Marketing and Social Media

As the lead physician involved in the marketing of our practice, I am often faced with the dilemma of what the best route is to grow our practice.  We've been down many roads over the past several years: radio, newspaper, Val-Pak, parent magazines, online, the list goes on and on.  As a small pediatric only practice, we do not have the resources (time or money) that the larger multi-specialty groups have to make their presence known around the community.  In fact, a small survey I conducted in the office found that a majority of our new patients came from word of mouth rather than by advertising.  That is the best form of advertising, but it doesn't always produce the best results.  In this age dominated by social media, I've decided to turn my attention online to try and create/maintain a presence for our practice.  This, of course, is difficult as well with the plethora of sites that exist.  I've currently set our practice up on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Plus, and, of course, this blog.  Keeping up to date with all of them is extremely challenging!  Then, if they are kept up to date, do they attract new patients?  What do you all think?  Is social media a good way to make a pediatric practice known within the community?  If you're happy with the care that we provide, do you have any suggestions on growing our practice?  Would love to see some comments on this one!