Marie-Luise Klietz1, Hans Wilhelm Kaiser2, Hans-Günther Machens3, Matthias Michael Aitzetmüller3,4. 1. Department for Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Münster, Germany. 2. Department of Dermatology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Germany. 3. Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, München, Germany. 4. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ have created a worldwide audience of almost 3 billion people. Society is dramatically changing, demanding evolution of marketing strategies by plastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors alike. This unknown territory provides excellent opportunities, but creates many pitfalls as well; uncertainty remains as to the most effective manner to promote one's practice/services. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to design a social experiment based on Instagram to give guidance for efficient self-promotion. METHODS: An Instagram account called "doctor.aesthetics" was created. Content was produced, and categorized into 4 groups: Aesthetics, Private Life, Disease, and Science. No bots or other Instagram-based promotion were utilized. Every post was evaluated regarding likes, comments, clicks, new followers, impressions, and savings. RESULTS: After 5 months and 37 posts, 10,500 people followed the account. "Scientific" posts were excluded from the analysis due to a low response rate. A significantly enhanced number of likes for "Private" postings was found. Additionally, "Private" posts led to most clicks and new followers, whereas "Aesthetics" posts were saved by most people. CONCLUSIONS: To benefit the most from social media advertising, it is necessary to offer insights into private life. Although "Aesthetics" and "Disease" postings showed similar response rates, "Scientific" posts failed to attract people.
BACKGROUND: Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ have created a worldwide audience of almost 3 billion people. Society is dramatically changing, demanding evolution of marketing strategies by plastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors alike. This unknown territory provides excellent opportunities, but creates many pitfalls as well; uncertainty remains as to the most effective manner to promote one's practice/services. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to design a social experiment based on Instagram to give guidance for efficient self-promotion. METHODS: An Instagram account called "doctor.aesthetics" was created. Content was produced, and categorized into 4 groups: Aesthetics, Private Life, Disease, and Science. No bots or other Instagram-based promotion were utilized. Every post was evaluated regarding likes, comments, clicks, new followers, impressions, and savings. RESULTS: After 5 months and 37 posts, 10,500 people followed the account. "Scientific" posts were excluded from the analysis due to a low response rate. A significantly enhanced number of likes for "Private" postings was found. Additionally, "Private" posts led to most clicks and new followers, whereas "Aesthetics" posts were saved by most people. CONCLUSIONS: To benefit the most from social media advertising, it is necessary to offer insights into private life. Although "Aesthetics" and "Disease" postings showed similar response rates, "Scientific" posts failed to attract people.