Medical Content Creation: How Do You Do This Thing? (Part 2 of 3)

This blog article discusses choosing the content communication platform and style for you and how to approach choosing the right one.

As we moved on from the question of, “how do you get started in creating medical content?” in the previous post, I can now discuss, in general terms, the different communication platforms that can be used online. The central theme of communication is a crucial part of online content creation. Content is created to share with others through various communication styles, methods, and approaches that are hosted by various communication platforms.

What are the different platforms for relaying your medical content?

The good news and the bad news is that there are communication platforms for everyone! The number of available platforms can be overwhelming.
The good news and the bad news is that there are communication platforms for everyone! The number of available platforms can be overwhelming. I would not do justice to mentioning all the different platforms because there are so many and there are new ones being developed for online communication all the time. The general themes of the platforms are important because everyone has different strengths that they bring to the table in communicating information and you have to find a platform that matches your communication style strength. There are platforms that utilize video with audio or music, ones that solely use text of varying lengths from 280 characters in length to hundreds or thousands of words in length, some that use audio only, others that use photos only, and a number that combine all the elements. You just have to find the platform that fits with you and your audience. If you don’t feel comfortable on video, use an audio or text-based platform. If you don’t enjoy writing as much, but are very good in front of the camera, use a video or photo-based platform. There is truly a platform for everyone.

The general themes of the platforms are important because everyone has different strengths that they bring to the table in communicating information and you have to find a platform that matches your communication style strength.
Also, within each platform, there are different styles of communication. You may enjoy presenting your content with song and dance or with comedy. You may enjoy more of an academic method with strictly text or you can be a bit snarky with screenshots or audio presentations. You can work by yourself as you present your content or collaborate with others with interview or discussion formats. The manner in which you present your information within each platform is completely up to you. You just have to work within the constraints of the specific platform that you are using. But, the medical content that you produce and the way in which you present it is only limited by your own creativity.

Nevertheless, shifting your content communication to your communication style strength is almost as important as the content itself. I have seen many content projects fall flat, including my own, because the content was not appropriate for the platform, the communication style was not the strength of the creator, the content or communication style did not resonate with the target audience, or a combination of all of the above. Communicate in the manner in which you are most comfortable and most proficient. That does not mean that your communication style can’t change in the future. But, start with what works best for you and what you enjoy at the moment. As your communication style evolves over time, you can utilize new platforms and approaches to convey your medical content. Start with one or two platforms in the beginning and branch out to others, if you deem it necessary or desirable. But, start small and grow from there. Finding your most effective communication platform and style is often an exercise in trial and error. The most important thing is not to get frustrated or discouraged, just keep trying.

Finding your most effective communication platform and style is often an exercise in trial and error. The most important thing is not to get frustrated or discouraged, just keep trying.
The next post will continue along the theme of the “how” of medical content creation and briefly answer the question if needing different content for different platforms is necessary or not.


Which communication platform have you found most useful to you and why?

What is your favorite style of communication?


Please feel free to post your comments in the comment section!

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