generated content is a great way to improve social media engagement, which can lead to word-of-mouth recommendations.

That said…social media is a full time Job.

To make Social Media work for you, it’s not enough to create engagement…but to stay engaged.

If your Social Media engagement is slipping, it might have something to do with your post frequency. Potential clients use social media at all different times of the day. Some are online throughout the day, while others may only check it in the early morning or evening. If you’re business is randomly publishing a few posts each day, there’s a good chance some of your audience will miss them. By the time consumers check their feed, your content could be buried.

Did you know…

• As of 2022, there are 4.9 billion active internet users worldwide.

• There are roughly 500,000 new internet users every single day.

• There are 4.74 billion social media users around the world in October 2022, equating to 59.3 percent of the total global population.
  

• 80% of consumers making buying decisions based on a friend's social media post. 

If you need help or ideas on how to create more engagement with your social media posts, contact Solutions by Design. Our team has the experience, along with proper knowledge and planning to assess the effectiveness and the impact of your Social Media Marketing.

A Week of Social Media Ideas Just For You

Solutions By Design

Social media is a necessity in today's digital age, especially for businesses. More than 40% of digital consumers use social networks to research new brands or products. Allowing your business to be discoverable on social media by crafting a social media strategy is important for business growth.

Capitalize on online marketing and social media services for your business. Social programs are very much like any other specialized task or responsibility in your business. There is a steep learning curve that requires full-time attention and a continual focus on changing technology.

Here is a week of simple easy social media ideas for orthodontists, that can be applied to any business in any industry. These are simple ways to keep your followers engaged and even show your business personality online.

1. #MondayMotivation
Try posting an inspiring quote, a branded graphic, or even a video of your doctor or team members giving an inspirational message for those going in for orthodontic treatment for that week.

A video or branded graphic will showcase any business personality and who can go wrong with the hashtag MondayMotivation, which has over 17 million users using the hashtag.

2. National Holidays
There is always a national holiday to celebrate. From National Donut Day to National Boss’s Day, celebrate with your staff and showcase on social media. Download our holiday calendar and never miss a national fun holiday again.

3. BTS Wednesday!
Build trust among your community by showcasing behind the scenes of your office, patients and team members. Share your daily routine and a different side of your business to build trust among your current followers and potential customers.

4. Throwback Thursday
#TBT / #ThrowbackThursday is one of the most popular social media hashtags on different platforms. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase past photos or videos and even give a history of your orthodontic practice (or business).

5. FAQ - Fridays
Everyone loves Fridays! Use this opportunity to answer questions. Bonus points if you include a video or use video when answering these questions.

6. Saturday Tips
Give some health tips and ways your followers can keep their smile healthy. Use this opportunity to tell your audience a tip, and describe your products and services.

7. Sunday UGC 
User-generated content is content posted by your patients or customers. These are usually photos and reviews that are directly from your patients, raving how fantastic you are. Always ask if you could ‘repost’ and share their content on your social media sites.

Social media is integrated into our daily lives and rapidly evolving. 69% of U.S. adults use at least one social media site. The chances that your target audience and ideal customer is on at least one social media platform is highly likely. Download selfie signs and a social media calendar of fun holidays for free here. This will help you stand above your competitors and help create new content for your social media platforms.

Free Social Media Calendar

Solutions By Design

Did you know January has a National Pie Day? A Backwards Day? You may have seen this on social media and all the wacky, fun holidays people are celebrating on social media. Never miss a chance to hashtag a holiday again! From #EmojiDay to #NationalPuppyDay, keep your social media up-to-date with our free social media holiday calendar.

• Create A Fun Environment
• Show Support For National Events & Holidays
• Encourage Customers To Get Involved In Your Office
• Connect With Customers On Social Media
• Take Fun Staff Photos
• Create Social Media Content
• Grow Your Followers
• Increase Your Visibility
• Build Relationships

The challenge is to continue to create engaging content and engage with your followers. Download selfie signs and a social media calendar of fun holidays for free at solutionsbydesign.com. This will help you stand above your competitors and help create new content for your social media platforms.

Social Media: Instagram “Likes” are Disappearing

Social media likes may soon indefinitely be a thing of the past, at least on Instagram. It seemed like 2019 was full of updates for all social media platforms. From Facebook to Twitter banning political ads to Instagram’s various updates, social media is constantly changing and evolving.

One noticeable social media change happening to users of all kinds is the disappearance of “likes.” It was first announced that Canadian users would experience their likes disappearing back in April 2019. In July 2019, the same changes applied to users in Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand. Facebook began testing hidden likes on its platform for some Australian users in the Fall.

