Browse Category

Blog

Blog

Dental Marketing News: The New Google Updates

by Naomi Cooper May 21, 2013

Dental Marketing News: The New Google UpdatesThings are busy at Google. Last week the people behind the most popular search engine announced updates to their algorithm, as well as a total redesign for their social media site, Google+. Here is a very brief breakdown of the Google news and what it means for dentists.

Google Algorithm Updates

Google announced they will begin “rewarding” sites they deem to be a subject matter authority, with the reward being a higher ranking in the search results. Exactly how a website is determined to be a subject matter expert is measured by the number of clicks a website gets, the freshness of the content — even localization seems to be factored in. Why does this matter to dental practices? Now is the perfect time for dentists to commit to improving their online presence. Dentists have the opportunity to become the dental expert within their local area. Adding an on-siteblog to the practice website and broadcasting blog posts across social media profiles such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest can help to increase online reach while improving the website’s SEO at the same time.

Google+

Google’s social media component has gotten a major overhaul. The newsfeed has been streamlined and photos are predominantly featured…a seeming influence of Pinterest. Dentists should build upon the redesign by adding more photos and videos to their Google+ profiles, including pictures of the dentist, the team, shots of the practice, a welcome video and videos about common procedures. (Be sure to get a photo/video release signed by anyone appearing in any of the images or videos!) For more info on the new Google+, check out this blog from the online marketing experts at Qnary.

These are just 2 of the many updates Google has implemented recently. While always evolving, it’s safe to say Google and it’s components (search, Google+, Google+ Local and YouTube to name a few) continue to be a dominant force in the online marketing landscape today.

Blog

SEO for Dentists: The Online Marketing Tactic Not to Be Ignored

by Naomi Cooper May 9, 2013

SEO for Dentists: The Online Marketing Tactic Not to Be IgnoredSearch engine optimization, or SEO as it’s more commonly called, is not just for large corporations. Businesses of all sizes, including dental practices, need to employ SEO tactics in order to drive traffic to their business websites, and cast a wider net in order to reach more Internet users.

Understanding SEO, however, is no simple feat. Strategies are constantly changing as Google and other major search engines often adapt their algorithms, sometimes on a daily basis. There is an entire industry of SEO specialists who spend their entire work week staying on top of and employing the latest tactics for their clients. Of course, dentists could take the time to study the science behind search engine optimization, but who really has the time?

For dentists who are looking to get a basic foundation of understanding of search engine optimization, check out this recent blog from the always informative Marketingprofs.com on how to (kinda) become an SEO expert in 10 minutes.

SEO isn’t just a passing trend; nor is it just for corporations. Dental practices of all sizes benefit from smart SEO practices. After all, patients won’t be able to find you if they don’t know you are there!

Blog

Twitter for Dentists: Using Social Media to Grow Your Practice

by Naomi Cooper April 23, 2013

Twitter for Dentists: Using Social Media to Grow Your PracticeHere on the blog, we often talk about social media, with many posts have been geared toward Facebook.  We haven’t, however, talked much about Twitter. While not as universally used as Facebook, Twitter still boasts 500 million users. This social media site remains a successful method for dentists to reach new patients and connect with both the local and online communities.

What’s unique about Twitter is that every single word you’ve ever tweeted is public and searchable unless it was specifically marked private. That means anyone who happens to be searching for any of the keywords you’re tweeting about will find your tweets. This is an incredible way to build a loyal base of followers, regardless of whether they actually know you or not. And because about half of Americans don’t have a dentist, if your Twitter followers are in your local area, they certainly have the potential to become your patients when they’re ready.

I recently came across this informative blog highlighting Twitter from the social media guru Jeff Bullas. Click here to read the blog and discover his 40 ways to increase your Twitter followers.

Facebook is not the only option when it comes to connecting with your patients online. Twitter is a simple and quick way for dentists to distribute information and engage with followers within a matter of seconds.

Do you use Twitter in your dental practice? What has made it successful for you?

Blog

Branding Strategies for Dentists: Why It’s More Than Just Advertising

by Naomi Cooper April 16, 2013

Branding Strategies for Dentists: Why It’s More Than Just AdvertisingAs marketing guru John Jantsch says, branding is the art of being knowable, likeable and trustable. To be knowable, a dental practice has to be both visible and noteworthy; people have to know the practice exists, and as if that weren’t enough of a challenge, they also have to remember the practice’s name in their hour of need.

A dental practice’s brand is conveyed not only through traditional marketing tactics, but also by incidental and sometimes even accidental means; the way financial concerns are addressed over the phone, the tone in the receptionist’s voice when she greets a new patient, the way the doctor compliments the assistant, and even the first impression new patients have when they walk through the front door. Clinical skills, customer service, the carpet in the reception area, the greeting patients hear over the phone—each of these are part of the patient experience, and thus, the practice’s brand.

