Social media has become a central hub for communication, connection, and information sharing.
For mental health professionals like you, harnessing the power of social platforms can offer a unique opportunity to reach and support a broader audience, and not just the people you want to attract.
However, navigating the complexities of social media can be overwhelming, especially when faced with unfamiliar terminology and algorithms.
Understanding the ins and outs of social media is crucial, especially when you're actively seeking to expand your reach and impact, and grow your community.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just dipping your toes into the world of online communication especially Instagram, this will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of social media. 😉
Here are the top social media jargons you need to know about:
1️⃣ Algorithms - "Instagram's Secret Recipe"
Ever wondered why certain posts appear on your Instagram feed while others seem to vanish into the digital abyss?
It's all thanks to the algorithm — a fancy term for Instagram's secret formula for deciding what content to show you (and your potential audiences' feed).
This magical algorithm takes note of the accounts you follow, the posts you like, and the comments you make to curate a personalized experience just for you.
The algorithm's goal is to show you and your audience content you'll find interesting and engaging based on your previous engagement.
In simpler terms, it's like having a digital assistant who handpicks content based on your interests and preferences.
Understanding how the algorithm works can help you make strategic decisions about the content you share and the audience you target. 😉
2️⃣ Reach - "Who Saw Your Post?"
Imagine your social media posts as virtual invitations, inviting your ideal audience or the people you want to reach your message to, to engage with your content.
Reach measures the number of people/accounts who have seen your posts.
It's like counting the number of people who have glanced at your storefront window as they walk by.
While a high reach is desirable, it's essential to focus on attracting the right audience — aka your people or those who are genuinely interested in your content. 💖
3️⃣ Impressions - "How Many Times Your Post Was Spotted"
Impressions go beyond reach, capturing the total number of times your posts have been viewed, including repeat views by the same users.
It's like tallying up every glance at your content, whether it's a quick peek or a longer gaze.
This metric provides valuable insights into the overall visibility and exposure of your content, helping you gauge its impact and effectiveness. 😊
4️⃣ Engagement Rate - "Are People Paying Attention?"
Engagement rate measures how actively your audience interacts with your posts, including likes, comments, shares, and saves to your posts and stories.
This gives you an idea of the following
What topics best resonate with my audience?
If it's a lengthy topic or when you're sharing quick tips, do they engage best through Reels where you talk more about it, or through visual graphics in a carousel?
If it's more of a reminder or gentle nudges, do they interact with it best when you post on stories, or when you post it as a single photo?
Assess how your community responds when you post the following:
Personal posts (who you are when you're not wearing your therapist hat)
Educational and inspirational posts
Promotional posts
Do they send you DMs or do they comment on your posts to inquire?
Do you receive direct emails?
Do they sign up for your freebies/email lists/offers?
A high engagement rate suggests that your audience is not only seeing your posts but also actively engaging with them, which is essential for building a loyal and supportive community. ✨
Plus, this is where you also get to test if you have a cold, warm or hot audience!
5️⃣ Call to Action - "Tell Me More!"
A Call to Action (CTA) prompts your audience to take specific actions, such as liking, commenting, sharing, or clicking on a link.
It's like inviting people to join in the conversation or to explore your services further.
PRO TIP: You shouldn't expect your audience/community to know what to do after reading your post or watching your video.
This is why you'll need to plan what the purpose of each post is.
By incorporating CTAs into your posts, you can encourage meaningful interactions and guide your audience toward taking the next step, whether it's scheduling a session, following you for more expert insight, getting a copy of your freebie, or signing up for your offers. 🌟
6️⃣ Caption Intro - "Set the Stage with Words"
The caption intro is the opening statement of your post, setting the tone and capturing your audience's attention.
It's like the opening line of a story, drawing readers in and making them eager to learn more aka stopping them from scrolling!
Crafting compelling caption intros is crucial for piquing interest and encouraging users to engage with your content further. 😉
Familiarizing and eventually mastering social media can be a powerful tool for mental health professionals or medical doctors like you to:
connect with your audience,
share expert and valuable insights, and
continue to make a positive impact in the digital world. 😉
By learning and understanding the social media jargon, you can leverage these platforms to amplify your message and know the next steps to take.
Whether it's through sharing valuable resources, offering support and encouragement, or promoting mental health awareness, social media allows you to extend your reach beyond the confines of your physical spaces.
So, embrace the opportunities that social media offers, and know that you still have a space in the online world!
Remember, by using social media wisely, you can harness its potential to create a more supportive and inclusive online community. 🌟
Looking for more support? HERE'S HOW I CAN HELP YOU 👇
◾ Instagram DIY Kit - you can get started using my FREE guide so you'll be familiar with the basics and start practicing and applying them.
◾ 30 Days of Content - spending hours overthinking what to post? Unlock your content creation potential with this FREE guide and put an end to writer's block.
◾ Instagram Management - you're starting to grow and you want additional help! Sign up for this monthly service and get dedicated support for the next 6 months.
◾ Virtual Assistance - do you have specific needs related to operations, tech, marketing or even launching? Explore this service instead!
Cheering you on,
MJ 💕