“The new feature hides users’ public like counts on videos and photos in the Feed, on the web, and within profiles.” Instagram announced that it wants followers to “focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.”

“As you scroll through your feed, there are no like counts,” explained Mark Zuckerberg at F8. “You can see who liked a photo or video, you can tap through to see [the list], and if you have the time you can add them all up yourself.”

Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps with more than 1 billion monthly users and about 500 million daily users on Instagram Stories. There is no opt-in or opt-out to hiding Instagram likes and only time will tell if this feature will altogether be removed for everyone on the popular platform.

Zuckerberg said as much during his keynote, stating: “We want people to be less interested in how many likes a post gets, and focus more on connecting with other people.”

Here is what it looks like when the likes count is gone:

Photo: CNN

What does this mean for users and businesses altogether? The challenge is to continue to create engaging content and engage with your followers. Download selfie signs and a social media calendar of fun holidays for free here. This will help you stand above your competitors and help create new content for your social media platforms.

4 Instagram Updates You May have Missed this Month

Social media is constantly changing. New platforms emerge, new algorithms throw away what once worked and new updates change the way we can create engaging content. With all these changes happening in real-time, you may have missed these four essential updates for Instagram.

There are more than 1 billion monthly active users of Instagram worldwide and that number is only growing as more people are using to share and interact with the businesses and brands they love. 90% of brands use social media to increase brand awareness and reach a potential audience through a strategic approach and curated unique content.

1. Eliminating the “Following" Tab

The ‘Following’ tab is being removed from Instagram. The ‘Following’ tab was a feature on the popular app within the ‘Activity’ tab, which would let users see how people they’re following were engaging on Instagram. All activity from people you’re following could be found in that ‘Following’ tab. “The ‘Following’ tab listed which posts and comments were recently liked by people you’re following.”

2. Dark Mode for Instagram

What is ‘dark mode’? Dark mode makes your screen, apps and whole appearance choose a dark system. According to Apple, “In iOS 13.0 and later, people can choose to adopt a dark system-wide appearance called Dark Mode. In Dark Mode, the system uses a darker color palette for all screens, views, menus, and controls, and it uses more vibrancy to make foreground content stand out against the darker backgrounds.” 

Anyone on iOS 13 or Android 10 is able to choose ‘dark mode’ on your phone and Instagram. 

3. New App: Threads

Instagram released its newest standalone messaging app called ‘Threads.’ Similar to Facebook Messenger. According to Instagram's announcement, “a new camera-first messaging app that helps you stay connected to your close friends.”

In ‘Threads,” you can only message your close friends from a list made by you on Instagram. You are able to share videos, messages, photos and Instagram Stories from your ‘Close Friends’ list.

Instagram announced, “for your smaller circle of friends, we saw the need to stay connected throughout the day, so you can communicate what you’re doing and how you’re feeling through photos and videos. That’s why we built Threads, a new way to message with close friends in a dedicated, private space.”

Threads: Instagram

4. Product Launch Stickers

500 million people use Instagram stories daily. As social media introduce more features within their platforms, there will be more ways for businesses to connect with their followers. Instagram specifically, is testing reminder notifications for product launches. 

“Today we’re testing a new way to set reminders about upcoming product launches so people can buy your products the moment they’re available, right on Instagram. From checkout to shopping from creators, this is part of our ongoing investment to make it easier for people to shop.”

Instagram

These reminders will help connect even further with your followers and reach potential customers. Four big updates to one social media platform are huge! Capitalize on online marketing and social media services for your business. Social programs are very much like any other specialized task or responsibility in your business. There is a steep learning curve that requires full-time attention and a continual focus on changing technology. That person has to be accountable for the message and its results. 

Solutions by Design offers affordable social media marketing for a fraction of the cost of what most companies offer. Call us so we can personally assess your needs and build a strategic social media program for you. 

5 Tools to Create Engaging Posts for Orthodontists

There is no denying the power of social media and its effect on businesses of any size. From organic content to social advertising, social media is here, it's not a trend and it’s here to stay in one form or another. 3.48 billion people now use social media. That’s an increase of 9% from last year, according to Hootsuite. Social media is changing every day and fast!

Businesses and brands are on social media adapting to trends, pushing content and converting visitors into customers. Social media can help you reach new potential patients by allowing your content to be discoverable and allowing potential patients to see the work you do. 90% of brands use social media to increase brand awareness, with most businesses maintaining between four and 10 social profiles.

