Part of a continuing series on optimizing your hospital’s Facebook presence.

Facebook is one of the most popular websites on the Internet, with approximately 1.28 billion monthly active users. Hospitals nationwide are using Facebook to increase customer loyalty, enhance their brand and communicate with their audience.

But Buyer Beware: Facebook has made one notable change that all hospitals using social media need to be aware of. For a Business Page (like a hospital), Facebook has placed a severe limit on the number of fans (likes) who actually see a Business Page Post. In fact, only about of 20 to 30 percent of your hospital’s Facebook Fans will ever see any post that you make. If you want more people to view it, you’re going to have to pay. It’s called “Boosting a Post,” and while the costs are initially reasonable (usually starting at $5), they can quickly add up.

Facebook made this move after it became a public company and now has to answer to its shareholders. So the next time you post something on your hospital’s Facebook page, just remember this: about 70 to 80 percent of your most valuable and loyal customers are not seeing what you just posted.

Next Post: The Power of Targeted Facebook Ads

For more information about how Brentwood Communications can create, manage target, track and analyze your social media and help maximize your ROI, please call us at 615-425-0821.