In our previous post on Web 2.0, you learned what it is and why it’s important. Now, we’re going to cover the basic philosophy that has to fuel implementation of this innovative Internet tool.
Dentists, front office staff, assistants, and hygienists have work to do – and it does not involve “playing” on the computer. True. However, Web 2.0 is not “playing.” If used effectively, your interactive dental website will transform how your office communicates with patients, improve online marketing and rankings, and make life a little easier for everyone. Web 2.0 can also save you money! Don’t believe it? Read on.
The rules…
• Everyone on your staff should have a role in your interactive website.
• Everyone on your staff should understand his/her responsibility.
• Everyone on your staff should make weekly posts on your blog or social media outlet.
• Everyone on your staff should respond to emails the day they arrive.
• Everyone on your staff will benefit from Web 2.0 if they participate and understand how it works, why it works, and why it’s good for business.
Web 2.0 for Patient Communication, Marketing, Convenience, and Efficiency
Imagine never having to call a patient, mail forms, send recall postcards, or answer questions on the phone. Now what if you could maintain a very personal approach AND avoid all the calls and snail mail?
A top dental website with Web 2.0 design will change how your staff and patients communicate. It’ll also make your practice look state-of-the-art-tech-savvy-cutting-edge. You won’t lose the personal touch because your staff will communicate one-on-one via email. They’ll also share information through social networking. Here are a few ways your Web 2.0 dental website will foster rewarding online communication:
- Contact forms – New or existing patients can quickly and easily shoot off an email to your office from any page on your website. Your front office need only respond to the email in a timely manner.
- Twitter, Facebook, Blogs – Instead of printing newsletters, these FREE social media platforms allow instant communication with new and existing patients. You can update your patients on office policies, staff changes, promotions, new technology or procedures, and the latest news in oral health.
TIP: Split up the duties. Your office manager can handle one post a week, as can your hygienist. You don’t have to manage social media alone. In fact, that aforementioned philosophy has do to with all hands on deck using Web 2.0 regularly.
TRAINING: Social media and blogs are great for search engine optimization, as well, so your marketing strategy will get an automatic boost. In a brief training session with your staff, TNT can teach how to use a blog and make the most of SEO…for free
. - Patient forms – With interactive, online forms, new patients can complete registration at home. This makes the first visit more efficient, and your front office will enjoy the cleanliness and convenience of digital registration. TNT patient forms are secure, and HIPPA regulations met. You and your patients can enjoy peace of mind about security with online forms.
- Automatic recall reminders – Perhaps you use a service that texts or emails patients reminders about dental appointments. Your Web 2.0 website can allow patients to sign up for automatic reminders.
- Online scheduling – Potential or existing patients can book appointments with your office via your Web 2.0 dental website. Whether you want patients to actually schedule or just send you a preferred date and time (your front office follows up), online appointment scheduling is convenient for all parties.
- Online surveys – Find out what your patients love and dislike about your practice through online surveys. For marketing, surveys can gather good information and keep people on your website longer – which is always a good thing.
Other Great Stuff
There are many options – some still evolving – to transform your custom dental website to an interactive Web 2.0 site. Because TNT Dental builds each website from the ground up, without any templated designs, your Web 2.0 site can conform to your unique needs, goals, and clientele. If you’re ready to streamline your office with a completely interactive website that brings marketing, communication, and education together, call TNT Dental today and speak with Tim Kelley at 877-868-4932, extension 101, or email at sales@tntdental.com.
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