Social Media
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!
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!
Does your dental marketing content survive the “3-second” rule?
You’re enjoying a favorite snack at home. And suddenly the morsel slips from your paws and on to the floor!
That unfortunate moment sets a rule into play jokingly known as the “10-second rule.” Basically, the rule holds that any food item remains edible if it’s quickly scooped up and dusted off within ten seconds (shorter or longer depending on who you ask).
(Trust me, there are limits to the “10 second rule” and where it applies. Anything that falls to the floor in a public restroom or anywhere “public” – for that matter – stays there as far as I’m concerned. It could be a $5 piece of Godiva Chocolate. If it’s public domain I’m sad to say – the rule doesn’t apply! You with me…?)
There’s a similar rule at play in copywriting. It’s the “3-Second rule.”
Here’s the premise – Your headline must grab your prospect’s attention! And you have about “3 seconds” to do it!
Seems like a short time-frame but consider the amount of information that streams into our consciousness every moment.
>An email hits your inbox. The subject line either compels you to open it or delete it.
>A piece of direct mail arrives in you mailbox among a few bills and credit card statements. It may look compelling enough to tear it open. Once opened, the lead sentence determines whether you give it any additional time.
Marketing content is a “dime-a-dozen.” And since a lot of “dimes” are invested, I’m amazed at copywriting that ignores the “3 second rule.”
Here’s 4 things your headline content must do to seize attention (and survive the 3-second rule):
1)Make a promise.
Typically, it should be a big promise. But big or small – promise something! Tell your reader what major benefit will come to them from your product/service.
You must think (strategically) about this. And your thoughts should be guided by below-the-surface research about your prospect, their problems, and how your product/service is THE solution. Start by answering their dominant “what’s-in-it-for-me” question.
2)Draw a picture.
This is why I often default to a story-lead (like my earlier “food” story). People can relate to a situation, a story, a popular/trending news item, etc.
It’s true – showing beats telling!
An active social media presence helps. Social media keeps “what’s current” in front of you consistently. Keep a notebook or use Evernote to capture story ideas. Subscribe to newsfeeds with services like Google Reader. Keep your ink fresh and ready to create captivating images of your product/service in action. Pictures don’t paint-a-thousand-words by accident!
3)State a fact.
Think action-ability. What actions do your products/services compel a client or prospect to take? Actionable facts give the readers of your marketing promotions something that confirms the trustworthiness and viability of your products and services. Don’t allow your copywriting to ramble. Go ahead and state it!
4)Ask a question.
Questions create necessary tension or clarify tension that’s already present. Ask your prospect a question that reminds them of their core problem or need.
Create copywriting around the answers that solve their problem(s).
Asking questions shows intuition and intelligence. Be intuitive through your marketing content. Show your prospects that you know them. And give them reason to trust you through the answers your copywriting provides.
Seconds count…whether it’s food…or copywriting!
How to be known as an “industry expert”
“What do I really have to offer the industry or more specifically – the niche – I work in?” It’s an important question that forces me to inventory the benefits I deliver.
This week I’ve been writing and editing a report that I’ll deliver FREE to my prospective client list. There’s an important reason I’m doing this…and why you might consider doing the same on a routine basis.
Why a special report…case study…or white paper is an important tool in your marketing toolbox:
>It encourages “expert” status.
Not everyone and certainly not even a large number of people know what you know. And if even if they do -who’s taking the time to put it in writing.
Frankly, writing scares most people. Or the few who do take a shot at it, start a document in their word processor perhaps never to return to it.
When you put your insight, knowledge, and skills out there you set yourself up as a go-to service provider. When an issue or challenge arises that your content addresses – in even a remote way – guess who comes to mind.
Thinking yourself and your services as “expert” isn’t arrogant. In fact, it’s more self-centered to hold on to your knowledge base – think about it!
>It puts you on the solution-side of the marketplace.
Talking-heads in today’s media numb us to the real issue – “how do we fix this?” If as much time were given to solutions as is given to pointing out the problems mainstream media would lose a substantial amount of “voice” and many bloated pontificators would be speechless.
It’s easier to focus on problems…on what needs fixing than it is to dig in, roll up your sleeves and do the work.
A steady stream of information that you publish – full of solutions to common market and industry problems – will give you “voice!”
Get to know the problems, issues, and challenges facing your particular niche/industry. Follow the social media feeds within your industry. Subscribe to industry blogs. Read comments. Engage others via your comments.
Create an idea file of common and current problems you discover. Do some extra-mile research and write some tips for solving the issues at hand.
Your opinion and insights count just as much as anyone’s. And putting your thoughts out there gives you a stake in helping solve some issues for your constituents.
>It gives you content to repurpose again and again.
Social media is about content delivery. Throughout the day I send tweets and Facebook posts to my Evernote account. I’ve developed a reference library that I can tap into any time and any place. And the reason is due to the content others unashamedly publish on a consistent basis through social media.
Again, being a solution-content source is a top reason to be a consistent info publisher. Once you’ve produced even one 10 to 20 page report-like document you can repurpose it a piece at a time and have months of content to send out via Twitter and your Facebook page.
What keeps many from jumping into the social media zone (or thinking it’s a waste of time and energy) is lack of shareable, useful content.
