Dental Industry Archives - Page 11 of 13

Dental Industry

June 22, 2011 Dental B2B, Dental Business, Dental Industry, Dental marketing strategies, Marketing dental services, Marketing dental supplies, Marketing to dentists, Social Media No Comments

Do You Have a Social Media Chip-on-Your-Shoulder? (3 Keys to Get Rid of It)

Trust and authenticity are the currency of social media. And your Facebook page alongside your Twitter account and blog are the places where you should lavishly spread that currency around.

I emphasized trust and authenticity in a recent post because people are now so oriented to interacting with dental companies, dental practices, and dental supply brands who seem at least somewhat familiar with social media. And once you’ve caught on to the value of social media engagement your perspective and marketing approaches shift.

There’s a more frontal…give-it-to-me-straight marketing interaction (in contrast to the old-school, bait and switch).

There’s freedom to be yourself without the flash (in contrast to slick, hype-y…expensive marketing – think jeans and maybe a sports coat instead of suit and tie).

There’s conversation around products, services, and expertise (in contrast to if-we-build-it-they-will-come).

I think of the days of mom & pop shops. Social media is restoring confidence to business and service providers who have that grass-roots brand of marketing DNA.

Coaching a grass-roots confidence is the responsibility all who are coming into their own with social media marketing.

I once felt like a rookie in the big-leagues when I first opened my Twitter account. I resisted for months as early as 2008.

But I’m there…in fact I have two Twitter accounts. One is personal/general copywriting/marketing consultant related. The other is specific to all that within the dental industry.

I’ve had my social media ups and downs. Some days I feel like a shivering chihuahua alongside the social media big dogs.

And sometimes I write and publish on my blog like I think a big-dog would. In fact, I’m still nursing a fresh wound because I forgot what this whole social media deal looks like to someone who doesn’t engage in it (not because they’re opposed…it just isn’t something they’re into…like many marketers, still).

I’m reminded that when I speak and write about the failures of traditional marketing with my new social-media-is-all-about-trust-and-authenticity-chip-on-my-shoulder, I risk alienating those I’m still invested in.

So…here’s how to boost your social media confidence when wanna-be big-dogs (like me) mess on the lawn (or seem to be growling at those who aren’t so much into social media):

1) It’s about being yourself.

You and your business, product, service have a story to tell. Engage (that’s “talk” in social media) about the problems you’re solving, the solutions you’re delivering, the benefits you’re bringing to the marketplace. No one else can be you better than…well, you!And once you stop being “you” – it really doesn’t matter!

2) It’s about keeping it simple.

Really, what’s the point in being complicated. Life’s complicated enough and so is business.

To-the-point simplicity is a big adjustment for those new to social media. The full-frontalness of the dialogue (on a blog or via Twitter and a Facebook page) can be misunderstood as edgy or in some instances, even trite.

Hey, when Twitter allows you only 140 characters you can’t dilly-dally (a word I’d probably not use in mainstream marketing). That’s a steep learning curve for those accustomed to traditional marketing approaches.

3) It’s about creating conversation.

Once you’re around social media long enough you’ll learn that appetizing conversations begun on your Twitter or Facebook page feed should effectively transition to your website or blog via links (ow.ly, bit.ly, etc.).

Think of social media conversations (even those involving your business, products, services) like you would saying to dinner guests following a meal, “Let’s move to the patio…can I get you another drink…” There’s no hype among friends – just swapping stories in good conversation.

…and now where’s the dip for that chip-on-my-shoulder I mentioned?

June 16, 2011 Dental B2B, Dental Business, Dental Copywriter, Dental Copywriting, Dental Industry, Dental internet marketing, Dental marketing strategies, Dental web content that works, Marketing dental services, Marketing dental supplies, Marketing to dentists No Comments

3 Questions Dental Web Copywriting Must Answer…or Else

Picture a large sports venue with a seating capacity of 40 to 50,000. Put yourself as a dental marketer or a dental service provider in one of those thousands of seats.

The stadium announcer booms out (Why? I don’t know. But stick with me…), “This just in…a local dental practice seeks a substantial supply of (your specific product or service). If you provide (your specific product or service)…stand up!”

Picture nearly 10,000 standing!

A strange but somewhat realistic analogy when you consider it alongside what happens countless times a day online. The bigger question – how do you stand out in a crowd that numbers significantly more than 10,000 (relative to the average Google web search).

