How Long Does it Take to get Good Search Engine Results?

The answer is - it varies.

Each search engine is different.  And the answer varies on a case-by-case basis, so we can only speak in generalities.  Of the major search engines - Google, Yahoo and MSN -Yahoo and MSN tend to index new sites a lot faster than Google, but that is not always the case.  On the other hand, if you add a well-optimized page (say for a new type of procedure or service) to a website that is already performing well, Google is often quick to find it.  This is particularly true if your dental website makes regular updates and Google is on alert for them.  It is even truer if the case is a topical news item - like a new prescription medication for dental problems or major dental technology breakthrough.  In those situations, Google seems to go out and look for new material on the subject.

If you have a type of procedure or technology that you want to promote aggressively, the solution usually is an aggressive pay per click ("PPC") campaign on Google, Yahoo and MSN.  With PPC you have much more control over where your listing shows up.  In that case, it is always best to be one of the top two listings (top three may work also), so your listing appears above the natural listings.

Dan Goldstein
Page 1 Solutions

The Importance of Frequently Updating Blogs

It may sound silly, writing on a blog about the importance of updating a blog, but keeping fresh, new content flowing can significantly increase exposure and search engine results.

There are many variables concerning how well a blog will function. One of the main idiosyncrasies is the frequency of updates. But, along with quantity, quality must be provided as well.

A dental website’s visitor will usually not want to read the ranting and raving of a generic topic that yields no useful information to them. Instead, use specific topics relating to dental health or other specific procedures with constructive, interesting or unique content. Give potential dental patients your perspective.

It is critical to think about these tips when making an update:

1. Write about something that is familiar. Who is better qualified to write about a topic than someone who is well versed and experienced in that area?
   
   
2. Keep the blog entry concise, yet informative. Clearly an entry could go on for eons, but no one would want to read it. By making the entry short, sweet and educational, the visitor is left with helpful information and an appetite for more.
   
   
3. Update the blog at least two times a week. A great way to build readership is to be constantly adding fresh, new content. Updating the blog at a minimum of two times a week can start paving the way to blogging success.

By adding content frequently, search engine spiders recognize the additions. The spiders will come back to index the information over and over as long as there is something new to read. This not only helps with search engine positioning, but it also creates an environment conducive to overall success on the web.

In essence, frequently updating a blog with clever, informational content will add zeal to the blog. Not many things are reliable, but a habitually updated blog will assist in the quest of positive public exposure and good search engine rankings.

Noël Otten
Account Manager
Page 1 Solutions

Online Inquiry Management

Does your practice consistently bring in potential patients through your website? What percentage of these leads are actually converted into patients? If you think that there is room for improvement in this area, maybe your practice should consider implementing a database-driven software program to help augment this conversion percentage.

Page 1 Solutions offers a client relationship management capability called ‘virtual counselor’ that automatically tracks and manages incoming email inquiries generated by the website. The system helps your practice’s staff monitor inquiries, automatically sends customized responses and follow-up reminders, and provides a prospect database capability to ensure valuable inquiries are properly managed to avoid ‘losing prospects’ through inactivity or omission.

There are several key elements to this system. Because it is a database driven program, there is virtually no data entry to do. When a prospective patient enters their information on your website contact form, the information automatically flows into a database. Virtual counselor will automatically send a series of customized emails to the prospect. The emails are spread out over time, to gently remind the prospect to contact you. They are customizable so they can be sent out at any interval. It is important to ‘strike while the iron is hot’, so over a six week time, it would make sense to send the first one out within three days of receipt of an inquiry. The next email would go out at exactly two weeks after the initial contact, then four weeks after the initial contact and lastly six weeks after the initial contact.

The dynamic database interface allows for a dentist (or office staff) to log in and edit information. For example, a person contacts the office. Virtual Counselor follows up with them, and they call for a consultation. An appointment is set. At this point, no further email follow-up is necessary. So, the dentist (or office staff) can log in and change the settings for the individual so they do not receive any more follow up emails. This is a management system, which not only allows for database information building, but also acts as a wonderful tool to recruit and retain prospects.

If automated client management software makes sense for your practice, contact Page 1 Solutions to find out more, we’ll help you get real results from your web marketing.