7 essential tips for using Facebook to promote your medical practice

Facebook can be an extremely effective tool for marketing your medical or dental practice.

It can help build brand awareness, attract new patients, and strengthen loyalty among existing ones. The reach is significant: as of 2024, around 67% of UK adults use Facebook regularly, and over 40% say they have searched for health information online (Ofcom, 2024). This means that Facebook is not only a place for community and conversation but also a trusted channel for patients seeking health-related advice.

However, success with Facebook marketing does not happen by accident. It requires planning, consistency, and a clear understanding of what works and what to avoid. Here are seven essential tips.

1. Keep it professional

Always separate your professional and personal presence. Set up a dedicated business Facebook Page rather than using a personal account. This protects patient confidentiality and ensures you avoid ethical or legal pitfalls.

On a Page, you interact with followers rather than “friends”. Patients do not see your personal details, and you do not see theirs. This clear boundary helps maintain professionalism and trust.

2. Post regularly

Your Facebook Page should not be static. Regular updates keep your practice front of mind with patients and increase your visibility.

Aim for at least two to three posts per week. Mix up your content with:

Health advice and preventive care tips
Practice updates such as new services or opening hours
Awareness campaigns (e.g. National Smile Month, flu season advice)
Shared credible content from trusted sources such as the NHS

Consistency is more important than volume, so choose a posting schedule you can sustain.

3. Encourage interaction

Social media is about two-way communication. Craft posts that invite engagement rather than broadcasting information.

Examples include:

Polls about new services or clinic hours
Simple “like if you agree” posts
Asking patients to share healthy lifestyle tips in the comments

These interactions provide insight into your community while also boosting your visibility on the platform.

4. Show your human side

Trust is critical in healthcare. Alongside professional posts, let your Page show the personality of your team and practice.

Ideas include:

Short introductions to staff members
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of the practice
Photos of your team supporting community events
Posts that reflect your values and care philosophy

Friendly, approachable content helps patients feel more connected and reassured.

5. Optimise for local search

Most patients come from your local area. Optimise your Facebook Page for local SEO by:

Adding your full address, phone number, and website link
Including local keywords (e.g. “dentist in Leeds” or “private GP in Manchester”) in your descriptions
Posting about community events or local partnerships
Using location-based hashtags

This strengthens your visibility in searches and helps new patients find you.

6. Use Facebook Insights

Facebook provides built-in analytics through Page Insights. Monitor these regularly to understand what content resonates.

Track:

Which posts get the most engagement
What times of day are your followers most active
Demographics of people engaging with your content

Use these insights to refine your strategy, post at the best times, and focus on content that generates results.

7. Promote your Page

Do not rely on organic reach alone. Proactively promote your Facebook Page by:

Linking to it from your website and email signatures
Adding it to practice brochures and appointment cards
Sharing posts in relevant community or interest groups (while respecting group rules)
Using Facebook Ads to boost key posts or target specific audiences, such as people living within 10 miles of your practice

Growing your Page audience increases your reach and helps you position your practice as a trusted local healthcare provider.

FAQs: 7 Essential Tips for Using Facebook to Promote Your Medical Practice

Why should I use a dedicated business Facebook page for my practice?

A business page keeps patient data private, maintains professionalism, and separates personal from professional content.

How often should I post on my practice’s Facebook page?

Aim for 2–3 posts per week, focusing on consistency over volume.

What types of content work best for engaging patients on Facebook?

Mix health tips, practice updates, awareness campaigns, and credible third-party content.

How can I encourage interaction and build trust on social media?

Use polls, ask questions, share team stories, and respond to comments to foster engagement and trust.

What are the best ways to optimise my Facebook page for local search?

Add your address, phone, website, use local keywords, and post about community events.

How do I use Facebook Insights to improve my marketing strategy?

Monitor engagement, post timing, and audience demographics to refine your content and posting schedule.

Final word

When executed well, a Facebook Page can be a powerful part of your wider marketing strategy. The key is to remain professional, consistent, and compliant with ASA, GMC, and CAP Code guidelines.

Used alongside your website, email campaigns, and local SEO, Facebook can help you connect with patients, build trust, and grow your practice.

Facebook Marketing for Medical Practices, Medical Facebook Marketing