October 28th, 2009
Selecting a firm to design your website.
For a comprehensive internet marketing strategy, a cosmetic doctor’s website acts as primary point where a patient decides to reach out and contact the practice. This makes it by far the most important piece of the puzzle when it comes to conversion prospective patients into patients. Choosing who will create the site can often be one of the most important decisions a doctor has to make.
I would suggest first establishing the practice goals that it hopes to achieve with the site, which I will discuss more in part V: Why?. Then with those goals in mind, answer the following questions:
• What sort of company am I considering doing business with?
• What kind of experience do they have in web design?
• Of that experience, how much of it would directly benefit me by being relevant to my practice?
• Is the company positioned to be able to see my project through to the end?
• What sort of timetable do they operate under and how do they ensure my project keeps moving forward?
• Who will I be working with at the company?
• Is that individual knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and attentive?
• Does the company create templated or custom websites?
• Do I completely own what they build for me?
• If I do not own it completely, what portions do I own and is there a way to purchase the remaining portions?
• How are their prices structured?
• Do they allow flexible payment programs?
• Will I be able to add to my site conveniently?
• Will they work professionally with any other companies I work with?
• Does the company offer any other services that I will consider using?
Posted in Website Design | No Comments »
October 27th, 2009
Social Networking – The next evolution of internet marketing
Connect with Patients Through Social Networking
In the past you may have sent a “hard copy” advertisement through the postal system (“snail mail”) to past, present, and prospective patients. Today’s mode of communication has now become much simpler and quicker because of the Internet. For example, Twitter and Facebook are becoming the forces of all social networking in many fields. They are giving businesses the opportunity to directly communicate with individuals who matter the most to them.
Plastic Surgery Studios understands your need for exposure, and we can facilitate your entrance into the social networking spectrum by combining all of the essential marketing elements (Twitter, Facebook, website, blog, and videos) by developing and updating your personal account as needed.
Businesses use social networking to stay in contact with their current clients all the while learning what is important to these individuals. Twitter and Facebook make it easy to stay in touch with past patients all the while making new contacts through the versatility of the Web. Social networks have introduced a new way for people to stay connected. You can converse with, notify, and update your patients on a variety of topics. In essence, Twitter and Facebook provide you with an effective way to keep your patients informed about your practice.
Our link-up system between blogs-social networks-websites will make the flow easy for anyone wanting to broadcast their message.
Remember, a patient who just received a tummy tuck (“abdominoplasty”) might not need to revisit your office or website for a few days, weeks, or months. However, the patient will likely continue to visit Facebook and Twitter daily in order to communicate with friends, family, and business professionals across the globe. This is a perfect opportunity for you to step in and send mass messages and announcements to these men and women. Not to mention, your patients will become friends with you on Facebook and may even write a “thank you” note. This testimonial may lead to new clients, as well as make for fresh content to add to your blog and/or website.
Being consistent, enthusiastic and creative with the tools at hand will lead to readership, followers, and enthusiasm about your practice.
Posted in Social Media | No Comments »
October 21st, 2009
Internet Restrictions and Regulations
It is well-known that the Internet has little restrictions and regulations when it comes to the type of content and images that can be placed on a website; however, the medical community, including cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic dentists, has various restrictions based on the guidelines associated with their respective boards and organizations.
There are currently 24 specialty member boards under the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), as well as numerous societies that medical professionals can join. With this in mind, you should be aware of the Bylaws and Code of Ethics as they are relevant to each organization. The set policies and information may vary, so it is vital that you review all of the details and take them into consideration. A few of the areas you may want to consider for ethical practices are: logos, photographs, and content.
As your website and marketing program with Plastic Surgery Studios continues to advance and your involvement with organizations changing from year to year, evaluating your websites and monthly programs periodically is a must.
Posted in Internet Marketing | No Comments »
October 17th, 2009
Online Directories – Great exposure for little cost!
Online directories have been around as soon as someone began to realize the Internet is a great place to market and advertise. What began with large multi faceted directories have become even more specialized directories that target specific segments of Internet traffic.
These days, marketing on the Internet is a must. With more and more people searching for information on the Web, there is no better way to “get your name out there” than on the Internet. The real question lies in: How much? As in, how much exposure do I want, how much should I spend and most importantly, how will this exposure turn into clients?
The most effective solution is to build a website and begin a comprehensive SEO program. However, that is a big investment and it may take months to years for that to begin reaping profits. So, where can a practice, without a large marketing budget, turn to? The answer is simple: Directories.
An online directory is built for just that: to give maximum exposure for little cost. Being listed on a directory allows you and your practice to gain an online presence without having to make a huge investment. Internet directories are a great first step for practices or doctors that never had or needed an online presence to get a taste of what the Internet can do in terms of marketing.
If an online presence is what you are looking for without a significant investment, an online directory is the cost effective solution for you.
Posted in Directories | No Comments »
October 12th, 2009
Blog marketing for Plastic Surgery is the easiest way to effectively allow people to interact with your practice. For Search Engine Marketing, a blog written with routinely added Keyword specific content will increase your chances of organically ranking within the Search Engines. A blog is a key component in owning more real estate in the search engines. It is important for Plastic surgeons and Cosmetic surgeons to build their practice Internet Presence. With a Proprietary blog designed to look like your Practice website, this will allow you to build your branding.
From a patient’s perspective, every doctor has a different philosophy on the procedures they perform . A blog gives a doctor an opportunity to discuss their specialty, and a well-written blog will give you an opportunity to discuss your philosophy to your potential clients. Give your potential patients an opportunity to know your practice before they make their appointment. When a prospective patient subscribes to your blog, your blog will almost act like a newsletter for your practice. When you publish a new article, that article will automatically be e-mailed to your subsribers. Your Plastic Surgery Studios Marketing Consultant will show you the benefits for Blogging success. Your Internet Marketing consultant will also train you and your staff to get your Blog ranking in the search engines.
Posted in Blogging | No Comments »
