Bacon and Eggs

Over the past three months, in a series of eight blog posts, I have been discussing my ideas and strategies on how to ultimately attract more new patients to your practice using the Internet. For most dentists, creating a website and utilizing social media to grow a practice is still a relatively new concept. No question about it –getting a new patient “the old-fashioned way”– as a referral from an existing patient–is still the gold standard. And we never want to abandon the relationship building that we do with our patients that  encourage those referrals to take place.

But to ignore the power of the Internet, and to not have the opportunity play in that space, is a huge and costly mistake. Every day, thousands and thousands of people do a Google search for a dentist. Every day, people are asking their friends on Facebook about recommendations for all sorts of professionals. Don’t you think that some of these people live in your neighborhood?

So as I close this series for now, I implore you to take action. Immediately! It won’t happen on its own. Hope is not a strategy. Re-read and print out this past series of blog posts. Then lay out and write down a detailed plan with a timeline. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Hire a company to help you build a great website, and then promise to keep adding interesting content. Take a course or two and learn about social media opportunities. Get your staff involved because you can’t possibly do this all by yourself.

It is all about making the commitment. With bacon and eggs, the chicken is just engaged – but the pig is truly committed. So doctors- don’t just dip your toe in the water on this – dive in head first!. The opportunities for significant growth are far too meaningful to ignore. Recognize that your commitment to Internet Marketing must be ongoing. Stay alert–be consistent–be creative – and start to reap the rewards.

P.S. – My next series of posts will be on the subject of dental practice transitions. Over the years, I have found this subject to be a big mystery to dentists. It would be my pleasure to share information with the dental community at large. As someone who reads my blogs, your endorsement would be most appreciated. Please forward this post to five of your most respected dental colleagues. They can click here and be sure to get some useful information.