Dental Web Marketing

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Cosmetic Dentists Who Are Coming of Age

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Smith) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:08:00 +0000

Take a guess as to what these five Cosmetic Dentists have in common...

Gateway Dental Arts (Salt Lake City)

Terry Bass, DDS (Oklahoma City)

Joseph W Worthington, DDS, PC (Fairfield, CT)

More Smiles Dental Spa (Covington, LA)

James Loye, DDS (San Diego)

Answer: Each has "come of age" by asking Page 1 Solutions to develop their Facebook Fan Page. They have chosen to give Social Media Marketing a chance.

But why?

Social Media Marketing the newest frontier for the Internet. By creating and maintaining a fan page on Facebook, friends of friends can easily get to know your business easier than before for a fraction of any advertising cost. Ultimately, if down with a little effort and an open mind, you can pick up additional clients through social media marketing without damaging your checkbook.

Word of Mouth is considered the greatest form of advertising. But just imagine if one of your clients loves their new smile so much they become a fan of your practice's Facebook profile. They may go so far as to post before and after pictures on their Facebook profile page.

Guess who will see these before and after pictures?....

Answer... Their best friends and acquaintances from their hometown, college, relationships and past.

Chances are, your client's Facebook friends live within your market. Consider the phrase: Birds of a Feather flock together. All it takes is for one friend of a friend to see your client's smile and they might consider taking this friendly endorsement to heart and contact your office.

Does this sort of thing actually happen? Of course it does. Getting business from friends of friends via social media is easier than you might think. Don't be skeptical.

Check out this video from www.socialnomics.com for some encouragement and ask yourself if you are "coming of age"?

Three Tips to a Successful Online Dental Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:12:00 +0000

Your online dental gallery is one of the most important things your website can tell your visitors about your work. Many people visiting a cosmetic dentist's website won't contact the office unless there are before and after photos of their procedure available. Dr. Babak Firouzi, DMD, has a great example before and after gallery on his website. We'll use this as a guide to give you three great tips for a successful online dental gallery!

1. Clear organization is a must. It is important that your website visitors know where to find the before and after images they are interested in. Having clear navigational buttons, either on the side or top of your website will help navigate your visitors to the images they want to see. Dr. Firouzi's site has a clear button on the left hand side that says, "Gallery of Smiles". You can also name this button "Smile Before and Afters" or something similar.

2. Show them only the images that they want to see. It is also good to separate out before and afters for different procedures, that way visitors aren't bombarded with images that they don't want to see. Dental before and after photos can be a bit graphic, and visitors will appreciate not having to wade through images for procedures they aren't interested in. Dr. Babak Firouzi's site offers images for these procedures, separated into three separate pages:

3. Organize the images on the page. This one seems pretty basic, but it is important that your online visitors know which two images of teeth belong to the same person. Dr. Firouzi's site handles this by simply placing the dental procedure images very close to each other, within the same border, so it is apparent that they belong to the same person.

Dental Marketing Questions that Google Analytics Can Answer

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:36:00 +0000

It takes a lot of time, energy and money to really successfully run and maintain an internet marketing campaign. Thankfully, there are some great tools out there to help you keep an eye on your efforts! Google Analytics is a free tool from Google that shows you in a clean format exactly where your visitors came from, what they're looking for, and how they navigate around your site. This is a great tool for answering many of your internet marketing questions! Here are some questions dentists may ask themselves that Google Analytics can answer.

How do I know if a paid online service is worth the cost?
When trying to evaluate an online service such as Press Releases or Ad Campaigns, try to integrate them as much as you can with Google Analytics. With Google AdWords, integrating with Google Analytics is a snap, just make sure that you set up both your AdWords and your Analytics account with the same email address, and follow Google's instructions. You can also use Google's URL Builder to create a custom URL to use in press releases and banner ads that will track clicks on the URL in Google Analytics.

By tracking clicks and ad campaigns in Google Analytics, you can easily compare your different online investments and see which ones are sending the most valuable traffic to your website. This integrates well with external campaigns such as radio ads - if you purchase radio advertisements, ask to also get a link from their website using a custom URL. You might be surprised at how much traffic that link will send!

How can I measure my website's performance?
While your website's positioning in search engine result pages (SERPs) may be entirely up to your internet marketing company, you can control how well your online visitors convert into patients by tracking their movements through your website.

One great basic way you can do this is by setting up Goals and Goal Funnels. A "goal" on your website is a specific page that you want your future patients to land on; for most websites, it is the "Thank You" page that visitors get after they've filled out a contact form. A "funnel" is an ideal path that your patients might take through your website. One example of a funnel might be:

Home Page > About Dr. Dentist > Dental Financing Options > Contact Page > Thank You Page

By setting up a funnel, you can see where visitors on your website enter and exit an ideal path. It is not necessarily bad that visitors exit the funnel, so long as the page they go to next makes sense.

