When it comes to marketing campaigns, using a countdown isn’t a new idea. It’s a proven tactic – and healthcare marketers should consider incorporating the countdown concept in their social media strategy more often. Particularly when promoting your organization’s events. Whether your goal is to raise awareness of a new hospital opening or register participants for a fundraising event, countdowns can provide great visuals and fresh content across social media channels.

Fresh, Shareable Content

North Kansas City Hospital has been counting down the opening of their new emergency department by posting on Facebook and Twitter. Followers of their social media channels are kept up-to-date on the project and help spread awareness of the new emergency department coming to the area. When their followers like, comment or retweet the post, it then appears on that follower’s social media feed for their followers or friends to see as well. Countdown content also offers great flexibility on the frequency of posts, although having consistent posting intervals are recommended (daily, weekly, etc.)

Social Media Users Respond to Visuals

Incorporating visual elements into your social media marketing efforts has never been more important. According to a recent HubSpot study, photos on Facebook pages receive 53% more likes and 104% more comments than the average post. Pinterest has grown so quickly that it is now the fourth largest traffic driver in the world.

Countdowns provide a great way to incorporate eye-catching posts that will stand out on your social media channels. The best part is the creative opportunities countdowns offer. The countdowns can have visual elements such as numeric graphics, photo teasers, or a combination like Geonetric used for our Operation Overnight charity event.

Build Anticipation

Justin Timberlake went back to the basics when he included a traditional countdown with a simple call to action on a microsite to build anticipation for a future announcement. His team sent out teasers days in advance across his social media channels and kept the reason for the countdown vague to pique interest.

There are many ways to utilize the countdown whether its mysteriously like Timberlake did or more straight forward and informative like counting down to the start of a gala. Either way, a countdown is a fun and sharable way to generate buzz and share your organization’s information.