Facebook isn’t something to ignore. Some of the site’s 850 million monthly active users are your patients. If you don’t have a Facebook page for your pharmacy, or if you aren’t actively updating your page, you’re missing out on connecting with those patients.
The social networking site can strengthen your relationships with your current patients, and it can also help you gain new patients. A whopping 77 percent of business-to-consumer companies acquired customers from Facebook in 2012, according to Business2Community.com. Use our tips to get the most out of your pharmacy’s Facebook page.
Take 10 minutes a day
That’s all the time you need to devote to your Facebook page to maintain it. Use that time to answer people’s comments or questions and post a status update or share a photo.
Show some personality
Your page’s wall is the perfect spot to let people “get to know” your pharmacy. Use Facebook to show what makes your business unique. Some ideas: Share fun facts about your employees, upload photos from pharmacy events and let patients know about special services you offer, such as compounding or free delivery.
Know about Facebook Places
Facebook Places is a “check in” feature that enables users to share their locations using their smartphones. When users “check in” at your pharmacy, they essentially let all of their Facebook friends know that they’re using (and supporting) your business. An easy way to tap this market is to offer coupons or specials to people who “check in” at your store.
Share relevant information
Your fans on Facebook are looking for the same kinds of information you would share with them if they came into your pharmacy. Share health information, such as how to avoid sunburn, nutrition tips, how to read a prescription label, and more. Use the seasons, your community, the age of your patients and other factors specific to your pharmacy to guide you on what to share.
Make an informal survey
Ask your Facebook fans questions that you can use to improve your business. It’s free feedback. Post a question to your Facebook page asking why your fans come to your pharmacy besides to pick up their prescriptions. Or, ask them what they like about hometown pharmacies over chains. Get creative!
Use photos to promote your business
People are innately visual. Posting photos on Facebook is a great way to drive engagement. Instead of just posting a status update that says you offer free vitamins for kids, share a picture of the products. You could also give fans a “behind-the-scenes” look at your pharmacy. Post a picture of a pharmacist counting pills or of an in-the-process compound.
