The week before the holidays I posted a guest blog from Bartley Stratton on “Getting Started in Social Media” to help answer the numerous questions about using social media for dental practices. The post was popular and generated even more questions about using the different social networks, so Bartley has agreed to share with us the suggestions she gives her clients when they are launching into this marketing arena.
This week we are focusing on, “what not to do on Facebook”. This will help give you some insight of how to do-this, not that. It may seem self-explanatory, but it’s always a good idea to review. Remember that your page represents your practice. The image you want to give your followers and Fans will be portrayed on your business page. Make sure you make the proper choices to put your best Social Networking foot forward.
Don’t create a “group page” for your practice. Create a “Business Page” for your practice instead. Business pages have “like” buttons. Anyone can “like” your business page. If you create a group page you have to add people. Others can request your group but you have to add them in much like a personal page. Create a page that people can “like” that allows them to share with their friends.
Don’t have bad grammar, slang, and profanity. Before you post anything on your Facebook wall, check and recheck the spelling and grammar. Keep it about your practice, and keep it PG. Keep it clean. This is your business page. Make sure it is fun, but professional. 
Don’t manage your account improperly. Make sure you are posting regularly, but not overly populating the page. Sharing your information and interacting with your audience. People want to know about your dental practice and what is happening and what services you offer. If you have upcoming education courses you’ll be attending, tell people. If you take pictures of your office, post them! Highlight staff members and get creative. Give your audience what they want. Pretend you are the reader. If it’s something you would be interested in then post it. However, be conservative enough to make sure you don’t over post.
Do get on Facebook ASAP. If you aren’t on Facebook yet what is holding you back? People get on Facebook daily to find information about their friends, brands they like, read news, listen to music, communicate and find a new dentist. There are over 500 million active users. Don’t make the mistake of not getting involved!
Bartley Stratton
President of Yodel Networking
https://www.facebook.com/yodelnetworking/?fref=ts
In the weeks to come Bartley will look at some of the other social networks and how to use them as a marketing tool for your practice. If you want to reach her directly with questions please visit her Facebook page at the above link.
Thank you, Lee Ann.
I need to get going on the “businees page”. You have inspired me!
I’d humbly suggest that including case photos and before-and-after shots (with patient permission, of course!) can be very powerful. Patients may not understand what is possible with today’s techniques and materials — and a picture is still worth 1,000 words!
Thank you for the messages. I’m excited to see that you are inspired to create a page. That is wonderful!
Before-and-after shots are a great way to showcase your work. Pictures and videos are always a plus. In upcoming guest blogs I will write in more detail about those topics as well. Thank you again for the feedback!
Awesome, that’s my girl…great article Bartley!