A practice’s brand communicates the distinctive combination of skills, personality, values and expertise that influence the way dentists practice—and how the community views them. Every practice is different, and every dentist has something exceptional to offer. Branding establishes a practice’s unique identity, ensures patient loyalty, and most importantly, has the potential to keep dentists in the driver’s seat when it comes to their reputations. Branding is about communicating a message—and dentists who employ a branding strategy will ensure their patients get the message loud and clear.

What is a brand? And why should dentists employ a branding strategy? Click here to read my recent article on the topic published in Dental Products Report.

Does your dental practice have a brand identity? How do you think potential patients, and your community, view your practice?

Blog

Facebook for Dentists: Why Check-ins Matter to Your Practice

by Naomi Cooper April 3, 2013

Facebook for Dentists: Why Check-ins Matter to Your PracticeMaybe you have heard of Facebook’s new Graph Search. Even if you haven’t, the latest Facebook update is worth learning about to make your dental practice Facebook page most effective.

Graph Search is a new search engine within Facebook. When it is officially rolled out, users will be able to search for information, such as “Restaurants in Manhattan”, just as they would on Google or Bing. The results that appear within Facebook however will be based on the user’s friends’ interactions, Likes and check-ins, with the idea being that you will be more likely to try something that your friends have also tried.

What are check-ins?

When a Facebook user wants to share their location, they “check-in” to the restaurant, shop, or almost anywhere they might be, making it appear in their News Feed for their friends to see.

Check-ins are growing increasingly important for businesses with Facebook Pages in terms of increasing visibility. Whereas if a user Likes something on Facebook, it will be seen by the user’s friends in their news feed.

If a user checks-in to a location, that activity is not only broadcast to their friends, but also to their friends’ friends – exponentially increasing the number of people potentially seeing the business.

And why are check-ins important for a dental practice?

Getting your patients to check in when they come into your office for an appointment will increase your dental practice visibility on Facebook and online since Facebook activity plays a role in SEO. The more easily people find your practice online, the more likely they are to make their first appointment.

How can dentists utilize Facebook check-ins?

–       Signage around the office: Have tented cards or small signs visible in the waiting room and at the front desk to remind patients to check-in when they arrive.

–       Arming your team: Make sure that everyone on the team knows what check-ins are, why they are important, and how to instruct patients to check in if they themselves do not know.

–       Check-in contests: Set up a small raffle or contest for patients where anytime they check-in, they get entered to win a small prize. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but adding an element of fun to the check-in can help increase the activity. Just be sure to adhere to the Facebook contest guidelines.

Facebook is still testing and finishing the Graph Search feature, so the true impact of check-ins remains to be seen. What we already know is that check-ins and Likes are only getting more important, and are proving to be strong drivers not only for Facebook visibility but for SEO purposes as well.

Blog

Cultivating Relationships: 6 Networking Tips for Dentists

by Naomi Cooper March 27, 2013

Cultivating Relationships: 6 Networking Tips for DentistsHere on the blog I often speak to the importance for dentists to engage in social media and online marketing. New modern tactics like these are essential for dentists to keep their marketing fresh and relevant. With that being said, a solid marketing plan includes a mix of new and old methods. And nothing can replace the value of professional networking.

Many dentists shy away from networking. Their reasons (ahem, excuses) range from not wanting to be too “sales-y” to simply not understanding the importance of networking.

No amount of advertising can replace face-to-face communication. Fostering relationships with fellow dentists, specialists, other healthcare providers and even other business owners is a way to market your practice and stay in touch with the local community.

Networking does not have to be cheesy or phony. Instead, approach networking as an opportunity to meet other business professionals with the same goal in mind – to grow their business.

Here are few ways for dentists to jumpstart their professional network:

  1. Start with the familiar. Be sure to be an active member of your college and dental school alumni associations. Re-establish relationships with your dental school mates. Even if they are not nearby, you never know where a referral may come from.
  2. Join, or re-engage, with professional associations. On the national level, check out the ADA website for any upcoming seminars or events. Be sure to look closer to home at state or local components.
  3. If there are not any local opportunities, create one of your own and bring together other like-minded healthcare professionals. Host a study club or a cross-specialty workshop for patients with other doctors, for instance a dermatologist or pediatrician.
  4. Include website addresses of your contacts within your practice website. Create a reciprocal page, “Our Medical Community”, with links to other websites of your contacts.
  5. Join your local Chamber of Commerce.
  6. Professional networking is now online. LinkedIn is the most popular site for professionals looking to increase their network. Facebook and Twitter are obviously ideal for engaging with patients, but to connect with other professionals Linkedin is your best bet.

In the end, if you are not talking about your practice, who will be? Operating a successful dental practice is not just about quality patient care. Meeting people and establishing professional relationships must be an element of your dental marketing plan.

Older Posts
Newer Posts