Social Media for Doctors: Top 9 Strategies That Work in UK

Social media for doctors in the UK isn’t just about posting the odd health tip or smiling team photo anymore. With over 67 million people in the UK using social media by 2024 (Statista), your patients are already scrolling, searching, and sharing content from other clinics. So, if you’re not showing up online? You’re practically invisible.

Whether you’re a GP in London or a dentist up in Glasgow, let’s face it—social media for doctors isn’t a “nice-to-have” anymore. It’s how people discover you, trust you, and choose to book an appointment with you. That being said, no one’s asking you to spend your evenings editing videos on TikTok. You just want a few clever movements. Even if your schedule’s packed, the right approach will let you show up, stay relevant, and connect with sufferers earlier than they ever step through your door.

Here’s what’s working right now. These top 9 social media strategies for doctors in the UK are not just trendy—they actually work.

1. Social Media for Doctors: Build Authority with Educational Reels & Stories

✅ Simplify Complex Medical Jargon

Your patients don’t want textbook talk. Skip the medical jargon— Instead of saying “hypertension,” just say, “It’s high blood pressure that makes your heart work too hard.” Keep it simple and real—use quick Reels or Shorts to explain things like you’re talking to a mate, not writing a lecture.

✅ Use Live Q&A Sessions

Hop on a Facebook or Instagram Live for “Ask the Doctor” sessions. Answer common health queries. It feels personal and builds trust—plus, you get real-time engagement.

✅ Post Case-Free Success Stories

Without breaching confidentiality, share general patient outcomes. For example, “We’ve helped 40+ patients recover from chronic migraines in the last year alone.” That’s social proof without crossing ethical lines.

📊 According to Statista, Facebook and YouTube remain the top platforms in the UK for daily use—so focus your efforts there first.

2. Humanise Your Practice with Behind-the-Scenes Content Social Media for Doctors Beyond the Clinic

✅ Show Your Morning Routine

Got a specific prep you do before surgery or clinics? Show it. People love seeing the human side of professionals. It’s oddly satisfying—and it builds rapport.

✅ Introduce the Team

A “Meet the Nurse” or “Reception Staff Friday” series? Gold. Patients often interact with your team first. Putting faces to names makes them feel at ease.

✅ Share Wins, Big or Small

Passed a tough inspection? Upgraded your X-ray machine? Got positive patient feedback? Celebrate it online. Your audience loves real-time updates that feel like victories.

Only once you build that emotional connection does your expertise start to shine. This is where brands like Digileap come in—helping clinics position themselves as both professional and approachable.

3. Use Trending Formats Without Losing Credibility

✅ Try ‘Before vs After’ Carousel Posts

Especially powerful for dermatologists, dentists, or physios. Show a zoomed-in version of progress without overselling. Honesty goes a long way.

✅ Duet Patient Testimonials on TikTok

TikTok’s duet feature lets you react to another person’s video. Ask a patient to share their (HIPAA-safe) experience, then react to it explaining what helped.

✅ Create a “Myth vs Fact” Series

There’s tons of misinformation online. Bust myths like “Vaccines cause autism” or “All carbs are bad” using bold, snappy graphics. People love shareable, truth-driven posts.

Statista reports that 47% of UK social media users aged 25–44 trust health-related content more when it comes from verified professionals. That’s your in.

4. Invest in Geo-Targeted Social Media ads for Doctors in the UK

✅ Facebook Local Boosts

If you’re a podiatrist in Bristol, why show your ads in Manchester? Use Facebook Ads Manager to limit your ad radius to 10–15 miles around your clinic.

✅ Promote Free Events or Check-ups

Hosting a free skin screening day or flu jab drive? Boost these posts locally. Small budget, big reach.

✅ Retarget Website Visitors

Let’s say someone visits your appointment page but doesn’t book. With pixel retargeting, your ad follows them on Instagram, reminding them to finish booking.

According to Statista, Facebook’s UK ad audience reach was over 35 million people in 2024. With geo-targeting, you don’t need all 35 million—just the few thousand who live nearby.

5. Long-Term Wins with Thoughtful Social Media for Doctors

✅ LinkedIn Health Breakdowns

Write a weekly health post on LinkedIn. Something like, “What GPs wish people knew about burnout.” Add a personal anecdote and invite questions in the comments.

✅ Collaborate with Other Experts

Team up with a nutritionist or psychologist to run a joint Instagram Live. Cross-pollination means double the audience and double the trust.

✅ Create Monthly Health Calendars

“August is Psoriasis Awareness Month.” Map out what you’ll post each week, from tips to patient stories. Having a rough plan keeps things from feeling all over the place—and yep, it usually gets you more clicks too.

Long posts aren’t boring if they’re real, helpful, and easy to get through. People do read them—if they feel worth their time.

6. Respond to Comments Like You’d Talk to a Friend

✅ Be Kind but Direct

Got a troll? Don’t ghost them. Politely clarify any false info, then move on. Your calm response shows leadership.

✅ Use Emojis and Light Humour

If someone says “Great tip, doc!” don’t reply with “Thank you.” Try, “Cheers! Trying to keep those kidneys happy! 🥬💧”

✅ Create Comment-Friendly Posts

Ask things like, “How do you stay healthy during UK winters?” Ask a question, then tag someone from your team to kick things off—it helps break the silence and gets the convo going.

Likes are nice, but comments? That’s where the magic is. More replies = more people see your stuff. It’s how the algorithm works.

7. Optimise Your Profiles for Search

✅ Clear Bio with Clinic Info

Make sure your bio includes your full title, clinic location, and a keyword like “NHS GP in London” or “Private Cardiologist Manchester.”

✅ Use Linktree or Beacons

Instead of one static link, use a free tool to direct users to your booking page, blog, and Google reviews.

✅ Pin Best Posts

Platforms like Instagram let you pin posts to the top. Pin your intro video, best review, or FAQ post.

Think of your profile as your digital front door. Make it welcoming, useful, and up-to-date.

8. Encourage Patient-Generated Content

✅ Ask for Reviews Post-Visit

“Loved your visit? Tag us in a story or leave a review!” A gentle nudge goes a long way.

✅ Run a Hashtag Challenge

Something simple like #HealthyWithDrHassan. Ask people to post their daily smoothie or step count tagging your account.

✅ Celebrate Followers

Shoutout followers who engage the most or share useful tips. Makes others want to participate too.

This isn’t about going viral—it’s about creating community.

9. Track What’s Working and Pivot Fast

✅ Use Instagram Insights

See what time your audience is online. Post then—not when you’re free.

✅ A/B Test Posts

Try two different headlines for the same tip. See which gets more saves, comments, or shares.

✅ Monitor Bookings

Notice more bookings after a Reel? Track that. Social media must connect to results—or it’s just noise.

And if this all sounds like too much to handle alone, many UK practices now outsource to teams like Digileap who specialise in healthcare digital marketing.

TL;DR – Quick Recap

Social media for doctors in the UK isn’t optional—it’s a modern clinic essential. Start with short educational Reels, show the human side of your practice, try trending post formats without losing your professional voice, and track what brings actual results. Social isn’t about chasing likes—it’s about showing patients you care, even before they walk in your door.

👉 For a deeper dive into improving your clinic’s social presence, explore this guide to healthcare digital marketing.