When Dentists Rock Their Online Presence

Think your dental practice doesn’t need to be online? Think again. In today’s world, if you don’t have an online presence, it’s like you don’t even exist.

Did you know that 97% of consumers today search for a local business online before first contact? What do you think happens when they do a Google search and you don’t pop up? Or what if you do show up, but you don’t have a website they can click through to?

They’re going to call the dentist that IS online and make an appointment with them instead.

Bottom line: Word of mouth only goes so far these days. Even if someone has received a direct referral to your business, they’re likely to go with someone else if they can’t find you online.

A strong online presence is one of the easiest (and most cost-effective) ways you can ensure that you’re NOT missing out on potential business.

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few easy steps to get you started on the road to online success:

• Keep an up-to-date website: Your website is the face of your business. It is the first contact most people will have with your brand before they even speak to someone or send an email. As such, it should be well-designed, easy-to-use, and offer all the essential information a client might need.
• Develop a social media presence: Social media makes it easy to up your business’s visibility, interact with current and prospective customers, and craft your brand’s image. Use it to make your audience aware of your services, introduce them to your staff, talk about current promotions, and more.
• Encourage positive reviews: People today are much more likely to trust a stranger’s opinion about products and services than what they read in a paid ad. Encourage your patients to go online and share positive reviews on sites like Yelp and Google, as well as on your social media and website.
• Utilize GoogleMyBusiness: If you run a local business, GoogleMyBusiness is one of the most important tools you could be using. By claiming and maintaining your practice’s GoogleMyBusiness profile, you help ensure you will show up right at the top of local searches.

The best thing you can do for your business is to make sure clients and prospects can easily find you online. Especially for new or small practices operating on a limited budget, creating a strong online presence is a relatively easy way to increase traffic to your office and maintain a solid client base for years to come.