Like it or not, DR.Oogle empowers

A few weeks ago, Stewart Gandolf posted “Social media empowers consumers – including your patients” on his blog, Gandolf’s Marketing Magic.

Gandolf defines modern branding in dentistry when he concedes, “Consumers are now empowered, and some are getting aggressive.”

http://www.gandolfsmarketingmagic.com/2010/02/04/social-media-empowers-consumers-including-your-patients/

I told Gandolf if one plays to win, losing becomes increasingly less likely.

I’ve mentioned that I depend on DR.Oogle (doctoroogle.com) for a steady supply of new patients. It’s the most cost-effective marketing I’ve ever purchased. When I became active in September 2005, there was hardly any competition. I’m glad I got an early start.

If a dentist has the confidence to ask patients to refer friends and family, it’s only another small step to ask them to put in a good word on the Internet. I suggest that following a pleasant appointment, ask the satisfied customer to put in a good word on the Website of your choice while handwriting the address on a business card. Let the customer know that their opinion is precious enough to go out of your way - to ask them to go out of their way.

Web 2.0 marketing platforms like DR.Oogle become increasingly effective as patient satisfaction data accumulate and more consumers (and competitors) discover the power of numbers. Here’s something that should appeal to any dentist: New patients are sold on my abilities before they walk in the door. Now that’s beautiful. In addition, my staff and I try extra hard to please all our patients. It became habit.

Empowered consumers on computers are more critical for healthcare reform than empowered preferred provider lists. Besides, empowered consumers are here to stay. Delta Dental only acts like it.

One more thing: It’s sort of a favor. If you know a Fort Worth dentist, please don’t mention what I said about DR.Oogle…. and you can tell Delta Dental to bite me.

D. Kellus Pruitt DDS