Facebook Advertising for Dentists

Facebook has quickly become a valuable dental web marketing tool. And while many practices have recognized the importance of having a fan page on the site, most are still neglecting the value of advertising on the social networking site. Facebook Advertising, which is essentially a pay-per-click platform, is easy, affordable, and a great tool for branding your practice.

Unlike Google Adwords, Facebook Advertising is not yet very competitive, so the cost-per-click is still very affordable (often times under a dollar). Facebook is also unique in it has a rather advanced targeting. While Google limits the advertiser to certain keywords and locations, Facebook can target by age, gender, location, interests, and more. This is not to say that it is a better option than Google, but rather to point out that it is different.

It is important to keep in mind that the main difference between a search engine’s sponsored listings and Facebook's, is that on a search engine, users are actually seeking out your service. They are searching for a “Cosmetic Dentist in Denver,” while on Facebook, you are seeking them out. This is why traffic to your website from a Facebook Advertising campaign will not necessarily convert in patients (right away). It may not even generate much traffic, but it is GREAT for branding. By having your practice's name and logo appear in front of your target demographic on a regular basis, you are implanting your brand into their minds. And when it comes time, they will already be familiar and feel connected with your practice.

Facebook offers a cost-per-impression option, but it is generally not the best option for a campaign. Although when compared side-by-side the cost-per-impression is cheaper than the cost-per-click, it is safe to assume that there will be exponentially more impressions of your ad, than actual clicks. Again, this is because Facebook Advertising is a much better tool for branding, than for generating traffic to your website.

If you are familiar with Facebook, then setting up and following a campaign is not hard. You can find step-by-step help here. If you are new to Facebook, enlist the help of your staff, your kids, your friends, anyone! Chances are that you know someone who is Facebook saavy.

And as always, please feel free to ask questions or leave comments!

Blogging to the Teeth - Dental Blogs

So you're a dentist, and you have a blog. Now what? Many dentists may not realize it, but a blog has a lot of potential for not only bringing in new patients, but making them feel comfortable about your office before they walk through the door. Writing about the latest procedures, topics and success stories is a great way to connect with your audience! Here are some example blog entries from two of our favorite dentistry websites.

Dr. Josh Bernstein, DDS, in San Francisco, California.

• Implants Then and Now Using Guided Implant Surgery. Dr. Bernstein explains in his own voice the difference between dental implant procedures of the past and those of today. We should be thankful for technological advancement!
• Headaches, TMJ, Grinding Teeth, and Vertigo. Dr. Bernstein discusses the causes and symptoms of TMJ. Who knew that vertigo might be a sign of a dental problem?
• Invisalign. Dr. Bernstein discusses the benefits of Invisalign. Did you know that Invisalign actually improves your smile faster than regular metal braces?

I Hate CPAP! in Chicago, Illinois.

• I'm Interested in Alternatives to CPAP. Dr. Ira Shapira responds to an inquiry about a sleep study as opposed to CPAP machines.
• Improving CPAP and Appliance Comfort With a PAP Pillow. Dr. Shapira talks about a sleep website that he loves, and recommends the PAP Pillow for those who are more comfortable sleeping on their side while using CPAP machines.
• The Best Prices on CPAP Supplies and Equipment. Although Dr. Shapira's website is about alternatives to CPAP, he acknowledges that many people love and depend on their CPAP treatments. In this blog entry, Dr. Shapira aims to help those people find the best prices on their CPAP supplies!

Great Posts in Recent Dental News!

There have been a ton of great topics circulating cosmetic dentistry news sources in the last week. Here are some of our favorite blog entries from dentists in North America!

• Eat, Drink and Be Merry! (While Still Taking Care of Your Teeth) by Dr. J. Mulder Jr. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This guide will tell you how you can enjoy those red wines and coffees for the holidays and still have a great smile!
• Pre-Consultation Considerations by Cherry Creek Orthodontics in Denver, Colorado. Some things to consider before going in for your dental consultation.
• Tooth Scaling and Root Planing by Aesthetic Dental Studio in Calgary, Alberta. Has a dentist ever said these terrifying words to you? Learn exactly what tooth scaling and root planing is and put those fears to rest!
• The Advantages of Dental Implants by Joel L. Schaffer, DDS, in Boulder, Colorado. If you're considering dental implants, this guide might help show you if it will provide you with the advantages you're looking for.
• How Invisalign Works by Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland. Everyone wants to get this amazing alternative to braces, but how exactly do they work? This blog entry answers your questions.