Another great way to track certain visitor actions is Event Tracking. You may want to work with your dental web marketing company on getting Event Tracking set up, as it is a little more complex than other tracking methods. Event Tracking allows you to track certain elements of your site that a visitor might interact with, such as a button, image or link. This is a great way to know which dental forms are downloaded, which dental coupons or promotions are more interesting, or even whether a top navigation link is more effective than a side navigation link.

How do I know whether or not my content is effective?

There are a ton of reports in the "Content" section of Google Analytics that are designed specifically to answer this question! Your "Top Landing Pages" report will show the pages that visitors "land" on the most, meaning that is the page they enter your website on. Some metrics you'll want to keep your eye on are "Time on Page" and "Bounce Rate".

Time on page is pretty self-explanatory; it's the average amount of time that visitors spend on that page. If this number is lower for some pages than others, you know your content is not very engaging.

Bounce Rate is the percent of people who land on that page and then leave without visiting anything else on your site. A high bounce rate is a big red flag for your pages - if you have a lot of visitors going to your tooth whitening page, but that page has a 100% bounce rate, you'll want to have the content for that page revised STAT!

Do you have any other questions that might be solved with web analytics? Please feel free to post them in our comments section!

Facebook Advertising for Dentists

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:31:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:01:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:16:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:37:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:20:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:53:00 +0000

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!

Great Posts in Recent Dental News!

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Lots of exciting discussions have been happening in the world of dentistry! Here are some of our favorite blog entries, from dentists across the nation!

Our New Fish Tank by Joel L. Shaffer, DDS, in Boulder, Colorado. It's always nice to get a preview of a dentist's office - this dentist brings you into the office by showing you a video of their fish tank!
The Many Advantages of Dental Implants by Winterholler Dentistry in Phoenix, Arizona. A great outline of what dental implants can do for your smile by this office in Phoenix!
Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist by Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland. A great guide on how to find the cosmetic dentist that's right for you.
The Orthodontic Evaluation by Cherry Creek Orthodontics in Denver, Colorado. How exactly will your orthodontic evaluation go? This blog entry has the answers.
Dental Health: Canker Sores by Colonial Dental Group in Glenview, Illinois. What are canker sores, and how can you prevent them? This article answers your questions!

Page 1 Wins 2 LACP 2009 Spotlight Awards for Dental Websites!

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:53:00 +0000

We are proud to announce that Page 1 Solutions has won two honors awards from the LACP 2009 Spotlight Awards, demonstrating once again that we are a premier Dental Web Marketing firm!

The website for Rochester, Michigan Cosmetic Dentists, Dr. Doolin and Dr. Haddad of Rochester Advanced Dentistry won the Honors Award with a score of 94/100. The judges noted that "the style and design of this website is very engaging, speaking to the organization's high level of passion and involvement."

Also a winner is the website we designed for San Diego Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mary Walch-Cole, DMD. Dr. Walsh-Cole's website also scored 94/100 and took home the Honors Award. The judges were also very complementive of this site, stating that the site had "outstanding production values: the top quality of this web site helps to enhance its compelling nature as well as underscore the strengths of the brand," adding that "this portal is a pure delight to review."

Congratulations and great job to everyone involved in building these sites. We are very proud of these accomplishments and look forward to more to come!

Great Blog Entries in Recent Cosmetic Dentistry News!

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:10:00 +0000

It's that time again! Here are some of our favorite cosmetic dentistry blog entries from the past week. Enjoy!

Eye for an Eye, Tooth for a...? by Kenneth A. Mogell, DMD, in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Mogell discusses an interesting ophthalmologic procedure where a patient's tooth is implanted in the eye to help correct vision!
Working on my Cosmetic Dentistry Book by Scott Greenhalgh, DDS, in Lakewood, Colorado. A great idea by this Colorado based dentist: a book full of before and afters from patients, with stories! This really demonstrates how cosmetic dentistry can change lives.
Pierced Tongues by Exceptional Dentistry in Dubuque, Iowa. Learn how this fashion accessory can really damage your teeth!
Invisalign for Straight Teeth by Drs. Jamie and Kevin Sands in Valley Village, California. Some great before and afters that really demonstrate the difference Invisalign can make!
What is a Veneer? by Michael Bufo, DMD, in Portland, Maine. A thorough, easy-to-read overview of porcelain veneers.

Great Posts in Recent Cosmetic Dentistry Blogs!

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:03:00 +0000

There have been a ton of fantastic blog entries in recent cosmetic dentistry news! Here are some of our favorites.

