Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Marketing

Directory Listings

Q.        What are the benefits of listing my practice website with directories?

A.       Accurate listings are the first step in online marketing. More than 40% of online listings are inaccurate, incomplete, or missing.

• Get listed on ALL major search engines and directories
• Update your listings for free, any time
• Save yourself the effort of registering on dozens of sites
• Share detailed profile information about your business and stand out from the competition
• Get a higher ranking by making your listings consistent across all sites

Q.        How long does it usually take to list my practice?

A.       We will provide you with a form to complete to obtain all of your practice information.  Once you return it to us, we will review it for inaccuracies and confirmation, and then immediately submit it to hundreds of internet directory sites and data providers. Because this process takes time for the computerized directories to correct or add your practice information, we estimate that your information will be accurate within 60 to 90 days from submission.  This is why we also provide the Quick Listing service.

Q.        Why are the Quick Listings faster?

A.       These listings are faster because we actually contact each of the 15 directories individually and submit your information, rather than by going through the universal data feeders.  Since we submit your practice information to more than 350 listings, it is not realistic that we can contact each of these directories individually.  However, we understand the importance of generating immediate results from your investment.  This is why we include Quick Listings in our Directory Listings services.

Claiming Your Practice’s Local Search Engine Listing

Q.        Why do I need to claim my local Google page?

A.       You need to claim your local page on Google, Yahoo and Bing for several reasons.  First, these search engines, especially Google, WANT you to claim your listing.  Claiming your listing moves your business into the “verified” category, which means that Google now knows that your dental practice is a real, viable, legitimate business because you have verified that it is.  This makes your practice’s online listing more valuable than those dental practices that have not been claimed.

Secondly, when you claim your listing, you also will be introduced to other marketing opportunities provided by these search engines.  Some of these are even free.  For example, Google provides access to Google Maps and Google Hot Pot.  These offer significant marketing tools to further brand your practice and its visibility.

And, your potential and current patients are online, and they are connecting.  We want them to connect to you.

Reputation Management

Q.        Why do I need to monitor and manage what patients say about me?

A.        Your patients are talking online.  And, sometimes, they are talking about you.  As a dentist, part of your marketing role is to build your practice reputation – both inside and outside the operatory.  You need to know what your patients are saying about you.  Watching your patients’ responses empowers you with the opportunity build your credibility by showing you care, addressing and fixing the problem, and even learning from your competitors’ mistakes.