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Facebook has rolled out their new, shorter URL’s. They purchased the http://on.fb.me  domain and now you can replace the longer Facebook.com URL’s with the shorter version.

There is now the fb.com for your business “Like” pages and fb.me for your profile pages.  For example my shorter fb.com URL for my business page is now http://fb.com/copywritingandsocialmedia.   My fb.me URL for my profile page becomes http://fb.me/livviematthews. 

You can make sure your new link is correct by posting your new URL in a new browser and making sure it works.

In case of the very long Facebook URL for a status update you’ve written, Bit.ly can still be used to shorten it.  Bit.ly is  pre-configured to replace the longer Facebook links with Facebook’s shorter new URL’s. 

Have you used your new FB URL’s?

Technorati Tags: Building Business, engaging social media, Facebook for business, Facebook URL, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, Shorter Facebook UrL, social media marketing

Pull up any blog post, look at a twitter stream, or log onto Facbook and you are going to see some mention of Social Media and what we should do to connect and engage with customers or in short, how to build relationships. 

I just have to share this “real time” example.  Just about every morning I stop by McDonalds on my way into the office. Being the creature of habit that I am, I’m usually ordering the same thing…A Susage McMuffin and a Value Sweet Tea (I’m a Southern girl and lovvvvvvvve my sweet tea!). 

McDonalds has trained their employees well, right down to the drive through person who takes the money at one window and the drive through person that gives you your food at the next window. 

The fellow that takes my order (any money) has gotten to know me and my order so well, when I order a “Coke with lite ice” , he would say “You aren’t getting your sweet tea today?”  I even made a mistake one day and ordered my Sweet Tea without adding “no ice” and he said “No ice, right?”

This doesn’t sound like much, but think about it, hundreds of people are going through their drive through each day. Many are ordering the exact same thing I’m ordering, but the drive through person “knows” me and my order and that makes me feel special. 

Now isn’t that what social media is all about:  connecting and engaging were it counts…with the customer!

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Dental Marketing, engaging and connecting, engaging social media, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, social media marketing

As we’ve talked about with social media marketing, keeping your name in front of your patients and clients on a regular basis builds and strengthens your existing relationships while establishing credibility and trust.

We are certainly in the electronic (e) age and along with it comes one of the most cost effective marketing tools for communicating with your patients and clients…e-mail and e-mail marketing!

One of the best tools for e-mail marketing is an autoresponder.  Autoresponders  are specifically designed for helping you keep your name in front of your audience by keeping in touch and allows you to send messages automatically to those on your  email “list”.    

Choose an autoresponder program like Aweber (what I use) , iContact, Constant Contact ,  Get Response, or Mail Chimp to name a few.  These programs are double opt in, meaning people sign up and then they receive an email to confirm they subscribed to the email/newsletter  before they can start receiving it.  Once set up, all these programs are very simple to use.

Practice newsletters are one of the biggest uses for email marketing.  You can also announce office events, important dental health information and tips, special offers, awards, welcome letters, appointment confirmations, and participation with school, community, or charitable events.  You can include your patients in your “dental family” by announcing team members marriages, births, graduations, and office trips.

In addition to practice information like your newsletters and announcements, if you have messages on certain procedures, you can set an autoresponder to automatically send those specific messages when someone clicks on the message link.  They can even be set to send a series of articles, messages, procedures, even courses..the list is unlimited for the use of an autoresponder.

NOTE: ALWAYS provide an unsubscribe link in all your e-mails allowing subscribers the option to “UnSubscribe”. Nothing is more irritating than receiving newsletters and not having a way to stop receiving them.  

The length and tone of your e-mail newsletter messages is entirely your choice. It can be a few lines of text or a detailed newsletter or both.  Your newsletter may be semi-monthly, monthly, or even quarterly.  Again it’s your choice. If you choose once a month, then send once a month….every month.  Later you may try sending twice a month.

Choosing the 2nd Tuesday of the month is a good example. Then every 2nd Tuesday of the month….send your information. The main thing to remember is once you have made your choice about when to send… be consistent! Always include your web site link and e-mail address in your information along with a notice to feel free to forward the information to a friend.

Your content can be written in-house by you or a team member (if time permits).  If you don’t have the time  or you don’t feel comfortable writing your content, it’s something that can be outsourced.  Do make sure whoever you choose to write the content understands the purpose and audience of your newsletter. They are representing you and your practice.

Another great e-mail marketing tool is your e-mail signature (sig). It’s your virtual online business card. You are (or should be) sending out responses to e-mails every day, don’t just type your response and then type your name and send your e-mail. Instead, advertise your practice and web site every time an e-mail is sent from your office.

Your e-mail signature should include your name,  telephone number, e-mail address and most importantly, your web site address and your social networking sites!

Remember: Keeping your name in front of your patients is paramount in social media marketing. With e-mail marketing…It’s your practice’s golden opportunity.

What are some of the ways you use email marketing in your practice or business?

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Dental Marketing, email marketing, engaging social media, how to use email marketing, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, social media marketing

Like it or not, Facebook has changed the look and layout of their Profile page.  Some areas we had before, such as the small bio box underneath our photo, have been removed, while other areas, such  as the banner across the top of the page has been added.

