My Top Three Social Media Choices for Dental Marketing

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Social media seems to be the hot topic on just about every blog and every article I read, but I know why; it’s because social media marketing is probably the most underused type of marketing around; which is ironic because it’s virtually free. It’s apparent that everyone seems to be aware of social marketing sites and just about everyone you know probably has a Facebook profile page, a fan page, a Twitter page and a LinkedIn profile, maybe one of those or all of them; but for marketing purposes they are underutilized and I’m not sure why. My hope is that you’ve taken advantage of all of these platforms and more. Dentists; as a business owner you should think of every social media site as an important set of tools needed for your dental marketing toolbox and use them liberally.

As a dentist, you have tools for various procedures performed in the dental office and although I’m not a fan of dental tools I am very appreciative that modern dentistry is accessible to me and my family. In the past dentists have gotten a bum rap; not everyone is excited about their dental appointments. Hopefully with the right mix of social media and some attractive dental marketing ideas the public will have a more positive outlook about their dental care.

I took three of the most popular social platforms in the networking world today. There are more and only one of these three is ranked in the top three according to Alexa.com, but they are my “go to” sites for networking. One is less used by the masses; however it pulls its weight in performance if used correctly and consistently. Let’s begin with that one;

LinkedIn – Ranked #25 on Alexa.com. I know it seems strange with others rank higher but; LinkedIn is on a more “profession oriented” level of social media, not so mainstream but very effective in communicating and networking with other professions linked with dentistry. The tricks here are getting the profile page filled out in its entirety. LinkedIn gives you step by step guides as you fill out your information; however what it doesn’t give you is some beefy information about using keywords in your current job titles and descriptions. Even using keywords in the area provided for websites. Instead of just adding your URL, name your site with keywords. Example; Your Town Dentist, if you blog then add that URL too but also use keywords to name it on your profile, ie; Dental Marketing Tools Blog. There is even a place to add your Twitter URL. Once you have completed your profile, go find some groups that are compatible with your profession, like other dentists, orthodontists and dental surgeons, comment frequently in the discussions, add discussions, be active in the groups you belong to. If you have a blog, LinkedIn offers the capability of feeding your blog posts to your profile page or if the blog post is on a specific hot topic that warrants some feedback, post that to the discussions with in a group.

Facebook -Ranked at #2 on Alexa.com of [the]top sites on the web; what you don’t know can hurt you in this social platform. For instance did you know that you do not necessarily need a personal Facebook profile page to create a Facebook fan page? To create a Facebook fan page one needs only a title for that page and within a few minutes you’re ready to begin posting status updates and finding connections. Facebook even gives you tips on how to effectively promote your page with Facebook advertising. Something to note when setting up your page, think about the title carefully because you won’t be able to change it. Do some research to find out what keywords works best for your practice; most likely you would use your practice name and the town in the title. Example: “Your Town Your Dental Practice Name” or “Your Dental Practice Name in Your Town”. From there the sky is the limit as you can set up RSS feeds from you blog or website when you add new content. Even send updates from your phone.

Twitter- Ranked at #11 on Alexa.com; a very efficient tool for dental marketing. Every dentist/dental practice should be utilizing this free social platform. It’s quick, easy and now that Twitter has implemented some changes by redesigning their web interface, it now becomes a multimedia arsenal for your social networking. Very soon you will be able to embed photos and videos directly on twitter. Set up your page with a title just like you would your Facebook page. Personalize and customize your background with literally thousands of background choices on the web or design and create your own. Google the words “customize your twitter page tutorials” to find out how to make your twitter page reflect your dental practice.

Of course all of these tips are only useful if you use them along with a little research to help optimize the steps you’ve already taken. Something to note; these tasks can be thieves of your time so it is recommended to do one at a time and in little bites if that is all you can do. Asking a staff member to assist you might be an option or maybe a college student in the graphic design department. College students always need the money and you can dictate what you want done now that you have some basic knowledge.

If you have not had the chance to see what the social platforms look like or how they work, take some time to lurk around Twitter, read up on LinkedIn. Facebook is pretty much a closed door unless you have a profile or fan page, but look for information via Google searches. Like I said earlier, almost every marketing blogger has written on this subject it shouldn’t be too tough finding a DIY article on social media.

One last nugget of information; profile pictures, don’t neglect this area. You should aspire to have a consistent profile photo or avatar on each one of these sites. This makes you recognizable and gives you and your practice; status and credibility. Think of it as a brand for your practice’s social badge. A personal photo of you is fine; this puts a face with the name. A logo is fine too; as long as it is web ready. Achieve a more polished and professional look with a profile picture that complements any backgrounds or banners on your existing website or blog.