Sleep Apnea by Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland. All about sleep apnea and what to do if you've got it.
How Do I Choose a Sedation Dentist? by Aesthetic Dental Studio in Calgary, Canada. Some important things to know about choosing your sedation dentist.
Sleep Apnea in Children by I Hate CPAP! in Chicago, Illinois. Children work in a very different way than adults. Learn about sleep apnea in children and what you as a parent can do to help your child cope.
Why See a Neuromuscular Dentist? by Colonial Dental Group in Glenview, Illinois. Learn about what makes neuromuscular dentistry such a fantastic specialization and how it can help you and your teeth.
Are You Apprehensive at the Dentist? by Dr. O'Neil in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We all get nervous about that trip to the dentist. Here are some facts to help you overcome those fears!

Great Posts in Recent Cosmetic Dentistry Blogs!

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000

There have been a lot of great topics circulating in cosmetic dentistry news lately. Here are some of our favorites, from cosmetic dentists across the nation!

Bad Breath??? What to do? by Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D., in Boca Raton, Florida. Here's some basic steps you can take to treat and prevent chronic bad breath.
Superdome Celebration for New Orleans Top Docs by More Smiles Dental Spa in Covington, Louisiana. Thanks to New Orleans Magazine and others, some of the top dentists in the New Orleans area held a celebratory event the Louisiana Superdome!
Teeth Whitening by Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland. Learn all about teeth whitening and how it can improve your smile!
Becky's All New Smile by Dr. Josh Bernstein in San Francisco, California. An amazing patient story, complete with before and after photos!
Who Says You Can't Wear White After Labor Day? by Sugar Fix Dental in Chicago, Illinois. This Chicago based dental office has come up with a fun promotion for their tooth whitening services.

LinkedIn Groups for Dentists

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:37:00 +0000

LinkedIn can be a great place for dental professionals to connect with one another. The following is a short list of groups that I think are beneficial for cosmetic dentists to participate in:

Dentist Network - "The place for dentists to share ideas & best practices regarding clinical developments in dentistry and managing practices." (982 members)
Dental Implant Professionals - "Dedicated to networking and sharing information within the dental implant industry." (356 members)
Dental Geeks - "A place to discuss exciting projects, current trends, and network together to grow business." (421 members)
Dental Network Group - "An exclusive group for Dentists only." (71 members)
American Dental Association - "A group for members and colleagues of the American Dental Association, as well as members of the dental profession." (299 members)

Think I missed a good one? Let me know and I'll add it to the list!

How to Handle a Negative Review Online

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Social networking sites offer great marketing and branding opportunities. Not only can you showcase your practice and dentists, but satisfied patients can go online and tell the world how happy they are with their brand new smile. But what about the unhappy patients? Is it worth participating in social media if it means that you may be opening up yourself or your practice to negative reviews?

I believe that reputation management is a main reason for joining social networking sites, not against using them. First, unhappy patients can easily review your services on sites like Yelp.com, whether you are a member or not. And if they are talking about you on Facebook or Twitter, the only way you’ll know is if you’re on there too.

Don’t be afraid of negative reviews – face them. If handled properly, a less than flattering review from a past patient can help you more than it hurts. Use these types of comments to make your practice look even better by showing how much you care about patient satisfaction. Respond to the review (publicly or privately) in a manner that demonstrates your commitment to excellence. Apologize to the patient; offer a remedy to the situation; go above and beyond.

If you respond to the review in a professional, compelling manner, you will not only save your relationship with an existing client, but you may pick up some new ones.

Great Blog Posts in Recent Cosmetic Dentistry News

noreply@blogger.com (tara.pingle) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:38:00 +0000

It's great to see more and more people in cosmetic dentistry creating and maintaining blogs about their field. Here are some great blog entries we've seen lately from cosmetic dentists across the nation!

Are You Eating What You Want, or What You Can? by the Coleman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Poway, California. If you're having difficulty eating all the foods that you enjoy, cosmetic dentistry might make a difference.
Sedation Dentistry: Don't Fear the Dentist by Discover Dental Care in Shawnee, Kansas. If you have a fear of dentistry, this blog entry will tell you all the different options for sedation and which one might be best for you.
Do You (Or Someone You Love) Snore? by Boulder General Dentistry in Boulder, Colorado. Learn about a dental appliance that might alleviate the embarrassment of snoring!
Rachel's All New Smile by Josh Bernstein, DDS in San Francisco, California. This is a great patient story about a woman whose bad bite was causing premature aging in her teeth. The before and after photos are amazing!
What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry? by Sean Michael Anderson, DDS, in San Ramon, California. This blog entry describes neuromuscular dentistry and how it can help with neuromuscular problems like TMD.

How to Set Up a Facebook Page For Your Practice

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Before getting started, make sure that you have a personal account - you cannot set up a fan page without it. Once you have a personal page set up, you will be able to create a page for your practice.