I’m a dental copywriter. I’ve narrowed my attention to those who provide products and services to the dental industry.

When I set sail in this niche my first online research process produced nearly 40,000 companies who’ve tagged themselves “dental supply” companies. That’s a lot of companies vying for the attention of thousands more who rely on the supply chain they represent. Think about it!

How do you get online attention…and keep it?

Producing attention-getting and attention-keeping web content as a dental marketer and/or dental service provider deserves your utmost attention! I recommend the following three tips from web copywriting expert, Nick Usborne, for attention-deficit websites.

3 questions your web content must answer to get and keep attention:

1) Who are you?

Getting to the core of who you are – as a business or service – helps you get more attention. Remember there are potentially hundreds – if not thousands – in the same or similar business as you.

But…your business-DNA is unique. You must differentiate yourself and get attention away from the pack.

Usborne encourages the simplicity of narrowing your biz to the core (benefits) through writing a 500 word (or less) article on your business, product, or service. This exercise funnels the related details into an easy-to-read format.

2) Who do you exist for & how?

The point of your business or service is to provide benefits. So envision – whoever that end-user is – actually using your product or services.

Usborne invites writing 10 user scenarios involving 10 different people (e.g. how does your product or services benefit them, what will they experience as result, etc.). This *power of 10* approach highlights the real reasons people do business with you – why you exist!

And finally…

3) What’s your business…in a nutshell?

Attention spans are short…especially when potential customers and clients surf the web! You must maximize your time and theirs. It helps to crunch-down who you are and what you do into a concise few words.

Nick Usborne says the core of your business is best expressed in 10 words or less. Write them down. Refine them. Then, keep those words accessible (in your mind) at all times as a *tagline*.

Give your dental business and dental services a front row seat. And position yourself to land the attention of countless web surfers by applying these online content tips.

Contact me about narrowing your dental marketing strategy and dental web copywriting to an attention-getting core! Case studies, online articles, and social media are an excellent way to stand-out in the crowd of dental marketers and dental suppliers.

June 14, 2011 Dental Copywriting, Dental email autoresponders, Dental email marketing, Dental email promotions, Dental Industry, Dental internet marketing, Dental marketing strategies, Dental web content that works, Marketing dental services, Marketing dental supplies, Marketing to dentists, Social Media No Comments

The web has changed – do you know what to do?

As a dental service provider or dental marketer, let’s agree you want a piece of the online action. But how does your web presence compete for the attention of today’s savvy web surfers.

And once you’ve established an online presence – that brings in business – how do you keep it?

You do know the web HAS changed…right!?

Securing that attention is both a technological AND content issue. The web presents countless waves of opportunity for dental industry and dental marketing pros like you.

Here’s a few reminders of how savvy, A-level dental marketers are strategically using the web for their front-line dental marketing efforts:

–>E-mail (Are you maximizing this tool?) – use product/service promotions, autoresponders (a series of strategically written email promotions that provide a click-through link to your website or promotional webpage).

–>E-newsletters or e-zines (Got one? – they work in ways you may not have considered) – keep your products/services front-of-mind through a series of articles and tips published weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

–>Blogs (For some they’re better than an e-newsletter and…they’re more than a place to vent or rant) – stay on the radar of the your target market through consistent, relevant content that establishes you as an authority – or at least one with your finger on the pulse of your industry. See it…say it – that’s the power of having a go-to blog.

–>Social media (Seriously! What are you waiting for?) – think Twitter, Facebook pages, LinkedIn, YouTube, Foursquare, Gowalla, etc. I’ll be as bold to say – “Get on board or be irrelevant (that’s a kind way of saying you’ll go the way of the dinosaur)!”

–>Home pages (perhaps the most strategically under-utilized and ineffective website page) – set the pace for your entire website here.

–>Landing pages…squeeze pages (could be the difference between a customer and potential one) – warm up your market with a product/service promotion before they even get to your website.

–>Podcasts (if you’ve got something valuable to say) – be the voice with a portable…listen-as-you-go marketing tool (IPhones, IPads, Blackberrys, and the Android market of smartphones make this a slam-dunk)! Embed it on your website and build your subscriber list. For some hearing is better than seeing (reading).

–>Webinars (nothing to fear…much to gain when used right) – create an online educational system. Save cash-flow on training travel and related fees. Offer the occasional free webinar to build your educational tribe.

New and efficient forms of communication require fresh, targeted content. Design is a significant feature of your dental industry website for sure.

