Get rid of your Facebook page

The last couple of days it's been brutally cold here in the Midwest. Lots of school closings, some businesses. I've received some emails about closings, as well as some posts on Facebook that a business is closed due to the weather. I think that's fantastic. A great way to communicate to your customers what's going on.

Then they are the other businesses, who I've "liked" in the past, and went to their page to see what's going on. Only to find some haven't been updated in years. Years! What a waste. You probably did a big roll out when you first set up the page. Expecting your friends, their friends, and anyone else to like your business. You had great hopes to engage, promote, and maybe get some new clients. Then someone dropped the ball. Whether you're a small business, or a large one, in order to be active on social media, someone actually needs to be on social media. Seems easy. Seems a no-brainer. But how many inactive pages are you part of? So next time you say, "We're going to be active on social media." remember this: Someone actually has to do it. Or get off.

Stop slapping your logo on everything

As an identity designer, it goes without saying that I'm a true logo lover. But one thing I can't stand, and this is the branding part of my business, is seeing how little thought businesses often put into their environments. Your office space is one of the best ways to non-verbally communicate your brand, what it stands for, what it means. And you can do this is so many creative ways. One being your office signage. Countless times I've come into offices, and sure enough, behind the front desk, is a giant logo. Blown up larger than life. But your company is more than just a logo. So let's think about it. In new ways. How can you still convey your business without that giant logo? Take a look around. That's a good place to start. Look at the different materials out there, from glass to woods, metals to plastics. Are you a green company? Don't use plastic for your signage. It conveys a mixed message. Think about pulling an element from your logo into your signage the same way you would with your social media icon. Look. Stop. Engage with what surrounds you and connects. Need some inspiration? Check out some of these ideas.

A giant industrial metal snowflake is what's on our front door.

This is why no one "likes" you

Don't take it personally. It's just personal. And what I mean is that not everyone is going to "like" your facebook page. And there can be a number of reasons.

As someone who works with a number of clients in health and wellness, and that extends to therapists, psychologists, and social workers, many realize that despite what seems like everyone sharing a little to much information on social media, there are some things that are best kept private.

While this hasn't stopped anyone from having an online presence, designed for clients to better understand their services, make appointments, or check hours and insurance policies, it has stopped them from reaching out to far.

So what is to far? Perhaps it's a facebook page. Many therapists know that there is a confidentiality issue (as well as legal issues) and that their clients don't want to advertise that they are seeing a therapist. Or that their kids are having difficulties in school or in social situations. Or that they're on a diet. Or in a support group.

It's a fine line that needs to be watched. As someone who understands marketing, I tell my clients it's never a one size fits all. There are so many different channels out there, and ways to connect. Finding the one that works best for you, and your clients, is a matter of knowing that sometimes you don't want to be friends with the people whose care you are under. That it's about the relationship offline that really counts.