Month: February 2012

Brand Continuity for Social Networking Dentists

With Facebook’s new Timeline for business and LinkedIn offering what amounts to business “likes,” savvy dentists should make certain that their brand is continuous throughout all of their websites, blogs, and social profiles.

Website: A dental website should feature a dental practice logo that will represent the practice in print, on signage, and on the Internet.

Blog: Your dental practice blog design does not have to be identical to your webpage, but it should be complementary. In addition, I advise that dentists host their blog on a separate domain from their website, rather than a subdomain. Other dental marketing companies disagree, but I have yet to see proof that their argument has basis. My stance is based on the fact that Google shows favor to “experts,” and having multiple websites and a ton of original information on a subject can make you an expert. A blog on a separate domain is, in essence, a microsite, which is great for SEO.

Facebook: On Facebook, you’ll want to go ahead and switch to the Timeline style for your dental practice page. Just to get started, select a large image for the banner and your logo for the profile picture.

Twitter: Customize your profile picture with your logo or photograph, and upload an image that reflects your website’s design.

YouTube: Customize your profile picture with your logo or photograph, and upload an image that reflects your website’s design. Furthermore, include an opening and/or closing slide on your videos that features your logo. Read More

Facebook for Business Coming Wednesday!

If Facebook does indeed launch Timeline for business on Wednesday—which is the rumor—dentists should be prepared to update their business page ASAP. You’ll probably have three months to switch your page to Timeline voluntarily before Facebook takes charge and forces the switch.  How much cooler will you look, though, if your page has Timeline before other businesses in your area? Before you dive in, here are three things you need to consider.

The Look
Facebook Timeline features one large banner image, a small overlaid image in the left corner, and thumbnail collages of various things you’ve indicated that you like. You’ll need to determine what your large photo will feature, then plan something for the small photo. Your logo should might be the best option for the small square on the left, next to your page’s name. The banner image can be changed as often as you like – for seasons, holidays, special events, new products, team photos, etc.  Mashable created a sample gallery of potential brands on Timeline. Read More

Facebook Timeline for Business—and Dentists!

Sometimes I feel like a paparazzi, craving the hot news about Hollywood stars—but it’s not the stars that interest me. It’s Internet marketing. Rumor has it, Facebook will launch Timeline for businesses on or around the end of this month. By March, your dental practice’s Facebook page could look a LOT different—better, actually. Here’s what you can expect:

The Big Picture

The main difference you’ll notice is a large banner photo. You can create a custom banner or use a photograph for this feature. Be sure to include your website domain and phone number! A smaller photo can be selected for the lower left corner. I recommend dentists use the photo features to show off their team or office, then in the smaller box, their logo.  A testimonial would also work well for the big feature box.

More Personal

If you’ve ever wanted to like-like (versus just like) a page on Facebook, you’ll find this is cool. Instead of merely liking your page, your fans will be able to love you! If you happen to have a product page, like for a teeth whitening product or Invisalign, fans can want or own you. How fun is that? Read More