Ok, if you want a good laugh, check out this audio recording from a guy who does search engine optimization (SEO).  This is the type of nonsense that takes money from orthodontists and dentists who don’t know what to look for when it comes to good online marketing.  The gist of the audio is that you shouldn’t ask how long it will take for your marketing to work, how much it should cost, or when you should expect a clear return...

Have you ever noticed how all of the dental and orthodontic marketing consultants spend a lot of time telling you how choose the right consultant?  They don’t do this because it’s fun, they do it because it works.   You are being given solid information about what to look for and what to avoid.  At the same time, the consultant writing the marketing piece or article is making a great case for choosing them. We know that this...

While looking through some information and blogs about search engine optimization (SEO) I ran across an interesting conversation about guarantees.  This lead me to think about what dentists and orthodontists could comfortably guarantee in their practices. The conversation was between an SEO company that guarantees page one placement of your website or you don’t pay.  Several other SEO experts were arguing that this was unethical and...

I was looking through a few internet ads today and found a company that does postcard marketing for orthodontists and dentists.  Take a look at this sample and let’s walk through it with a critical eye so you can avoid some of the most common dental and orthodontic marketing mistakes.  Here is the link:  http://www.patientnews.com/SAMPLES/Postcards/2010/PCID09-1.pdf. On the front of the postcard you will see a great photo that will...

Everyone is looking for good, fresh, innovative dental and orthodontic marketing ideas these days.  The reasons for the increased need for marketing are many and can be cut down to three main reasons or problems. Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way and agree that the first problem orthodontists and dentists are dealing with is the economy.  When people are not sure they will have a job in a few months, they are not...

I just read an interesting article about some “non traditional” ways to market a business (http://www.tradeshowguyblog.com/?p=770).  The first idea really got my attention because I’ve never seen it done for a dental or orthodontic practice. The idea is to get a group of people to picket your office.  It sounds strange at first but it’s the signs and chants that can really make this work.  Put things like...

Do I have your attention with that headline?  You might notice I have a bit of a pet peeve, or even a chip on my shoulder about orthodontic and dental marketing.  I have come to the conclusion that big marketing and advertising companies are taking advantage of orthodontists and dentists.  While working with orthodontists and dentists since 2001 I have seen some good marketing and some bad…mostly bad.  All of is has been very...