But without benefit-biased copywriting all the *pop* and *flash* technology risks diverting attention…and the web, brothers-and-sisters, preaches the doctrine of attention!

June 9, 2011 Dental B2B, Dental Copywriter, Dental Copywriting, Dental email marketing, Dental email promotions, Dental Industry, Dental marketing strategies, Dental web content that works, Marketing dental services, Marketing dental supplies, Social Media No Comments

3 Ways to Step-Away-from-the-Crowd with Better Dental Copywriting

Do you know how much marketing content is published in the dental industry? Your response is probably like mine – “How much…? Not sure. But a lot!”

Your approach to copywriting as a dental marketer, dental supplier, or dental service provider will most likely follow a certain pattern. But the issue is always – will it produce the response you desire for your marketing efforts? And if it does, can it be repeated with equal or greater effectiveness each time it’s sent via email, mailed directly to your list, or posted on your dental website’s blog?

What you already have going for you may be the secret you’ve been looking for in your promotions. In print or online, revealing more of this can lift you above the crowd.

Speaking of crowds…remember a recent social function (a party or networking event). Someone – maybe only one – stood out from the pack of those you interacted with. What initially got your attention? Was it how they were dressed? How they looked? What they said or how they said it?

When all’s been said and done – this shines through. It’s…personality!

Add some personality to your dental marketing content and track the results. It’ll mean avoiding the window dressing mindset (e.g. flash, design, colors, etc.) typical of many copywriting approaches. In the end people will remember you more for the personality that shines through than the exterior coating.

Don’t misunderstand me, I’m a fan of creative, colorful, out-of-the-ordinary promotions. They catch my eye and keep me engaged.

But…

I’m hooked more when I’m drawn into the marketing conversation and it seems like only seconds have passed while it’s actually been several minutes. Good copywriting – the kind with personality – does this.

No more sleep-inducing content!

If your dental copywriting and marketing materials come with a warning label – WARNING: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after reading this…you know what I’m talking about! More than that they’re TYPICAL…and in business – typical isn’t memorable.

It’s vital to insert personality between every line of your communications with customers and prospects (most read between the lines of what you’re saying anyway). The *personality-ethic* applies to your email promotions, your blog posts and the social media content you post on your Twitter and Facebook page, the copywriting on your website, your e-newsletter content, and more.

Here’s 3 ways to add some personality or better yet get yours working for you and the copywriting that promotes your dental products and services:

1) Inc. yourself (and not in the corporate sense)!

I consistently remember the words a colleague and mentor said to me several years ago – “be yourself.” No one else can be you better than…YOU. Management guru, Tom Peters calls it “You Inc.” or “brand-you.”

It’s about the unique personality…the DNA…you personally bring to your marketing communications. Be unafraid to let people “in” on your life and the behind-the-scenes aspects of your business-story (we talked about this in a previous post).

Step away from worn-out, weak, or ineffective branding! What you keep hidden or overshadowed (too much dependence on brand or image) might be the key to winning a client’s heart.

2) Step from behind the professional veneer.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m a believer in being and remaining professional in all your business practices. Just don’t confuse professionalism with being pretentious, aloof, or out-of-touch.

Why is it that someone talks in plain, easy-to-understand words yet when they get behind the key-board or take pen in hand they become this austere (there I go…using a big word) “plastic” person.

Corporate jargon is just that – jargon. It may or may not reflect your niche in the dental industry…or, for that matter – you. Think about it – how effective does bureaucracy communicate – really?

3) Be anything but typical.

Aim for authenticity. I’ll continue to beat-my-drum about avoiding typical, hype-driven marketing approaches.

Hypey…salesy wording alienates more than it attracts. People do business with hype-sters for much they same reason crowds show up at a freeway pile-up…!

People much more enjoy doing business with someone who’s real…authentic…open…honest…non-salesy! That’s untypical and it works.

Personality shines through every time. Get yours going for your dental copywriting and marketing approaches. Real people enjoy doing business with REAL people. And smile while you’re at it!

May 18, 2011 Dental B2B, Dental Business, Dental Copywriting, Dental Industry, Dental internet marketing, Dental marketing strategies, Dental promotion ideas, Marketing dental services, Marketing dental supplies, Marketing to dentists No Comments

How to give your products & services “blockbuster” status

The summer movie season is almost here. Has me thinking about what most blockbuster movies have in common.

