Can Facebook "Notifications" Help Rebuild Your Reach?

Thomas Dock CVJ
Managing Editor, Veterinary News Network
Practice Manager, Mobile PetDocs
Board of Certification, American Society of Veterinary Journalists  

Each week I hear about or see notes from our VNN members wondering what has happened with their Facebook Business Pages.  Without a doubt, the changes that the site has made to their EdgeRank algorithm has frustrated many businesses using the social media giant as a marketing tool.

Last week, I mentioned that Facebook was rolling out new functionality for the business Pages known as Page Notifications.  In essence, this function is supposed to deliver notifications to your Facebook account whenever your favorite pages post new updates.  People who like your page can opt into these Notifications by hovering over the "Like" button on your page and then clicking the Get Notifications button.  Here's what it looks like:


This is supposed to create a notification system like you get from your "Close Friends" from your personal Profile.   However, in my week-long experiment, I have found that this is not exactly the case.

I chose 3 pages of VNN members and 1 other business page that I follow.  Reviewing my notifications since Monday, I have received 6 notifications about information these 4 pages have posted.  HOWEVER...in that same time frame, these pages have posted a total of 20 times.  So, I am not sure if this is because the functionality is so new or for some other reason.  Another point to consider is that you essentially need for your followers to go back and "like" your page all over again.  People may or may not do that...

Again, we go back to the point that you can't really "game" the system.   The best practice has been, and will always be, to focus your attention on posting relevant content, don't over-market, respond to posts and comments on your page and just generally engage your followers.   Be sure to review your analytics routinely so that you know what type of posts are being shared and what times seem to generate more interactions.

It's nearly impossible for all of your fans to see all of your posts..there's simply way too much content on Facebook for that to happen.  BUT...if you continue to post information that your fans want to see, you will grow your reach and peole will share your information.  THAT'S the real key!

Until next time...

Tom

Things have been a little hectic around the VNN offices lately, but we do have a new print story being released later today or first thing tomorrow.   This new story will be a continuation of our series of pet nutrition topics and will cover another set of pet food myths that seem to perpetuate and grow on the Internet.

I also have a set of new Message Points on the Top Ten Toxic Plants for Pets and will have those posted before the weekend is over.

Because of stories in the news about pet medication errors as well as the continuing concern over pet medications in human pharmacies, VNN is actively researching a video story to help discuss this vital topic.  Please let us know if you have any war stories about pets receiving the wrong medications or dosages.

Remember, we are in full swing in our membership renewal drive...you will receive email notification of your renewal date over the next 60-90 days.  Please review your My Profile tab at the MyVNN.com site for your anniversary date.



Now...if your membership is within 45 days of renewal, links will appear to pay via credit card or check.  If you are having any problems logging in or if you have questions about your anniversary date, I am happy to address those, please contact me and we can sort everything out.  Again, it may be awhile before you start receiving your individual email concerning renewal, but I want to make sure everyone is aware and that I will be contacting you over the next 2-3 months.