While I was writing an article last month about online listings, I felt my ears burning. Just after that was published, there were some significant Google updates that have had an impact on the listings and review sites that dentists rely upon.
Sometimes it may seem like we are at the whim of our Google masters. So many people now rely on the Google search engine to find local businesses, read reviews, or research a subject that can make or break you.
(more…)I cannot recall the last time that I used a phone book, yet they are still left outside my door on a regular basis. They might make great booster seats or be useful for lining the bird cage, but few people use phone books to search for a local business anymore.
Instead, they’ll look for you online.
What does this mean for your dental practice? Around four out of five people will go to search engines to find or investigate a local business, which means that your practice relies on Google and other services to generate appointments and brand awareness.
(more…)When I was a kid, dentists relied heavily on word of mouth to promote their practice. My own dentist was someone introduced to my parents by a friend from our church.
In the digital age, the referral process is a lot different. Potential patients are going to search for you online and read your reviews to make their decision. What will they find?
How does it feel knowing that 88% of people say online reviews affect their decision making process? How you feel might be a result of the current state of your online reputation.
(more…)How good is the reputation of your practice? How do you compare to your nearby competitors? As a dentist, you can do everything right and still have a struggling practice. It can be difficult to recover from poor reputation management.
Let’s take a snapshot of where your dental practice stands right now. Whenever a dentist comes to me for help with their online reputation, I start by doing the same thing their potential patients will do — search you on Google.
(more…)You’ve poured your heart and soul into your dental practice, so it can sting a little when someone criticizes you online. Studies show that most of your potential patients will check out your practice online before their first visit, and naturally you don’t want the first thing they see to be negative reviews.
In fact, it’s estimated that 92% of consumers will read online reviews. Are negative reviews the end of the world for your practice? Not really. People are more influenced by the number of reviews and your overall rating, and most even expect to see a couple unhappy patients.
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