And it’s the same reason excellent marketing and outstanding copywriting draws you in.

I’m talking about the plot or story-line that keeps you riveted as the story unfolds. A well-crafted story-line drifts (ever so slightly) back and forth. Just when you’re feeling carried to another seemingly disconnected place…the plot reappears…drawing you back into the story once again.

Marketing copy compares to the story you’re telling about your business, product, or service. How well you keep your target audience engaged, buying, and doing business with you tells whether they’re riveted as your story unfolds.

Keep ‘em compelled and first-time, front-end clients or customers will become repeat, back-end ones time and again.

This is traceable to a significant element of your marketing-story. Like the plot or story-line of great cinema this is a key within your marketing copy.

It’s your USP…

I’m talking about the Unique Selling Proposition of your business, service, or product.

(Back to the movie analogy) Ever sat through *flick* and thought – this plot seems a lot like… (the movie you saw last year). What’s missing or vague is the UNIQUE story-line that would earn it top box-office.

What I enjoy and am challenged by as a copywriter is exploring deep beneath the surface of my client’s services and discovering their USP. What is it about *Product/Service A* that reeeeeally makes it unique…unlike all the rest in the same or similar industry?

Distinguishing yourself from the crowd sends bigger waves of opportunity flowing your way. Otherwise, you’re merely creating ads, promotions, website content, etc. and all the blah-blah-blah that goes with it. And remember people don’t invest time or money for “blah.”

Here’s how to develop your U-nique story-line – do this and exploit it within your marketing copy.

1>Spotlight your Feature Presentation

Sit down to write about your business, product, or service and you’ll naturally and reflexively begin with features. Feature focus is easy because we’re accustomed to spotlighting them.

After all, you see yourself as the newest…biggest…brightest…sexiest…boldest…fastest…and any other *est* that applies. The problem with stopping there (please don’t) and spinning out your promotional copy based mostly on features is that there are others convinced their *est* is better than your *est*.

If you really want to command attention…

2>Promote your edge-of-the-seat Benefits

Here’s where the plot thickens. Telling your market about your features – mostly – stops short of the real juicy details that’ll compel them to do business with you, use your services, or buy your products.

Remember you’re unique. So…list all the benefits you can think of. If you’ve developed the fastest this-or-that (feature) get to the core of what you’ll promote (benefits) by asking and answering the question *which means…?* for every feature you spotlight.

Try this. Fill in the following blank with your business, product, or service – “We provide the fastest (or other feature oriented word) ______ which means… (how does providing the *fastest, etc.* lead to a benefit for your client or customer?). Do this for enough listed features and you’ll arrive at your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)…then promote the heck out of it!

And you’ll potentially…

3>Secure Repeat status

Not all great movie story-lines have a sequel in them. In fact some excellent box-office films took a nosedive when their sequel was released.

On the other hand, businesses thrive on sequel after sequel. I’m talking about *repeat business or sales*.

Every new or re-purposed product secures its repeat status when its USP is promoted to the hilt. And it’s a process worth repeating – spotlight features…promote benefits (USP)…position yourself for repeat business.

Bottom line: when the credits roll how’s your business story being told?

May 17, 2011 Dental B2B, Dental Copywriter, Dental Copywriting, Dental Industry, Dental marketing strategies, Marketing dental services, Marketing dental supplies, Marketing to dentists No Comments

The Voice and your copywriting tone

The Voice is an NBC prime time television series that features musical superstars Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine (of Maroon Five) as judges. Each selected their team of vocalists from a parade of vocal talent. The catch – they initially listened to them sing with their backs turned to them, only focusing on the contestant’s voice.

Think about it, we listen to radio, a download, or an album in much the same way. We hear the voice without seeing the singer.

I admit, sometimes when I’m watching American Idol I’ll close my eyes as the competitor sings. Focusing on their voice instead of their presentation reveals something about their talent.

Voice connects. And it’s the starting point for effective copywriting.

Voice is the tone, attitude, or style chosen to communicate the message. It’s how you focus and evaluate your marketing content.

Is your voice clear to your target audience? Can readers hear your voice over the noise of other competitors? Does the presentation/packaging hide your voice?

And such an evaluation begs the deeper question – what IS my voice and how do I choose IT? I’ll make it easy by suggesting one voice that works.

Direct response copywriter, Paul Hollingshead, suggests…

“Imagine the person you’re writing to. Picture him or her as a friend.”

