When The Newspapers Are Gone, Where Will Dentists Spend Their Advertising Dollars?
Last week, the Rocky Mountain News closed its Colorado doors. As newspaper subscribers and advertisers continue to drop away, and additional newspapers fold, where do you think dentists will invest their advertising dollars?
Hopefully not in TV, with the use of DVRs, who watches commercials anymore? Note: I’m not even going to acknowledge the phonebook. My prediction is the internet and social media. Advertising and marketing is continuing to move in the direction of pull not push. Even the word pull sounds inappropriate… instead how about permission based, relationship focused, social and visible marketing where both personality and purpose matter.
The marketing of the future will allow patients to effectively “shop” a practice before their first visit. New patients will likely choose the most authentically appealing dentist they can find. Whether by word of mouth, referral or internet search, people will want to peruse research and literally see their potential new dentist online before committing to a first appointment.
They’ll want to see video of the doctor, hygienist and office décor. Patients will expect to get a feel for the personality of the practice to determine whether it is the best fit for them. Does this mean the days of going to see a doctor without knowing what to expect are gone?
Need dental marketing help? Email rita@tangiblemarketing.com or call (303) 807-3827.
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Hey Rita,
I saw that sad story on the Rocky closing and I agree with you on how the future of marketing for dental practices will inevitably change. Patients are going to eventually expect their dentist to have a blog, a Linkedin profile and a twitter account. I for one look forward to the day I can ask my dentist a question on teeth whitening via Twitter. Social media has already changed so many industries for the better, why not dentistry.
All the best
JB
Hey Rita,
I saw that sad story on the Rocky closing and I agree with you on how the future of marketing for dental practices will inevitably change. Patients are going to eventually expect their dentist to have a blog, a Linkedin profile and a twitter account. I for one look forward to the day I can ask my dentist a question on teeth whitening via Twitter. Social media has already changed so many industries for the better, why not dentistry.
All the best
JB
I completely agree with you… Not to mention the fact that marketing online is “green” vs. newspapers – and direct mail- both of which will likely continue to decline in popularity with growing green trends.
I completely agree with you… Not to mention the fact that marketing online is “green” vs. newspapers – and direct mail- both of which will likely continue to decline in popularity with growing green trends.