1.) Sign in to your account and scroll to the very bottom of the page. Click on the "Advertising" link that is shown in the image below:
2.) Click on the "Pages" link on the top of the Advertising page:
3.) Click on the green "Create a Page" button:4.) Create your page by filling out the appropriate information. Note that you cannot change your "company name" after set-up.

Once you have set-up your page, be sure to become a fan of your own page immediately - it makes it much easier to find your page later! Also, edit your page by using the "Edit Info" link in the photo below and be sure to include your website in a visible place, like the "write something about your company" box.

From here you can add photos, videos, posts and more. Just play with it for a little while, and you'll get the hang of it. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Become a fan of Page 1 on Facebook!

Blogging for Dentists

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Blogging is a great way to improve your search engine rankings and enhance your dental website. It not only helps your positioning on search engines, but can also help you establish yourself as an industry expert and reach out to your patients.

At first it may seem like a lot of work, but blogging is actually very simple and doesn’t take much time at all. If done well, it can be a great resource for your existing and future patients, as well as other dental professionals. But keep a few things in mind:

Entries should be kept pretty short and sweet. Anything over 300 words becomes more like an article and less like a blog. If you find that you need more room, split the entry into two or three parts.
Always consider your audience. Blogs should be written with your target audience in mind. What kind of information are they interested in? What is their vocabulary? Try to use language and topics that your reader can relate to and understand.
Add photos and graphics if it helps convey your message. Blogs may be a great way to showcase before and after photos.
SPELL CHECK.

Sign up with a service like Blogge r (which is free and easy to use), and give it a shot. If you have any questions, let me know! I’d be glad to help.

LinkedIn for Medical Professionals

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:44:00 +0000

LinkedIn is one of the top social networking sites, yet it often is overlooked by medical professionals.

It's an incredibly valuable tool for any professional and I recommend that everybody, even cosmetic dentists, take time to make his or her profile complete and up-to-date. Here are just a few reasons why:

• LinkedIn is a great place to establish yourself as an industry leader and expert. You can contribute to discussion groups (and maybe even take away some useful information as well).

• Prospective patients can see your impressive credentials—many of which would otherwise go unknown.

• Your profile is another place to show referrals and testimonials. An integral part of LinkedIn is the feature that allows people to recommend you or your service. Past patients, other doctors, and friends can write short recommendations that are then posted on to your profile.

• You can post links to your website or blog on your profile, which is great for driving traffic to your website and SEO.

You would be amazed how often patients research their doctors on LinkedIn before making a call to the office - I do it every time. Your profile (or lack thereof) may be their first impression. And nobody wants to use a cosmetic dentist who is out-of-touch or out-of-date.

Dental Website with Video

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Macklin) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Dr. Mary Walsh-Cole is a site that just went live. It shows great use of video. Also, it's very easy for the user to navigate through and get the information they need.

Guaranteed SEO - Does it Exist?

noreply@blogger.com (Clint Macklin) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:07:00 +0000

Simply put: Yes it does. You can find SEO firms that offer guarantees, but you need to be careful about what it is that they are promising. Any firm can guarantee a first page listing, but is it for natural listings or the sponsored listings? If it’s sponsored listings, you could do it yourself by setting up a Google ad-word account and could be on the first page the next day. To me, that is not true SEO.

True SEO means that your website will appear in the natural listings. If a firm guarantees that they will help your website appear in the natural listings, make sure they have a reasonable time-table to get you there. If anyone says they can get you to page 1 in a month or two, be very wary. To make a website appear on the first page in such a short amount of time means that they are probably using "black hat" tactics to get you there. The worst thing you could do is upset the search engines with these tactics and have them ban your site. If this happens, it could take years for your site to show up again.

At Page 1 Solutions, we offer a very simple guarantee: We don’t charge upfront fees and you don’t start paying fees until you there are documented results on the search engines' natural listing. You can learn more here.

The most important thing is to do your homework when you are trying to choose a firm and if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Before & After Galleries: Including the Less Obvious

noreply@blogger.com (SaraS) — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:52:00 +0000

“Before and After” galleries are essential elements to any effective c osmetic dentistry website. They are great tools for keeping visitors on your website, stimulating interest and desire for your dentistry services and converting visitors into new patients.

However, creating this showcase is not as simple as just pasting photos of your best work. You may be tempted to display only the most dramatic of cases, but try to remember that the main reason that prospective patients visit this section of your website is to see pictures of patients that had problems that resemble their own. They want to be able to relate to your past patients and see results that are similar to what they are hoping for. Be sure to showcase not only the full mouth restorations, but also the simpler, more subtle cases as well. For a great example, check out the photo gallery for Monterey cosmetic dentist, Dr. Terry W. Forsberg.