We can talk about whether Facebook and Twitter are good for dental marketing all day long, and everyone has an opinion…

“I believe social media is one of the most important marketing tools to emerge since the creation of the World Wide Web.”

~ Fred Joyal’s Blog

“No online social networking personally or professionally anymore. Most of it is a waste of time. I’d rather spend the valuable time with my wife and kids who have also decided not to do any of the online social networking anymore.”

~ The Wealthy Dentist Blog

Ohio Prosthodontist

“With social media growing at an unprecedented rate and a large percentage of our patients participating on these popular channels daily, the decision to establish our own space on these social networks was easy. Now our practice can easily distribute office news, dental information and practice promotions to our entire network of patients with the click of a mouse. Not to mention that our patients can always join in on the conversation by providing feedback.”

~Latest Breaking News

Dr. Mary Sue Stonisch

The reality is, you have to ask yourself if social networking:

• Will meet your dental practice’s marketing goals
• Will work for your dental patients
• Will complement your dental practice’s marketing strategy
• Will be something you (or your team) can keep up with

Your Goals

Social networking is not going to bring you a ton of new patients. If that’s your main goal, don’t waste your time. However, if you want to keep in contact with your current patients and foster a friendly, personal relationship, Facebook can help. Twitter can give current patients an update on what’s going on in your office.

Your Patients

Do your patients use Facebook and Twitter? Do they use the computer? How often? Studies show that Facebook is most widely used with a very young population. And, of course, patients in a high income area will be more likely to use social networking. How many of your patients have smart phones? Do they even want to hear from you on Facebook? You can always ask! Survey your patients before they leave the office.

Your Marketing Strategy

Do you blog? Is your website optimized? Are you really on top of your game with Internet marketing, or do you just have a website because you don’t think the phone book has any future? If you’re serious about online marketing and fostering a community in your practice where patients and team members feel like they know one another, social networking may suit your strategy. If you and your staff don’t like the computer, there’s no reason to try to force a Facebook peg into a traditional marketing hole.

Your Busy Life

Keeping up with Facebook and Twitter takes time. If you don’t check your FB account every day now, what makes you think you’ll do it for the office? You may have a front office person who could maintain a Facebook Fan Page, with a little training. Or maybe social networking just isn’t where it’s at for your dental practice.

Advice from Experts

If you’d like a personal consultation about social networking, call TNT Dental and speak with one of our web experts. These savvy folks can answer all of your questions and guide you through the process of setting up and learning about effective social networking. Call today: 877-868-4932, or visit TNT Dental online here.

TNT Dental is a custom website and hosting company that specializes in search engine optimization for dental practices. For nearly a decade, the expert graphic designers, web technicians, and dental copywriters at TNT have created some of the top dental websites in the United States and Canada. Always on top of technology, TNT recently premiered TNTmobile, a smart phone application for dentist websites. If your website needs a makeover, or if you’d like to launch your Internet marketing to amazing new heights, call TNT Dental today at 877-868-4932. They have a habit of making dentists smile.

It’s all about the apps.

Fact: In only nine months, iPod app downloads topped one billion.

What is an app?

App is short for application. A website app is a downloadable version of a website that’s completely user friendly on a cell phone that has Internet capability.

Dr. Lance Timmerman of Seattle has a custom website with TNT Dental. The website features email contact forms, a blog by Dr. Timmerman, video introductions by the dentist, a before-and-after gallery, and many other cutting-edge features that promote conversion – turning web visitors into active patients.

Always on top of state-of-the-art marketing trends, Dr. Timmerman now has a practice website application from TNT.mobile.

Check it out:

Want a TNT.mobile app of your own?

It’s simple. Just call TNT Dental at 877-868-4932 for details. TNT Dental is your Internet marketing partner, and the folks there are anxious to take your practice to the next level!

The article also features a downloadable pdf of a testimonial questionnaire for your patients – free! Don’t miss out on this valuable information – it’s a quick read you can’t afford to miss.

Hopefully you’ve energized your website with the 5 tips we posted earlier. Now it’s time to continue that trend and make the most of your marketing dollars. These suggestions will boost traffic to your website – which will boost profits in your practice. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give the experts at TNT Dental a call. Click here to read more http://tips.tntdental.com/.

Take a look for yourself, then tell us what you think! If you have a great FB page, link it in the comments section. We want to see it!

http://tips.TNTDental.com

Visit: http://tips.tntdental.com!

If you don’t want to assess your own site, TNT is offering a free website analysis. All you have to to is call 877-868-4932 and ask for your usability analysis. You may also want to request an SEO analysis a the same time. In this economy, TNT wants to help dentists make the most of website marketing, so take advantage of this opportunity for free expert advice! TNT is leading you to water…

• Fluoride does not have to be delivered in the water supply
• Fluoride does not have to be ingested to protect teeth
• Caries has declined at the same rate in countries with/without fluoridated water
• The public receives fluoride from sources other than public water supply
• Studies show that fluoride can cause a list of adverse side effects

What You Should Know
Fluorine, the ionic form of fluoride, is used in over half of the US public water supply because it is thought to reduce the potential for tooth decay. All public water supplies contain trace amounts of fluoride, and the mineral naturally occurs in soils, plants, and animals. Mammals have the highest concentration of fluoride in bones and teeth. Fluoride can build up in the body over time. Too much fluoride can cause bones and teeth to become brittle, and high levels of fluoride are considered poisonous.

