A Fresh Face for Facebook

Well, well, well. Look who’s back. You mastered the art of blogging, and now you think you’re ready for something more, like Facebook (dun, dun, dun). Good! Facebook isn’t just for posting pictures of cats and trying to avoid that strange relative that comments on everything you do. Facebook may just be the perfect fit for your health organization.

Blogging offers interaction, but Facebook demands it. That’s why it was created: constant interaction. You’re interacting with your followers and vice versa even when you think you aren’t. Simply skimming through a post counts! And nothing feels better than a “like,” the ultimate sign of approval that lets you know that your followers really are listening to your health information! How can these likes and comments bring success to your health organization though?

Benefits of Facebook you need to know:

• It’s relatively free. There’s no charge for a Facebook account, but you will need to put a good amount of time and effort into it. You’ll want to remain active and keep visitors engaged. Facebook also has an option for advertising that comes with a fee, but it creates highly targeted ads.
• It creates a targeted, engaged audience. Social media involvement creates loyalty, satisfaction, and a positive experience with a specific audience.
• Constant interaction helps you to get to know your audience. With communication running all ways, from you to your audience, your audience to you, and your audience to each other, you’ll be able to learn valuable information to understand your audience’s needs and wants.
• It can help build your brand. Facebook is another way to show the world who you and your health organization are. It can help you build a great reputation, just remember that you’re in charge of it.
• There’s a place for a donation button and a fundraising page. Yeah, you heard me. Well, read me.

There’s always a catch.

Setting up an account for your health organization is not like setting up a personal page. You’ll want to read the terms and conditions, privacy information and other instructions. However, it will look similar to a personal page. Here’s what healthcaresuccess.com considers to be a good page for health organizations:

• Logo and branding that carries throughout the Facebook page
• The “Wall” tab presents the organization’s news feed and visitor comments
• The “info” tab has a “request an appointment/information” option, phone numbers, and the organization’s mission
• Other tabs for pictures, videos, events, questions and links

What now?

Once you’ve set up your page, it’s time to be engaging, which may be hard for you if you’re anything like me (using bad jokes is only okay when I do it… hardly). You’ll want to check out this site for more information, but I’ll summarize. Be relatable. Ask questions. Post relevant content with credible sources. Offer incentives and rewards. Learn it, live it, love it. Repeat these tips over and over again in your mind. Don’t think I won’t check out your Facebook page to make sure you’re listening.

What makes a successful Facebook campaign? Clear goals, defined target audience, a clear message and evaluation. Thanks for asking. Similar to blogging, you want to be likable. You want people coming back to see what you have to say. You want people to share, like and comment on your posts. You want people talking about your health organization, because that is how you spread your health information.

Although I really want to see the cute things your pet does (and trust me, I genuinely do), leave it for your personal page. Your health organization’s Facebook page should be professional, but inviting. Don’t be a robot randomly sending out information. Tell your fans why the information is important and how they can get involved. Start a discussion! It’s your responsibility to be engaging. Scary, I know, but I believe in you.

This is a lot of information, so perhaps looking at an example would help. The World Health Organization looks great to me. The first thing I noticed was that they post regularly, without being overbearing. Secondly, they post and share informative news articles and ask questions that furthers their mission and brand. These posts allow people to engage and share their thoughts. Their pictures and videos are easily found, along with their organization’s website, where you can donate. You can find their hours of operation and telephone number, reviews, and other relevant information without a problem.

All this talk of Facebook has reminded me that I have a cute picture of my cat to post. Now go off into the world of Facebook, and make me proud. I’ll be watching!

Best of luck,

Bekki C.

 

 

 

Read something you agree or harshly disagree with? Let me know! The cool thing about opinions is that they aren’t facts and can change at any time, including mine. I’d love to hear your thoughts.