Facebook is an effective and free way for businesses and professionals to maintain “top of mind” awareness with business contacts and the public.
Posting to your company page on Facebook frequently keeps you actively in front of business associates and can have a far-reaching impact with an audience that is eager to hear what you have to say. Topics for business-related Facebook pages include:
• Comments on news and current events that influence your industry
• News announcements such as new products or personnel changes
• Question-and-answer exchanges with readers
Your business’ Facebook page, like all marketing materials, should maintain a professional tone and appearance. Many people have two Facebook accounts, one for their business life and another for their personal life. This is a good approach for people who want to use Facebook to keep in touch with friends and relatives as well as business associates. You can link between the two pages for people who are interested in both aspects of your life, but try to keep them separate.
Remember that Facebook requires a commitment – take advantage of becoming part of Facebook newsfeeds of your fans by doing regular updates to your page. It also helps your Facebook page be dynamic with ongoing information. Also remember that interactive features like Q&As require a larger time investment and prompt replies.
Dr. Stuart Tashman, a physician with Wurtsboro Medical Associates, uses a Facebook page to answer questions, comment on health-related news and generally keep in touch with his patients.
“It’s a great way to stay connected with my patients and their families,” said Tashman, who has more than 450 people following his page.
Tashman fields a wide variety of non-emergency questions. Recent examples include a mother’s inquiry about how old a child should be before entering a chlorinated pool and a young woman’s question about how many years of college are required to be a pharmacist.
“People ask questions about things that don’t require an office visit, and it’s also a way for me to share information like health news and safety recalls,” said Tashman, whose practice is affiliated with Catskill Regional Medical Center. “I think my patients enjoy having Facebook as an option for communicating with their doctor.”