Studies and Politics

• In the early 1900s, studies showed that teeth with fluorosis did not decay
• First US public water supply with fluoride was in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945
• Some studies show fluorinated reduces cavities by 20-40% overall, but the validity of these studies is being questioned by anti-fluoride advocates
• The positive effect of the study may be based on topical, not ingested, fluoride, as water passes over teeth before being swallowed
• Public water was fluoridated because it is considered the most cost effective method for widespread, public distribution of fluoride
• In 1950, Wisconsin protested fluoride and was defeated
• In the US, water fluoridation was considered a political plot as part of the “Red Scare” in the 40s and 50s
• The US EPA expressed concerns over fluoridated public water supply in 1985
• In 2005, 11 EPA employee unions worked toward eliminating fluoridation in public water
• In 1990, the National Cancer Institute conducted studies and found no evidence of cancer linked to fluoridated water
• The EPA in California has called for a review of fluoridated water as a cancer risk

Nations that Have Fluoridated Public Water

• Public water fluoridation is currently used in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia
• Sweden & Germany stopped in 1971
• Japan stopped in 1972
• Netherlands stopped in 1976
• Czechoslovakia, German Democratic Republic, and Soviet Union stopped in 1990
• Finland stopped in 1993

Other Resources

• Proposition 65 in California to Review Cancer Risks Associated with Fluoride
• PubMed’s “Overview of the history and current status of fluoride supplementation schedules”  Garrett County
• Water Fluoridation Factsheet (pro)
• Petition Against Fluoride (anti)
• Fluoride Information Network (pro)

Wise Guy Comment from the Editor
Is the fluoride scare legitimate, or is it a ploy for bottled water companies to keep their heads above, well, water, during an economic slowdown? Sounds silly, but consider that the US is the third greatest consumer of bottled water in the world. By 2011, market forecasts show that the bottled water market in the US will be $174,286.6 million. The big soda pop companies have bottled water products for one reason – money. Bottled water does not contain fluoride, so. Badabing.

Read the full article here: http://tips.tntdental.com.

• Not sure you need a website? Check out this DentalBlogs post…

• Want to know more about search engines and getting found on Google? Check out this DentalBlogs post…

• Want tips on making your dental website great? Check out this DentalBlogs post…

Our friends at TNT Dental share the pros and con (yes, one con) of dental website blogs in this week’s TNT Tip. If you’re considering a blog, call TNT at 877-868-4932. They can set you up, train you, and they also offer to blog for you. For busy dentists, Ghost Posts are simple.  Nothing could be easier.

Check out today’s dentist blog tip here.

Writing for Internet Readers
For patients and potential patients, marketing copy is necessary. Not hard-sell copywriting, but a massaged style of marketing copy that represents the voice and nature of your practice. Writing for search engines has to do with composing content that will make your site rank well on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. Because search engine spiders’ appetites change constantly, you really should employ an SEO copywriter who’s up to speed with current SEO practices. Don’t try to wing it. You’ll be disappointed. As for writing copy that appeals to referring dentists, you can do this quite well, to be sure. Here’s a tip… Speaking doctor-to-doctor (in first person) is a warm and practical approach that appeals to professionals.

More about Copywriting for Internet Readers
A post at www.copyblogger.com reviews tips on “How to Avoid Losing Your Readers Along the Long Copy Path.” While we at TNT Dental recommend you let professional dental & SEO copywriters compose content for your website, this article will shed insight into why Internet copywriters do what they do. Take a peek here.

Point of View (POV)
You may think that your website should be written in third person from the writer’s point of view, like a newspaper or article about your practice. In theory, this sounds logical. However, third person from the writer’s perspective is not as warm and inviting as if the words were coming from you. In addition, the site will feature your name so many times, your head will spin. Check it out:

Dr. Holt offers family and cosmetic dentistry in Cleveland. When you visit Dr. Holt and his team, you can expect excellent clinical care and personalized service. For any procedure, Dr. Holt will explain what you can expect before he begins treatment. With images from an intraoral camera and digital X-ray, he can show you the problems with your oral health. Dr. Holt believes, the more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be with your dental care.

Then you should write in first person? Nope. Imagine all of the “I” and “me” verbiage that’s required for first person composition. Your website would look self indulgent and pompous. See what you think:

I offer family and cosmetic dentistry in Cleveland. When you visit me and my team, you can expect excellent clinical care and personalized service. For any procedure, I will explain what you can expect before I begin treatment. With images from an intraoral camera and digital X-ray, I will show you the problems with your oral health. I believe, the more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be with your dental care.

So what is the solution? We’ve found that third person from the POV of a member of your dental team works best. Search engines like it, as do web visitors. Like this:

Dr. Holt and our team offer family and cosmetic dentistry. When you visit us, expect excellent clinical care and personalized service. For any procedure, Dr. Holt will explain what you can expect before he begins treatment. With images from an intraoral camera and a digital X-ray, he can show you the problems with your oral health. Dr. Holt believes, the more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be with you dental care.