 Aliza Sherman’s Mashable post How To: Customize The New Facebook Profile helps you make the most of these changes and shows you how you can modify some of the sections for more control over what is displayed.

Remember this only effects your Profile page, not your Business “Like” page.

Have you changed your setting to the new Profile?  What do you like or dislike about it?

Technorati Tags: Facebook, Facebook Profile Page, Facebook settings, How to change new Facebook Profile settings, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, New Setting for Facebook Profile, social media marketing

Not so long ago in our very own galaxy….on our very own planet,… changes began taking place that would change the face of marketing forever.

The Internet had made our globe smaller.  We could send and receive information via searching online or via email.   But unless we knew someone specifically, we still didn’t have direct access to interacting and engaging with specific people or businesses. 

Marketing still consisted of traditional methods – direct mail, telephone ads, magazine and newspaper ads and presented a two fold problem:

• You had to be able to afford to place the ad and depending on the ad size, the larger ads went to “the big boys” due to the cost of ad space
• Once placed the fee was for a limited time period and being static in nature, there was no interaction or contact with the viewer unless they responded to the “call to action”

Enter Social Media Marketing.  By the very name it’s “social marketing”, connecting and engaging with people on all levels, in all types of business and professions regarding the business of business.  It’s no longer “business as usual”.

Social platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube – to name a few have changed the way people view marketing.  They are free services to sign up with, have unlimited use, and have leveled the playing field for marketing your business or practice.  Now for the first time, small business – even solo entrepreneurs  - can market their business right along side “the big boys”!

But what’s even more important with social media is the access to people for connecting and engaging in conversations professionally and personally.  Social media marketing is “word of mouth marketing”…on steroids!

The Internet and social media has certainly made it possible for people all around the globe to seem to be “sitting in the same room” discussing the different aspects of dentistry or any business.  

We can ask questions, read articles, and have discussions all from the convenience of our computers,  now even our phones, to information and people we wouldn’t have had access to just a few years ago…and the information –resources are available 24/7 – 365!

Facebook at this writing has over 500 million users with over half of those accessing Facebook daily.  Twitter is approaching 200 million users.  You Tube is the 2^nd largest search engine in the world (Google is #1) and is owned by Google. 

With numbers like these you can’t afford to not be using social media.  If you and your business or practice aren’t utilizing social media and being talked about, referred by, or found online…you’re losing business!

Bottom line: Today, 85% of consumers are looking online for who they are going to do business with.  They aren’t flipping pages in a telephone book, looking in a magazine, or scanning direct mailers. There’re on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Google.  There’re asking questions and viewing what others are saying.  Are they taking about or talking to…. you?

The New Year, for me, has always been an exciting, happy time and always brings the opportunity for what seems like a new beginning, a chance to “start fresh“.  It always seems crisp, clean and exciting! We all get to start with a “new page ” and it’s up to us what we want to “write” on it!

Take a few minutes and reflect on the past year and your goals, but don’t dwell on the past year’s missed opportunities. We need to look ahead with excitement and anticipation for what we can do with the new year’s opportunities (pages) that will be presented.

Whatever you “write” is an opportunity within itself! At the beginning of a new year we are all at the same point, granted some may be beginning with more than others, but we are all beginning!

As you begin writing your business page this year, focus on ways to “work smarter and not harder”.  Eliminate situations that are stressful. Focus on what you did that was positive last year that caused your business to grow and then expand on each of those areas.

I like what Carrie Wilkerson, the Barefoot Exec, says:  Develop your three S’s.  Your Story, your Skill Set, and your Style.  Some may copy or emulate what you do, but they aren’t you and you bring your own Story to the table.

Your Story:  It’s unique to you. Your experiences, your life, where you’ve traveled, where you’ve lived, your family, your work…your Story IS about you.   

My story is born and raised in the south, married to an extraordinary man with 3 wonderful daughters.  Spouse to a husband who suffered and overcame panic attacks and alcohol, and who now has chronic kidney disease due to diabetes and high blood pressure.  Worked outside the home most of my life in the dental profession (about 30 years), and I’m cat lover 1^st –dog lover 2nd. 

Who you are is because of your story, it’s weaved into your fabric – positive or negative – it’s a powerful part of you and your business.

Your Skill Set: What you’re paid to do, what you went to school to do, what you’ve learned while on the job, what you excel in, your special training and expertise.

My skill set and expertise is in the area of the dental business office with proficiency in administrative responsibilities, building patient relations, and using social media marketing.  I’m a social media consultant and coach for dental professionals and my specialized area is in social media, patient relations, and Internet marketing.

Your Style: Your brand, how you’re known, what defines you, what you’re known for in your online  (and offline) communities and in your work.

My style is a southern lady with Christian conservative values, a people person, and sometimes perfectionist who likes it when a plan comes together and we “getter done”!

This doesn’t mean it’s “all about you”, but your Story, your Skill Set, and your Style ARE what makes you…uniquely you!  It’s also what draws and connects you with other (like minded) people!

