It happens – sometimes, a veterinary clinic needs to rebrand. That could mean a logo change or another aesthetic change, a name change, or even a complete handover of a practice. But what do you do with your social media when a rebranding happens?
We’ve got your back. Here’s a quick checklist to keep things on track, so your practice’s business doesn’t slip – even when you’re changing paws.
Check your facts
It’s a good idea to do some research before you go through a big change to see what you’ll need to do for each of your social media accounts to change the name, if it comes down to that. It’s a good idea to do this a few months in advance in case you need to work with support teams to get the job done.
Social media platforms like Facebook don’t always make it easy to transition; it does place limitations on page renaming, especially if it means recategorizing your page, although these are typically made on a case-by-case basis.
Other platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube are much easier. It’s a good idea to ensure that the handle you want to switch to is available in advance, and can be reserved.
Don’t keep it a secret
Whether it’s a small change like a tweak to your logo or a big change like renaming a formerly family-run practice, it’s important to let your customers know and get them involved.
For big changes, consider involving your audience in the development process. Ask questions, run polls, take surveys – all with an informal and straightforward approach – on your social media accounts to see what they think of the potential changes, and to get feedback on what they’d like to see. It’s not as essential for smaller changes, like a logo change or a website update, but you can ask for input on new features they’d like to see.
Have your content ready ahead of time
It’s better to be prepared, right? If you’re adopting a new look, you’re going to need some new content and media to keep things consistent, and if you’re already going through a big change, you won’t want to do this on the fly.
The first thing to do is figure out if you need to adjust your practice’s online voice. If you’re bringing in a bright, modern website, a traditional and formal tone might detract from what you’re trying to achieve. Make sure that the content scheduled for after the shift fits this tone to keep things consistent.
[Related reading: How does your practice’s online presence stack up?]
So what content will you need?
- Blog posts: You won’t necessarily need more than one to announce the change to your veterinary practice, but it’s good to have a few on hand just in case.
- Emails: Consider doing an email blast to your regular clients to keep them updated, or incorporate the change into any weekly newsletters your clinic does.
- Social media: A specialized hashtag that you can use on social media to run a fun campaign can help prepare your audience and build excitement for the change.
You’ll also want to ensure that your practice’s social media accounts are prepared with properly sized profile pictures and banner images that fit the new aesthetic.
Share away!
Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, it’s time to start sharing the shift on social media. Share your website in your social posts, and link to your social accounts from your website to keep your followers engaged.
Time for a new look? See how WebDVM websites can help.
