If you’re one of the hundreds of physicians, dentists or medical professionals with a Twitter account, you may already have found effective ways to reach out to your patients and prospective clients. Twitter is a popular micro-blogging tool that allows you to post short updates called “tweets” and attract “Followers” who are interested in keeping up with your latest posts.

Businesses across all industries are now able to market to their target market in a fresh new way, but it’s important that you understand how Twitter works, and what your patients are expecting, before you post. Here are just some best practices when promoting your services on Twitter:

1. Make sure your profile description is thorough and complete. Be sure to fill in all the fields available with your website URL, and a brief description of your practice or services. If your Twitter account is public, many people will be able to find you simply based on the words you use in your profile description.

2. Stay active to attract more followers. In order to attract followers that could become patients, you need to understand the dynamics of the Twitter relationship. People who follow your updates on Twitter will pay attention to you when you are posting timely, relevant and unique posts and links. Avoid “spamming” your followers with specials on services. Focus on providing important information, links about different treatments available, and a special offer here and there for balance.

3. Promote your Twitter account on your own marketing materials. Encourage current and future patients to follow you on Twitter by attaching your Twitter handle to your e-mail signature, posting a link on your website, and dropping your Twitter handle in any blog posts or online discussion groups you participate in. This will make it much easier for people to track you down on Twitter and follow you automatically.