There are a number of ways that dentists attract new patients. Probably the best way of attracting them is developing 'good word of mouth'. Fifty years ago, this more or less meant that if a dentist treated his patients fairly and competently, they would refer friends and family. This generally was the way things worked. Maybe a dentist would have a small sign outside his offices advertising his professional services as well.
Some enterprising dentists advertised their services in local papers, yellow pages or sponsored local events or children's sports teams. Now things are changing. Potential new patients not only desire a dentist who has performed competently for a friend or family member, but often would like to read about him or her on the Internet!
Probably the first thing many people do, when considering a new dentist, is to Google his name and see what turns up! Many would like to find an attractive website and primarily positive online reviews for the dentist by his patients. This is "2010 style word of mouth"!
This part is addressed primarily to my dental colleagues. I think it is important that dentists, both young and old give some thought to this new form of marketing, sometimes called "Reputation Management". Clearly what a patient finds out online about a dentist will either help or hurt his chances getting new patients! Practices that are successful in maintaining a good online presence will tend to prosper, even in difficult economic climates.
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