How to choose the best online marketing company for your practice

July 6, 2012
Glenn Lombardi says you should look for four things in a reputable online marketing company that can help you leverage the power of the Web with a successful strategy to attract new patients and secure referrals.

With so many people accessing the Internet from home, work, and on-the-go, dentists can’t afford not to establish their own online presence. Building a strong presence on the Internet, however, isn’t something that happens overnight. It requires the expertise of a professional who understands the marketing challenges and opportunities presented to dentists on the Web.

When trying to decide who you should team up with to guide your marketing strategy, consider the following:

Experienced ...

A good partner should have extensive experience in all realms of online marketing and a proven track record of success. Ask for client references and testimonials to get a feel for the company’s reputation and portfolio. Choose a company that specializes in online marketing for dentists, understands the current marketing challenges faced by dentists, and can create a tailored marketing solution for your practice’s unique needs and goals.

Consultant …

Think of an online marketing company as your practice marketing consultant. You want to choose a provider who will work one-on-one with you throughout the entire process to create a tailored marketing plan that continually meets and achieves your practice needs and goals. From setup and launch to implementation and tracking, the company should listen to your needs and challenges, and then make recommendations for improvement and growth as you expand your marketing initiatives.

Transparency …

A reputable Internet marketing company should not just promise you new patients — they should prove it to you. A professional, highly credentialed company should give you a high level of transparency into all aspects of your campaign, including detailed reporting on calls, emails, and visits to your site. You should always know where your marketing dollars are going and how your online marketing programs are performing. This not only gives you the peace of mind knowing your marketing efforts are in good hands, but it also allows you to clearly identify areas for improvement.

Versed in all areas of online marketing …

The best partner will have the expert staff and resources to help you in all realms of your Web presence — not just in websites, but in all facets of online marketing for dentists. Choose a full-service online marketing company that can help you launch a robust marketing strategy, including websites, paid advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), reputation management, and social media.

Remember, finding the right Internet marketing partner is the key to engaging in a successful strategy that attracts new patients and secures referrals. Start looking for a reputable company now so that you can begin leveraging the power of the Web right away.

Author bio
Glenn Lombardi is president of Officite, LLC, the No. 1 provider of dental website design and Internet marketing strategies for the dental community. Officite has built more than 7,000 websites that have generated hundreds of thousands of appointment requests since 2002. To learn more, visit www.officite.com or call (800) 908-2483.