Writing to a friend is entirely different than keeping it strictly business. The error many make in the first sentence is taking on a formal…corporate voice.

Here’s how to use a friend-to-friend copywriting voice:

Be conversational.

Write like you talk. People appreciate and relate best to everyday language.

Keep it casual.

The goal of marketing is the sale. But keep in mind that people don’t like the idea of being sold. Copywriting should engage emotions.

And speaking of emotions…

Connect emotionally.

One of the fundamental rules of selling, according to Michael Masterson, is “people buy for emotional not rational reasons.” As a dental supplier…dental marketer that means people are more interested in the emotional benefits of the latest teeth whitening product than they are the “latest…greatest” features you’re promoting!

Find your voice and your market will listen!

May 16, 2011 Dental B2B, Dental Business, Dental Copywriting, Dental email promotions, Dental Industry, Dental internet marketing, Dental marketing strategies, Marketing dental services, Marketing dental supplies, Marketing to dentists No Comments

A marketing secret you may be missing

Words make or break your marketing message. As much as power-packed words add to the mix, there’s another key – credibility. It’s the personal element behind those words.

I’m an insatiable reader. I read for mentoring, to sharpen my skills, to gain and keep my professional and personal-performance edge. Occasionally I’ll escape the daily routine through good fiction or thought provoking essays.

I subscribe to nearly a dozen e-zines. Their content occasionally prompts me to part with my money to purchase a resource or two. That’s the power of well-written copy.

I’m reminded of an experience I had with the writer/publisher of resources I frequently read. He taught me something of vital importance about marketing.

RB is among the top professionals in his field. He’s well paid for his expertise – approaching 30 years of experience. I consider him a mentor via his printed resources.

I was facing an interview with a potential client. I needed some insight in order to do the assigned work. I believed RB – with his resume of experience – could help. I sent him a brief email, hopeful he’d reply (in a a day or two) with direction to one of his relevant resources.

Not 5 minutes after clicking –send- my phone rang – “Hello…” “Hi, Eddie this is RB…listen I’ve got a resource you might be interested in…” The conversation continued for a couple of minutes. It led to an offer of assistance (on his part – no charge) and my agreement to reciprocate with some assistance of my own and I soon found a very helpful resource arriving in my in-box.

What’s most valuable about that experience? That I received needed help…promptly? Certainly! But more than that – I’ll unpack it in a moment.

I’ve read countless chapters of RB’s resources. As I said, his words mentor me in my craft as a professional copywriter. Now his words have even greater impact because they’ve moved from the printed page to another level.

Here’s my point…

Say what you will about *customer service* and its effect on your marketing. Sometimes the simplest approaches leave the most lasting impression. I’m a raving fan of RB and his resources. His recent actions increased my sense that I’m a valued “customer,” even though I’m an industry colleague as well.

His actions go beyond mere customer service to what I call *relational-capital*.

Relationships matter! Face to face, in print, online, or through the phone – it matters that you establish them. Diligently work to maintain them and they’ll serve you – even pay you – repeatedly!

Here’s how to improve your relational-capital:

–>Maximize your marketing moments

Well-worded resources are the base-line of moment to moment marketing. You’ve created a brochure…launched a website…invested in advertising space in a trade journal…or increased your PPC (pay-per-click) or Google ad-word budget. Those are good, measurable uses of your time and marketing resources.

Remember you earn a massive amount of credibility when you increase your relational-capital in the process. Moments – even methods – come and go – relationships last!

Social media has raised the marketing game to new levels. You can engage your clients and potential ones in the moment via a tweet, a like, page post, blog post, etc. If you’re not using social media, you’re leaving tons of relational-capital to those who recognize it’s value for building relationships with their market. Start engaging!

–>Activate an act now approach

A client or potential client requests information about a product or service you provide. Whether they leave a voice mail or send an email, develop the habit of responding via the most relational action (again, social media is free and available).

99.9% of the time it’s the personal touch that makes the greatest impression (face-to-face or phone). Use social media, e-mail, and text-messaging…just don’t hide behind them.

–>Favor frequent follow-up

Marketing coach, Ali Brown, says, “The fortune is in the follow-up.” Simply put. Be vigilant about staying on the radar of your clients and prospects. Pick up the phone…make the call…send a brief email…use social media…mail a postcard or another form of direct mail. Frequent follow-up builds the relationship.

Learn from and be inspired by my experience. In marketing as in life…relationships pay! And relational-capital can increase your profits!