Online marketing for medical and dental professionals

by Jane M. Web Designer

Changes in communications technology are reshaping the way dental and medical professionals operate practices, making it easier than ever to stay in contact with existing patients and find new ones. The Internet provides information in a matter of seconds, and it is more important than ever to stay ahead of the informational curve with an innovative website that grabs attention at the top of search engine listings. Waiting too late to make the right changes to your online presence can result in a loss of potential customers.

Social Media and Search Engines

The Internet has quickly become the preferred way to find a new doctor or dentist. Recent research has shown that the number of people going online to search for information about local doctors and dentists is at an all time high. A record four out of five customers search the Internet first, before looking at paper directories or asking for recommendations from friends and family.

Reviews and recommendations that were once only available through friends and family are now available by the thousands online. Social media and search engines are now the most common way of finding a new doctor or dentist, which is why medical professionals are turning to dental and medical online marketing to find customers organically without spending tens of thousands of dollars on offline advertising fees.

Why Market Your Dental or Medical Website?

Unfortunately, simply having a dental or medical website is not enough. By marketing your dental or medical website into the top of search engine listings, you may enjoy hundreds of new patients for every one or two that your competitors in lower listings receive. Also, participating in social media is equally important to improving your presence online, as this is one of the most common ways your existing patients recommend your office to friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances.

How Does Medical and Dental Online Marketing Work?

· Advanced Search Engine Optimization – Online marketing for dental and medical websites is about using advanced techniques designed to improve your ranking in major search engines like Google and Bing. Many medical professionals are unaware that both the layout and composure of a website have a profound impact on search engine rankings.

· Localization – As a doctor or dentist, your customer base is within your immediate surrounding areas. Your website is ineffective if it is marketed to individuals outside of your community. By localizing your website search results, you can narrow your marketing efforts to potential patients in your area.

· Socialization – Social media is the most effective way of managing your existing customer base. By integrating your website and practice with social media, you can stay connected with your existing patients, and also gain exposure to prospective clients.

Considerations

Branding Your Dental or Medical Practice is just as important as driving traffic to it. A website listed in the top of search engine results is unhelpful if it is dull and unmemorable. Branding is about making your medical or dental website vividly stand-out in the minds of potential patients unlike any other dental or medical website in your community. If you do not have an eye-catching website, consider investing in a custom website that is both professional and aesthetically pleasing. Think of it as your virtual curb appeal.