In late March, Facebook introduced a migration tool to allow individuals and businesses to convert their profiles into pages. They promoted this feature by stating that it would offer businesses increased presence since Facebook users could simply “like” their page once it was migrated. Unfortunately, it would appear there have been some obstacles that have left some users unhappy.

Problems with Facebook’s Profile to Page Migration

While Facebook did caution users that not all data from a Facebook profile would transfer to the page, many users were surprised to discover the following after migrating:

• Only the profile photo gets transferred to the page
• Any wall posts and message history are lost permanently
• As soon as the migration is complete, the custom Facebook URL (that allows you to incorporate your username) is once again open for the general public to take
• Effectively, everything that was on the old profile page will be wiped away for good once the migration is complete with no option to restore it
• Once you’ve got your page setup, if you’d like to have a profile as well, it is necessary to create a new account. This is problematic since Facebook does not allow users to use any of the same email accounts or networks that they applied to their former accounts

The above are just the problems relevant to businesses looking to take advantage of the migration feature. Individuals that opted to try it out as well have complained of even greater inconveniences.

Facebook’s Solution to the Migration Problems

After only one week live, this feature was temporarily disabled by Facebook. Facebook has since provided users with the opportunity to ‘appeal’ their migration. A request can be submitted to have the transfer to a business page reversed. They are stating that this service is offered only to those that ‘accidentally’ transfered their personal profiles. They also note that they reserve the right to reject any appeals not deemed appropriate.

Typically when we discuss Google, it is with SEO and SEM in mind. However, this search engine has been taking steps to look at the bigger picture. As a result, we felt it appropriate to draw some attention to a unique, charitable project pioneered by the internet giant.

Google Implements a Crisis Response Initiative

As there have been a number of large-scale natural disasters in recent history, Google made the decision to help in a way that only they know how. In order to facilitate communication and information sharing after a crisis, they put a response team in place full-time. The goal of this team is to ensure real-time information is made available as soon as a situation occurs.

The earthquake that hit Japan in March gave Google their first opportunity to put their full-time team to use. They managed to play a positive role - working with their “People Finder” tool to help individuals post their locations so family and friends could locate them. Live satellite images, citizen videos and regular news updates were also provided under this initiative.

Google intends to keep working on the development of new technology that will provide even greater benefits in the wake of a natural disaster.

The Span of Google’s Influence

While this story may not help you enhance your online marketing strategy, it demonstrates how a company that so greatly influences how we operate online also has the power to be influential for the greater good.

Twitter has offered users a ’suggested users to follow’ feature for a number of months. Now they have expanded upon this feature, integrating suggestions based on interest. They have also introduced a more advanced search function that has a similar focus on user interest.

How Twitter’s New ‘Suggested User By Interest’ Feature Works

• This update applies to Twitter’s ‘Who To Follow Page’
• Twitter takes note of your search queries and suggests users who share those interests.
• In order to determine if you would like to add any of the suggested users, you can click on the avatars and view their profiles

How Twitter’s Interest-Based Searches Work

• Previously, Twitter’s search function would only search keywords in a user’s ID name. This former structure made it challenging for individuals to find other users with common interests because many people use their full name or their business name as their ID.
• You can browse through the search results that appear instantaneously

How Twitter’s Update Benefits Your Practice

This new search function that Twitter is offering allows you to find prospective patients, individuals promoting medical news stories, and more.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you leverage social networking to benefit your medical practice.

In the medical industry in particular, patient reviews of your practice are an essential part of establishing brand awareness, reputation, and the enhancement of your SEO ranking strategy. By encouraging your patients to write unbiased reviews about their experiences at your practice, you’re accomplishing a number of different things to further your business.

Benefits of Online Patient Reviews

1. Establishing brand awareness - this is a simple concept; the more your brand appears online, the more exposure people will have to your practice even if initially they’re merely recognizing your name. A portion of these individuals that are familiar with your practice will become patients themselves or refer someone else in need of your services to you.

2. Developing a reputation - in this industry, a portion of new patients come into your practice based on referrals from other satisfied clients, and that is especially true when your services are categorized as elective. Independent review sites like Yelp, RateMDs and Google Places provide additional ways for people to share their experiences and reach a greater audience than they would by word of mouth alone. Your reputation will grow positively when people can see that you have a track record of leaving clients satisfied. When prospective patients have information about your reputation conveniently at their fingertips, they’re more likely to make a decision without hesitation to come in if they like what they see.

3. Improving your search engine rankings - online directories like Google Places are great resources for people looking for medical practices in their area (like searching through the phone book but with a map to help you get there). The more positive reviews you have attached to these listings, the higher you will be ranked with these directories and in Google’s search engine results. High rankings lead to greater exposure and can draw in more business! These directories do also provide links to your website and/or your blog, so as people click from the review those rankings are being improved as well.

Getting Patients Involved in Online Reviewing

Patients that have had their expectations met are less likely to go out of their way to post a public review than those that have been disappointed or blown away by great service. Mentioning to all clients that their feedback on these domains will help you meet or maintain an exceptional level of patient satisfaction will encourage many to share their reviews!

Additional review sites to explore: Vitals.com, Healthgrades.com. To get started with online reviews in your practice, make sure your practice is listed on these directories and the ones noted above, and then encourage patients to visit!

For more information on how you can implement this internet marketing strategy or learn more about our web visibility services, contact MedNet Technologies.

MedNet Technologies, one of the leading providers of websites for healthcare professionals, was recently featured in the business section of a major New York newspaper, in an article highlighting the company’s two owners, as well as their plans for future growth and integration with other aspects of healthcare.

MedNet Technologies is proud to announce that Michael O’Neill, a member of our Information Technology team, was recently recognized as one of the “Twenty Top Techies” on Long Island by the Long Island Software and Technology Network (LISTnet).

Michael joined MedNet Technologies in December of 2005. He has an extensive background with technology including five years of service in the United States Navy as an avionics technician, and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. Michael’s role is as MedNet’s Systems Support Engineer, where he is responsible for system infrastructure and web-server support roles.

LISTnet is a networking organization that promotes software and technology development in companies across Long Island. The Twenty Top Techies is an annual distinction that honors some of the top IT technology professionals working in Long Island. Mike was nominated by his managers for his advanced knowledge of software development and programming, as well as his consistent hard work and determination. Congratulations Mike!

View the full press release