Disseminating a health information website to teens using a three-pronged approach with social media outreach

Abstract

Objective: To disseminate iuveo.org, a new health information website, primarily to teens in the United States using a three-pronged approach of social media, in-person, and emails. Methods: Dissemination methods included a combination of in-person, email, and social media campaigns starting in August 2022 to reach teens and stakeholders focused on teen health. Following the Social Marketing Theory framework, a social media campaign was implemented utilizing Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Website analytics, including monthly usage of iuveo, was measured utilizing Google Analytics. The intrinsic analytics from X and Instagram were also tracked. Results: From August 2022–July 2023, iuveo attracted 1338 unique users to the website. In the same time frame, 1085 accounts were reached on Instagram, and 14,367 impressions were received on X. Most website users (84.8%) were classified as ‘direct’ acquisition, meaning that they directly typed in the URL or clicked on a link, and 7.3% of users visited iuveo from a social media platform. Conclusion: A three-pronged dissemination strategy is beneficial when disseminating a new health information website. Innovation: Utilizing a three-pronged approach with a social media campaign based on Social Marketing Theory, a health information website was disseminated to youth in the United States.

Keywords

• Adolescent
• Youth
• Social media
• Website
• Health communication