Web 2.0 (noun): User-centered web design that promotes and facilitates interactivity from users.
Huh?
It’s all about WIKI, social networking, social media, blogs, podcasts, videos, and… Let’s break it down a bit.
You’re probably familiar with Wikipedia – “the free encyclopedia” online. Wiki is actually an acronym: WIKI = What I Know Is. On Wikipedia, anyone can add content. This is good and bad. You can’t rely on Wikipedia as an accurate source of information 100% of the time, but the information presented there can help kick off research by providing a general overview of a topic and sources for more information.
Progressive companies are employing WIKIs in the office. These interactive forums are used for employee training and information sharing. As people learn new or better ways of doing things, they can post the information as tips or how-tos on the company’s WIKI. The entries can be edited and amended by other employees, so the information evolves over time.
Now for the networking… If you haven’t become active on Facebook, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn, you’re missing out. These social networks allow users to communicate with one another on various levels – from posting requests and information to sending invitations, promoting events and products, and sharing videos or podcasts– and far beyond. They work well for personal and business interactions.
Take a look at the Zappos.com model, a forerunner in innovative corporate training and culture, and you’ll see that the employees use blogs, Twitter, video, and much more to share information with not only their fellow employees, but also with customers! Visit http://blogs.zappos.com/blogs to review the giant Zappos blog.
And as for social media, www.DentalBlogs.com is a prime example. The website posts daily dental news that you can subscribe to by email, RSS feed, or other application. DentalBlogs is also on Facebook and Twitter, so even more news is posted there. You can become a “friend” on Facebook or a “follower” on Twitter, and the info will be delivered right to your email. You’ll also be able to post comments about articles and interact with other users.
So what does Web 2.0 mean to dentists?
Any dentist who’s interested in moving into the next generation of marketing should become familiar with Web 2.0, even if it’s only through baby steps! Here’s how to start. TNT Dental can set up a blog on your website and teach you and your team how to use it – or the TNT dental copywriters can blog for you. (It’s great for search engine optimization, too.) Upon request, TNT will place your Facebook, Twitter, or other social networking footprint on your website. All you have to do is ask! As Web 2.0 evolves and develops, dentistry will claim a piece of the pie, just as it has with Internet marketing.
For more information on social media in the workplace, visit iDental Community (a free social community for dentists) and see Dennis Bonilla’s page. Here’s one of his videos:
Tags: blogging, Dental Marketing, dental news, dental technology, dental website, dentalblogs, dentist forum, dentistry news, dentistry website, facebook, internet marketing, linked in, social marketing, social networking, twitter, web 2.0, wiki, wikis