Sometimes the old saying “You can’t see the forest for the trees” prevents us from seeing new opportunities for marketing and growing our business. Ask a friend or an associate, who’s opinion you value, to comment on what you’re doing or not doing.  Ask them what they see as your story, or your skill set, or your style. You may be surprised by their answers and what they see.

They aren’t seeing the same trees you’re seeing and can offer a different view….they might even help you to be able to “see the forest”!  But, whatever your story, your skill set, or your style is~ always be true to yourself.  Don’t say you’re one thing and your business reflect something totally opposite.  You must be transparent and authentic.

As you begin writing this new year’s “page” don’t lose site of balance. Remember to keep all the pages in perspective. From time to time you will need to turn the pages down, walk away, and take time to enjoy life and everything that goes with it.

So, what do you want to write on your new page this year? It’s all up to you! Just get your “keyboard” going (your story), write one word after another (your skill set) and then…press enter (your style)!!  After all …A New Year Brings A New Beginning!

Technorati Tags: A New Year, Building Business, Dental Marketing, engaging social media, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, Planning a New Year, social media marketing

Christmas is a wonderful time of year! There’s excitement as we hurry around decorating our homes, doing our shopping, planning our menu’s, and getting ready for the “big day”. 

We have been so blessed in our home this year.  Even though my husband, Jack, has had a turn of events with some health issues involving his kidneys and diabetes, we are blessed in the fact his strength is returning.  Although his numbers are not where we would like for them to be, we are in hopes they are going to be. 

But through all of this taking place over the last month, it’s brought back into focus the precious meaning of life and more importantly the Giver of Life. 

The Charlie Brown meaning of Christmas video below says it much better than I could ever say it. I hope you enjoy it and that it speaks to your heart.

From our house, to your house….Merry Christmas, Y’all and may you have a healthy and blessed New Year! 

Today’s social media market is one of engaging and connecting, which puts us in constant contact with our viewers, clients, and patients and brings our email addresses and our cell phone rings in the limelight from time to time.

As patients and clients give us their email addresses, it’s amazing, sometimes comical, some of the names created to be used.  The cell phone rings we hear in the office can also be quite funny. 

A great example of your cell phone ring and how it’s heard is the Geico commercial when they are discussing ring tones and the CEO’s cell phone rings and his ring is totally out there!

If at all possible, have your email address linked to your website address. Best would be your name @your web address.  If that’s not possible, then use your name @gmail.  What you don’t want is something like “redneckgirl @yahoo” or “dudeman @gmail”.  If you’re using it for your business email, then keep it professional. 

The same thing goes for your cell phone ring tone.  True when someone calls you they don’t hear your ring tone,  But what if you are in the middle of a business conversation and you’re right at a critical point and your phone rings playing…”Take This Job and Shove It”! 

In short: Keep it professional.  If in doubt…don’t use it.

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Dental Marketing, engaging and connecting, engaging social media, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, Social Media and Telephone, social media marketing, Telephone skill

Social Media has changed marketing as we know it.  It’s instant, engaging, and presents a multitude of opportunities and benefits for connecting with new and exisiting patients. 

However, one of the oldest and still most cost effective social media marketing tools in your practice is your telephone!  Are you utilizing it to it’s full potential?

Although we don’t want to place or keep a caller on hold, in reality we know it’s going to happen. 

Since your caller is holding, a captive audience you might say, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab your listeners attention, but I can’t tell you how many offices I’ve called (speciality and general) and I get to listen to music  or worse yet, be placed on a dead line while holding. 

Obviously the caller wanted some type of information when they called, why not offer them additional information about you, your team, and your practice/services they may not be aware are available.

Some of the services you can share with your caller:

• Your credentials – the caller may have attended the same school
• Types of dentistry provided (ie. general, cosmetic, family, children, RCT, Perio)
• Infection Control – patients are very concerned about this area
• Your location
• Office hours – early morning, evening, or even Saturday appointments?
• Oral Cancer screening -Oral cancer is on the rise… (ie: Vizilite, Identifi3000, etc)
• Zoom Whitening (or the type you offer)
• Implants – one of the most searched for dental procedures
• Invisalign – let them know you offer clear braces
• Referrals – they may not know you’re accepting new patients
• Arestin
• Laser treatment – soft tissue management and uclers for starters

Even your patients that have been in your practice for awhile probably don’t know all the procedures and services you offer.  Let them know in a short, timely message shared while they are on hold.  Never underestimate what your caller knows, or doesn’t know, about you, your services, and your practice.

I’ve come back on the phone, after placing a caller on hold many times, to have them say “I didn’t know you offered…..   Could you tell me more about it? or Can I make an appointment?”  You never know what else your patients may be looking for…let them know what services you have available.  

Again, we should do everything possible to not place a caller on hold, but when we do these are a few of the procedures and services you can have your callers listen to while holding. 

What additional services or procedures can you add?

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Dental Marketing, engaging and connecting, engaging social media, Livvie Matthews, Patient Relations, social media marketing, Telephone and social media

As we sit down with family and friends, please let us remember those who have given, and are still giving… for our country, our freedom, and our liberty. 

Thank you and God bless you….Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Technorati Tags: Livvie Matthews, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving video, Thanksgiving video for military