Getting Started with Good Website Copy
If you’d like professional copywriters who understand SEO and dentistry to compose content for your website and/or blog, call TNT Dental today, or visit them online at www.TNTDental.com.

Be sure to visit DentalBlogs on Facebook today!

It’s illegal to swipe online content and post it on your website; whether video or text, taking content and using it on your website is copyright infringement. However, your website can link to dental education articles and videos on the Internet.

TNT Dental, the leading dental website design and hosting company, recommends leveraging patient education videos and articles to your advantage online. Here are a few ways you can incorporate educational content:

By Category
• On your dentures page, say, “New denture wearers will enjoy this website: http://www.mypolicare.com/.”

• On your dental implant page, say, “Learn how dental implants can enhance and replace teeth or stabilize dentures and partials here: www.nobelsmile.us/en_us/.”

• On your restorative dentistry page, you could post, “Are you a visual learner? To see animations of dental procedures, visit: www.animated-teeth.com.”

Explore the websites of the companies you use for materials and technology, as well as the specialists to whom you refer patients to articles and videos you’d like to link to from your website.

On a Resources Page
In addition to or instead of posting educational website links on individual services pages, consider adding a “patient resources” page to your site. There you can list all of the educational websites and articles you recommend. Organize by service or category, and if you choose, provide a “Dr.’s Review” or introductory blurb for each link.

TNT Dental also offers patient education articles from their library.

Making Your Own Educational Videos
Video cameras are quite affordable these days, and on your own website and on YouTube, you can really work videos to your advantage! There are services that will create “talking head” videos like Dr. Larry Emmott’s, see www.drlarryemmott.com. Or, you can hire a small, local videographer if you don’t want to make the videos yourself.

Here are a few ideas for content:
• Tour the office
• Introduce the staff
• Explain technology
• Use models to show and explain procedures
• Introduce specialists you refer patients to
• Procedural videos (need patient release)
• Testimonials (need patient release)

Related Topics
Explanation on website linking 
TNT Dental custom dental websites, hosting, and search engine optimization 
Blogs for patient education and search engine optimization 
Making your own patient testimonial videos
Video testimonials

Be sure to include your website address on marketing materials, such as business cards, appointment cards, invoices, mailers, and advertisements. If you’re doing these things, you’re certainly doing your part on the front end. So how can you know if you’re getting good ROI with your website?

Tracking Website Traffic
Tracking the traffic on your site is pretty easy. At TNT Dental, for instance, an SEO liaison is always available to review traffic reports and explain what they mean.
• If your SEO reports show that visitors are coming to your website based on keyword searches that match your keyword list
• If your website is listed on the first page of Google results for your keywords and location
• If your traffic increases, then maintains at a good number

…your SEO strategy is working.
Tracking Conversion – Contact Only
Tracking conversions – website visitors who become new patients – is more difficult. One option is to order a phone number that only shows up on your website. When people call this line, you know they are calling because they found your office online. This service is called call tracking, and the calls are recorded in a record so that you can know when they came in, whether the phone was answered, and how long the calls lasted. One problem with call tracking is that you can get solicitor calls on the phone line.

Another option is to have website visitors complete an email form and submit it online. They provide you with contact information and preferred appointment times, and your office calls them back to set the appointment. Not every website visitor will do this. In fact, many won’t. Some people believe that it’s easier and more personal to just pick up the phone and call.

Tracking Conversion and Retention – The Whole Enchilada
Your website can bring the patients to your door, but your customer service and quality clinical care are imperative for conversion, as well as retention. This is the backend part that you must control.
Patients will choose your practice (or not) based on factors such as:
• How quickly their call is answered
• The friendliness and knowledge of the receptionist
• Ease of getting an appointment
• Convenient appointment times
• Whether you will treat their children
• The services you offer
• The cost of a new patient visit
• Whether you accept their insurance
• How comfortable they feel in your office
• How they are treated by every member of your staff
• How long they have to wait in your lobby
• Whether they agree with your treatment plan
• How much out-of-pocket expense they face
• Whether you offer financing and/or payment plans
• Your before-and-after photos and/or testimonials
• Your expertise and experience
• The sedation and/or anesthesia you offer

If you would like a comprehensive review of conversion, consider creating a Conversion & Retention Form for your patients’ files. It might address these points:

1. Upon the potential patient’s first call, your receptionist should ask the patient how he or she heard about your practice.
2. At the end of the patient’s first visit, ask him or her to complete a short survey that addresses the bullet points above. You can also post this survey online. If you prefer, include an incentive for completing the survey.
3. After each of the patient’s visits, have him or her rate the experience as 1 to 10 in customer service, comfort in the tx room, and value. Ask, will the patient refer you to friends and family? If not, why?

This type of tracking will allow you to become familiar with how patients view your practice, which can ultimately improve conversion, retention, and profitability.
If you’d like to know more, call TNT Dental today and speak with a dental webstie expert on our sales team.