PUMC clients are starting to ask about Snapchat. Have you heard about this new social media channel? If you’re wondering if it’s for you, here’s the scoop.
What is Snapchat?
This app shares videos and pictures on mobile devices. It’s available for both Apple and android devices, so you can find it easily by accessing the Apple or Google store. Right now, the primary users are teens and millennials ages 16-35.
Concerns about Snapchat?
Senders can set pictures and videos to disappear a few seconds after viewing, so there’s no cleanup. However, disappearing images/videos could make people a little more lax about what they send vis Snapchat. Don’t assume that anything is ever deleted. Some devices make it possible to retrieve previous photos and videos. Recipients can also do a quick screen capture. If you’re thinking about using Snapchat for your medical practice, make sure that your information does not violate HIPPA.
How Could Plastic Surgeons and Medical Spas Use Snapchat?
Snapchat could be interesting to use for a medical spa event. For example, you could create a XXX Medical Spa Snapchat. Then, ask your patients to upload a picture of their moisturizer to Snapchat. Respond to each patient with a discount coupon for a facial product that will be available at the event. Make sure they know that they can’t open the discount until they are at the event because it will disappear. When the patient buys the product, he or she receives the discount shown in Snapchat. Discount amounts can vary to keep it interesting. Using Snapchat entices people to attend the event and to buy the product. You would need to find out if you have enough patients to use Snapchat.
Snapchat could also be used to introduce new products, new services, an upcoming move. It may be a good way to answer common patient questions or to share a short video about a procedure. As online consultation is beginning to get traction in the medical community, we’ll see technology evolve to accommodate this.
While we don’t have any clients using Snapchat today, we’re brainstorming and researching ways that this platform could help our clients. Are you using Snapchat? Contact PUMC. We always enjoy hearing about results and brainstorming improvement opportunities.