What about Marketing?

Dental Marketing: Why It’s Getting Big

This is a guest post by Yodle, a leader in local online advertising, the fastest growing locally based online media company in the U.S. (according to Borrell Associates), and co-author of the recently published Local Online Advertising for Dummies.

What challenges do dentists face in the age of Internet advertising?

Dentists are aware that a huge portion of their potential clients are looking online on search engines like Google, when searching for services like theirs. In fact, 82% of US consumers are now searching online to find local services. The challenge for dentists is to attract the right audience and turn them into clients. This of course is easier said than done.

Online marketing has evolved over the years, and it’s gotten more and more competitive and sophisticated from a execution standpoint. Today, there are different channels within online marketing that a dentist can use to attract new clients or better service its existing client base, including Search Engine Optimization, Pay per Click marketing, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Mobile Advertising among others. With so many available channels and each needing a different caliber set, it just makes the task tougher.

A dentist can choose to run his online marketing campaigns himself or choose a company to do it for him. If you decide to do it yourself, we suggest using some helpful tools and information, easily available online. Feel free to use some tools listed below. Not to say that online marketing is an easy task even after all that information and help being available. We honestly recommend dentists spend their time doing what they do best, servicing their clients and leave the task of acquiring new patients to the marketing experts for most effective results.

Dental Marketing Resource

Dentists looking to take advantage of the opportunity that online advertising presents can visit the Yodle Dental Marketing website and read the dental marketing blog, which specifically covers the issues dentists face in online advertising. Past topics have included the importance of employing a sales-savvy receptionist, website conversion rates, and how to effectively advertise online for emergency services. Other helpful tools include a patient search calculator to learn how many searches for dentist are being conducted in any zip code, and a downloadable guide on the top 5 most common marketing mistakes.

Happy marketing, dentists!

I Graduated, Now What?

I read a post this morning about giving advice to new graduates who are entering the business world. The advice offered said that just because you graduated, doesn’t necessarily mean you know anything. You are full of potential, but you are just beginning your education. In other words, settle down with your fancy book learning.

My advice to new graduates is to find something you love to do, because even if you love your job, work is work. First of all, I hope you did learn something while in college. For some it may have been easier said than done. I have a degree in communications. Basically, I earned a handshake and a good luck, but I learned a lot and loved the classes I took. I studied nonverbal and interpersonal communication, small groups, public speaking and mass media. It turns out, those are all the things I do now. Ten years later, I’ve even had a chance to think about and revisit some of the concepts of communication that are present in Social Media. Enjoy what you do and cover a wide range of areas.

I know there are experienced dentists and dental professionals who read this blog. Please share some advice you may have for a new dentist just coming out of school.

250,000 MILEStone

For the past few weeks I’ve been watching my odometer turn it’s way towards 250,000 miles. I’ve been getting sentimental about it since I’ve never had a car last that long. I originally bought it because the CEREC could fit standing up in the back. I carried that baby all over the place and had a blast doing it. I made it though several VT winters and and a few windshields. There have been four tire changes, monthly oil changes, and a few flat tires. The best part; with more more payment, she’s all mine.

Driving is a popular metaphor for Life, and in the days leading up to the big moment, I’ve been thinking of driving cliches. I’ve considered the journey, the destination, taking the road less traveled, and looking for adventure. I started thinking about all the possibilities and opportunity the open road offers. Between the twisting country roads, and wide open highways, if you’re not careful, you could get lost or even have an accident.

Then something struck me, I realized that if I continue driving at this pace, I have over a million miles to go. I can use those miles to accomplish anything or go anywhere. Today I’m excited to get back in the car and push on towards 300,000 and beyond.

What would you do with One Million Miles?