Without fans, your practice’s Facebook page will have little influence on your ability to connect and attract new and referred patients. Here are a few tips to get more followers engaged with your social media presence.
1. Speak up.
One of the easiest ways to notify patients of your Facebook page is to tell them as they are coming and going from appointments. A simple placard at the front desk announcing that you are on Facebook is a great way to make your presence known. You should also encourage your staff to inform patients about your page when they come into your office. More than likely, a majority of your patients are already using social media daily and will be happy to add you to their network.
2. Use other marketing outlets.
Your Facebook URL should be included on all of your other print and online marketing channels. Add Facebook buttons and other eye-catching graphic elements to your website; include your Facebook URL on your business cards and newsletter; and include a link to your Facebook page in your email signature. The more places you share your Facebook page, the more people will respond by visiting, liking, and engaging on your page.
3. Send an invitation.
Finally, if you maintain an updated email list for your patients, send out a brief email inviting them to join your network with a link to your Facebook page. This is a great way to generate awareness for your social media presence and elicit prompt responses from your most Internet-savvy patients.
Author bio
Glenn Lombardi is president of Officite, LLC, a provider of dental websites and Internet marketing strategies, including social media, search marketing, reputation management, and mobile websites. Officite has built thousands of websites that have generated more than half a million new patient appointment requests since 2002. For more information, visit www.officite.com or call (800) 908-2483.