Dentalnomics

Check out the new group we formed on LinkedIn! We are hoping that Dentalnomics will be a way to share ideas, network, and find resources within the dental community. If you are a dentist or related dental professional, this is the place on Linkedin for you to connect with one another and share ideas and best practices regarding marketing and managing your dentistry practice. Discussions will range from how to market your dental practice, retaining patients, lead conversions, web traffic, intake protocols, working with your dental team, to handling financing and insurance and more. We value your participation, and look forward to connecting with you!

The group is still in it's very early stages, but don't be afraid to help us get it rolling! The sooner you join, the sooner you can help mold the group into a useful dental web marketing tool!

Great Posts in Recent Cosmetic Dentistry Blogs!

The world of cosmetic dentistry has been filled with fascinating facts and topics. Here are some of our favorite blog entries from recent cosmetic dentistry blogs!

• Dental Allergies by Colonial Dental Group in Glenview, Illinois. If you feel uncomfortable in the dentist's office, it may be that there is something in the office you are allergic to. This blog entry has a great list of items to consider if you have strong allergies.
• Patient Testimony of Headache and TMD Relief by Advanced Smile Designs in Aptos, California. A woman named Denise shares her experience with migranes due to TMD and the relief she found at this California based dentistry office.
• Getting a Good Night's Sleep by Dr. Jerry Mulder in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Many people suffer from sleep deprivation due to snoring and sleep apnea. Did you know that dentistry can alleviate that problem?
• The Ins and Outs of Cosmetic Dentistry by Winterholler Dentistry in Phoenix, Arizona. What exactly is cosmetic dentistry all about? This blog entry gives a great overview of the practice and its goals.
• Family Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Brian Hale, DDS, in San Antonio, Texas. So how is a cosmetic dentist different than your regular, family dentist? This blog entry explains it all!

Great Posts in Recent Dental News!

There have been lots of exciting topics circulating the world of cosmetic dentistry lately. Here are some of our favorite blog entries on these topics from cosmetic dentists.

• What is Full Mouth Reconstruction? by Willow Dental in Toronto, Canada. There are many people who have heard of full mouth reconstruction, but do not really know what is involved in this procedure. If this is you, you can find out all about full mouth reconstruction in this blog entry!
• Options for Fixing Gaps in Your Teeth by Joel L. Schaffer, DDS, in Boulder, Colorado. If you have gaps in your teeth, you have plenty of different options for repair. Read this blog entry to find out which one is right for you!
• The Advantages of Today's Dental Braces by Cherry Creek Orthodontics in Denver, Colorado. Braces have come a long way in the past few years, making them a much more appealing option for crooked teeth!
• Raisin Eyebrows: Is Dried Fruit Good For Your Teeth? by Dr. Kevin Sands, DDS, in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Kevin Sands discusses the effect of this healthy snack on our teeth.
• New Orleans Saints Mouthguards by Advanced Smile Designs in Aptos, California. A mouthguard is more important to star football teams than you might think!

TweetBeep for Cosmetic Dentists

Cosmetic dentists are still trying to figure out how they can best utilize Twitter as part of their Dental web marketing strategy. TweetBeep is a perfect tool for dental practices looking to generate patients from Twitter.

TweetBeep is an application that is similar to Google Alerts. It sends you free Twitter notifications anytime that a specific keyword or phrase (which can be tailored to fit your needs) is tweeted. It is a great tool for tracking site mentions, competitor mentions, managing your reputation, generating leads, and more.

The main reason that TweetBeep can be so effective is because you can include geographic locations in your search results. For example, you can set an alert for the keyword "veneers" that is tweeted within 25 miles of your practice. Therefore, if somebody in your city tweets that they want to get veneers, you will be notified. Then, you can send the person a message, introducing yourself, encouraging them to visit your web and inviting them to your office for a consultation.

Have questions? Feel free to leave a comment or contact us on Twitter!