While you don’t necessarily need to be on every social media platform, highlighting and creating great content will work for you, if you are on 1 or multiple social media platforms.

Here are five social media tools to create engaging posts for an orthodontist or in any industry. These social media tools will help enhance your practice and your business, creating a recognizable brand on social media, stand above your competitors and turn visitors into patients.

1. Boomerang

Boomerang is a popular app by Instagram. Boomerang allows users to capture mini videos that loop back and forth. Find something (or someone!) that's moving, or create a video selfie by switching to the front-facing camera. We have seen some incredible uses of boomerang, which create fun content that is shareable between Instagram and Facebook.

Boomerang works if you download the app directly on your phone or you can use the feature within the Instagram app. Either way, it is a fun way to create different types of content that is engaging.

View this post on Instagram

Brand New Smile hi-fives!!! Congrats, Caleb! #bracesoff - today!! 😁🌟

A post shared by Bright Orthodontics (@bright.orthodontics) on Sep 17, 2019 at 4:04pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Pediatric Dental Specialists is sending out good vibes to our Dodgers! Let's Go Dodgers!!! 💙⚾️ #LosDoyers #LetsGoDodgers #DodgerBlue #Dodgers2019 #WeBleedBlue #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients #ITFDB

A post shared by Pediatric Dental Specialists (@pdslongbeach) on Oct 9, 2019 at 1:08pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Dab it out for NO CAVITIES! #cavityfree #pediatricdentistry #dancemoves #allsmiles

A post shared by Carolina Ortho & Kids (@mycarolinasmile) on Jun 5, 2019 at 1:11pm PDT

2. Canva

Canva is a highly creative tool that easily allows users to easily create graphics for documents to social media to power points. “Canva is a website that uses a drag-and-drop format and provides access to photographs, images, graphics, and fonts. It is used by non-designers as well as professionals. The tools can be used for both web and print media design and graphics.”

3. Photo Filters

Photo filters are not just for enhancing photos, they make a great way to different types of content, uniform and that complement well with each other.

Filters are a great way to make your content stand out as branded content, specifically to your orthodontic practice or business on Instagram and Facebook. Filters help your photo become instantly recognizable with a specific filter, color palette or gradient used on your photo.

For example, Braces by Benton uses a bright, clean look on each of their photos. Each photo curated, yet altogether as a social media feed looks uniform and unique. Waterhouse Animal Hospital uses bright and blue hue, that makes their entire feed match their branded blue color. It complements well with their website and their content becomes recognizable, without needing a watermark on each photo.

There are various different photo apps that any orthodontic practice (or business) can use such as VSCO, Snapseed, Afterlight or Adobe.

4. Video Apps

Video is increasingly popular on social media. With the ever-changing social media algorithms, video still performs well on any social media platform. Because of its reach video tends to engage more users on each social media platform. Twitter alone gains 1.2 billion total video views per day, just on their platform alone. Live video, is also a big opportunity to engage users. Facebook Live videos get six times more interactions than regular video content.

An effective social media strategy can help you plan out content for videos that can engage potential patients, while also keeping your current audience engaged. Contact us for help with creating a social media strategy that works for your practice.

Video is best used for telling a story, patient testimonials and letting your community see your orthodontic practice or business from behind the scenes. Dr. Castagna uses video to educate his current audience and potential patients on orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wentz has used video to showcase new offices, patient testimonials, and unique orthodontic treatment. Both showcase effective use of video, each on a different platform.

View this post on Instagram

Check out this star patient! ⭐️ Jake shows us how great he is at wearing his reversible headgear. See what he has to say about his experience!

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Oct 15, 2019 at 6:50am PDT

You can use the built-in video editing apps on your phone to edit content such as iMovie, InShot or we at Solutions by Design use Adobe Premiere Pro on our phone to capture our Montage videos.

5. A Marketing Agency

An important tool that can help create engaging posts for orthodontists is by having a team behind your practice or business. Social media is constantly changing every day, with new algorithm changes, what worked last quarter may not work this quarter. Hiring a marketing agency allows your office team members to do what they do best, and leave the marketing to us.

69% of U.S. adults use at least one social media site. That number is growing every day, as 366 million new people started using social media in the past year. That’s more than a million new people joining social media every single day. Reach your potential patient or customer where they are.

With Solutions by Design, you have a team of web developers, social media managers, SEO specialists, and graphic designers as part of your team. Contact us for a customized plan fit for your needs.