If you’ve verified your Facebook Page, you may have noticed the alert Facebook has issued regarding verification badges. Facebook introduced verification badges in 2015 to show which Pages for business are authentic. Facebook has found that badges “can be more confusing than helpful,” and they have decided to remove them October 29th.
Without verification badges, it’s important to follow Facebook best practices to ensure that your Page has a better chance of being found by both new and existing patients. Your content should also keep people engaged and interested enough to follow your Page. Here are the best practices to help your Page gain a following on Facebook.
Select the categories that best describe your practice.
Categories help people find your practice when they search for your services or products. You can select up to three categories in your Page Settings. Select the most specific categories for your practice to maximize visibility in searches and to make your Page easier to find. If you’re a multi-specialty practice, select the three categories that best represent your practice. Example: Dentist & Dental Office, Cosmetic Dentist, Pediatric Dentist
Include your practice’s physical address.
People frequently search for nearby businesses. Make sure your address is updated and accurate so people can easily find your practice. If your practice has multiple locations, create location Pages so new and existing patients can find your locations on a map or when they search for your practice.
Add a profile picture and cover photo to your Page.
Facebook users tend to see Facebook Business Pages with a cover photo and profile picture as more trustworthy. For your profile photo, use a simple visual representation of your practice, such as a logo or photo of the doctor(s). For your cover photo or video, use a recognizable part of your business that will attract users. Pro Tip: opt for a cover video instead of a photo to help keep visitors on your Page and increase engagement.
If you have a website, add it to your Facebook Page.
Make it easy for new and existing patients to learn more about your practice and the procedures you offer by providing a link that will take the directly to your website.
Update your hours of operation.
Patients want to know when your practice will be open, especially during the holidays. Remember to always update your business hours so search results show that your location is open. If your hours aren’t updated, your practice may appear as closed and discourage people from making an appointment.
Turn on Recommendations and Reviews.
Let patients submit a rating and review/recommendation for your Page. Visitors to your Page will find valuable information that will increase their trust in your practice. After all, social media is the new word of mouth marketing!
Turn followers into patients with the Appointments feature.
The convenience of booking appointments is a significant determinant for ongoing practice growth. Facebook has the Appointments feature that enables patients to request appointments directly through your Facebook Business Page. Your practice can schedule and share its availability, allowing patients to book with you anytime.
Encourage patients to follow your Page.
Remind new and existing patients of the value of following your Page with regular updates of new procedures, easy communication and exclusive offers. People that follow or like your Page are more likely to see your content in their News Feed which helps your practice stay at the forefront of their minds.
To learn more about PBHS Launch Social Marketing as well as Facebook best practices, please contact us today by clicking here or emailing [email protected] and someone will reach out to you!