Internet Marketing EBooks and Guides

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As eBooks and the information on Internet marketing is changing so quickly, I can’t really recommend you a “Beginners Guide to Internet Marketing” or an “How to start an Online Business” eBook; instead I did a little research on what people are searching today on the Internet, related to Internet marketing.

The basic idea is that if people are looking for a specific eBook and/or name or Author, frequently then there are is a high probability that this could be some current and valuable content. Today is August 18th, 2010 and following a selection that should already give you a good idea:

  • affiliate marketing rosalind gardner
  • facebook marketing steven holzner
  • ftc guidelines affiliate marketing
  • jeff olson network marketing
  • jim rohn network marketing
  • newbies guide to internet marketing
  • newbies guide to video marketing
  • occam’s razor marketing
  • one hour marketing
  • online marketing for offline businesses
  • philip kotler marketing management
  • philip kotler principles of marketing
  • philip kotler social marketing
  • robert crisp network marketing
  • robert kiyosaki network marketing
  • russell brunson’s internet marketing
  • sun tzu strategies for marketing
  • travis sago’s bum marketing method
  • understanding online marketing

As you may have already realized, for our case I’ve selected mainly eBook authors, terms that sound like the title of an eBook or terms that seem to be related to (Internet) marketing techniques or systems.

Let’s have a closer look at some of those

For Internet marketing systems or techniques a good example is Russell Bronson. Russell Bronson is a very young Internet marketing (multi) millionaire. I think he younger than 30 years old, has made his fortune with his courses and membership sites already some years ago, but launches ever year at least one new product.

Then we have the search terms “newbies guide to internet marketing” and “newbies guide to video marketing”, “success secrets of the online marketing” those phrases sound much like an eBook title.

The Newbies Guide to Internet Marketing

And YES, this is a free, 18 pages eBook. Following a summary of the website’s content;

“8 Pages Taking You Into The Fast Lane Of The Internet Business World – Plus Marlon’s Very Own Internet-Marketing Terms And Definition Sheets To Get You Up To Speed On “Marketing Speak” Today”

WOW! Lot’s of content! So you may get curios and leave your email to get the eBook: Well, I did so… To make a long story short, the eBook has very basic, but solid content.

Looks like my theory is being confirmed; “If people search a lot for something, there must be a good reason”. Let’s see some more examples.

“The Newbies Guide to Video Marketing” eBook with MMR

Video marketing is quickly becoming one of the best ways of showcasing and promoting your online business!

According to recent studies, 57% of people have watched online videos at some point in their life and 19% watch them even every day, just think about YouTube! Those figures are growing steadily as internet usage and social networking grows and is being more and more popular.

In short, Video Marketing should become part of your Marketing arsenal, sooner or later! This is where “The Newbies Guide to Video Marketing” may be a source to look at. So I searched on the Internet and found it quickly. You can get it for $1.35, including MRR (Master Resell Rights). The description reads as:

“I’ve covered everything you’ll need to take you from video marketing newcomer to clued up and confident video marketer. Even if you don’t know the first thing about video marketing I can show you exactly how to get started.”

I thought for $1.35 this may be worth having a look at; again, if there is a lot of buzz around the ‘The Newb’s Guide To Video Marketing’ there should be some reason to it.

Well, this time I was a little disappointed. The 30 page eBook, although accurate, is very basic and does not keep up with the promises. ‘The Newb’s Guide To Video Marketing’ gives you a good introduction on WHAT Video Marketing is but is very basic on the “HOW TO” side.

Online Marketing for Offline Businesses

Another interesting phrase is “online marketing for offline businesses”; I first thought it was a book title, but I did more research and have not found a book title, but quite some blog posts. So if you recall what the Internet Time Machine search engine returns “high demand with low supply”, then this seems to reveal an upcoming market demand.

Maybe you want to write an eBook and/or specialize in this area; particularly if your background is in the offline business or offline marketing. You could show the benefits of the combined offline and online marketing, or you could create a (local) consulting business, offering your services recommending offline businesses online marketing strategies.

Conclusions: Although in this short article I can’t show more examples, but I think you got the idea, and I am pretty confident that you will find quite a number of good eBooks and courses if you researched a little the other terms above. By adding the words “ebook” or “course” you will get more specific results, and if you add “review” you should also get some more information on the quality of the eBook.