Having a report, white paper, or case study densely packed with beneficial content in your marketing repertoire gives you a well of information to share with others. And contrary to what you might believe – people really do hunger for information especially the brand that provides solutions to their problems.
Give yourself some credit for what you know. And get it in writing.
Special reports, case studies, white papers, social media content, blog posts, enewsletter articles are among my copywriting expertise. Don’t keep your expertise under-wraps. Contact me today to write yours!
12 Reasons Why Businesses Fail at Social Media (And How You Can Succeed)
Browsing my Evernote idea file to write today’s post I came across this one I had clipped weeks ago – 2011 Predictions: Top 12 Reasons Businesses Will Fail at Social Media.
I encourage you…don’t let the negative post title think it’s all doom & gloom. In fact, give attention to the “12” and your business could take the lead ahead of other social-media-wanna-be’s in your niche.
My thanks to FruitZoom for the frontal perspective. I’ll share their “12 Reasons…” and zero in on a quote from each so you get the idea. Go to their site to catch the full scoop from their post.
1-“Don’t understand the ecosystem…
(Social media)…doesn’t work like the days of traditional advertising where you push a message and expect to change thought via a cool ad, billboard or tv commercial. Instead you must not only find a way to become part of the community, build your own community but also be able to successfully grab attention of your audiences authentically and via relationships.”
2-“They hire the wrong consultant or agency…
One size does not fit all and a cookie cutter approach not focused on your market niche is going to bring zero to little positive return. Organizations must take responsibilities to do their research, not believe everything they hear from a consultant and do no accept status quo or ‘one size fits all’ solutions.”
3-“They execute via Random Acts of Social Media (RASM’s)…
Organizations must set goals and objectives before engaging in social media. Don’t tweet randomly…To avoid randomness in social media integration is key to success. Social media needs to be integrated into the DNA of business.”
4-“Have wrong social mindset…
They may lack the understanding that social media requires engagement. They may have the mindset that they’ll simply use social media as an additional venue for blasting noise, coupons and other…Social media cannot be leveraged as other traditional mediums.”
5-“Underestimate the resources and knowledge required…
You need more than an intern with a twitter account to execute your social media plan and connect with your audience in a way that represents your brand and market positioning…Although you’ll hear the clueless tell you ‘social media is free.’ Sorry folks it’s not. It steals your greatest asset which is time. It eats ROI for breakfast if you let it.”
6-“They don’t engage…
Bottom line, you must engage with your audience. Do more than tweet at them, tweet with them. Join in the fun. Inspire them to connect with you. Attract them organically to your brand and the people inside your corporate walls.”
7-“They don’t implement a social media policy…
(A social media policy) will protect an organization from legal risks and set a standard for how employees and partners should engage in social media on behalf of the company.”
8-“Lack roles & responsibilities…
Take the time to iron out the internal battles or insecurities within an organization…Clearly define roles…Flying by the seat of your pants will get you flat on your butt and nowhere fun!”
9-“Assume social media will fix their broken business…
If your business is broken, sales is not working with marketing, your message sucks, your audience doesn’t like you…sorry folks, these problems (cannot) will not be solved by social media. In fact, social media will make them worse.”
10-“Make a bad first impression…
Your goal is to build community and inspire people to take action. If you make a terrible first impression the chances of that visitor ever returning to your Facebook page are slim to none.”
11-“Have unrealistic expectations for social media…
Do your research and be realistic with the goals and objectives. You must be patient with social media.”
12-“They are boring…
Social media is about inspiring an audience to connect with you. If you have struggled with this offline or with other traditional media, chances are a Twitter account and a Facebook page are not going to fix it…Connecting with your audience is a requirement not an option regardless of the medium.”
Social media works. Don’t be overwhelmed by the growing list of faux pauxs many are making with it.
Ask for help, plan your use of social media, and work your plan by diving in…start engaging!
Why Your Marketing Should “Get” Social Media
Are you one of those who still don’t get the whole social-media-for-business thing? Or do you just wade in occasionally at water’s edge with a tweet here or a post there because your marketing director said, “We need to get into social media…!”
Frankly, it’s difficult to argue with all the data when you consider that…
- Facebook now has around 500 million users!
- Forrester Research estimates that companies will spend $935,000,000 on social media marketing this year! By 2012 they’ll spend $1,649,000,000. By 2014 they’ll spend $3,113,000,000!
- Web writer and social media advocate, Rebecca Matter, says, “Social media is now mainstream, and it’s growing fast. It’s where the action is, where the money is flowing, and most definitely where the future lies.”
Convinced or not about it’s value to your marketing approaches, perhaps the following will “tip” you over the edge to take some action…now!
User familiarity is increasing daily.
It’s not uncommon to hear the phrase “Facebook me” when requesting information from a friend or colleague. Just this week I told someone they could “message me on Facebook.” In addition to “call me” or “email me” it’s not uncommon for business to be conducted over a direct message via Twitter or Facebook.
According to Nick Usborne, online copywriter and experienced social media expert, “Many millions of users never leave Facebook. They never visit a traditional website. Besides connecting with friends, they use Facebook to browse, shop, and make purchases directly on a company’s Facebook page.”
It now makes sense that asking a client, patient, or prospect to “Like” your Facebook page is another vote for your services. It’s a much more portable referral source to share a Facebook page link than it is to fumble for a misplaced business card.
Imagine a significant number of “Likes” appearing to a potential client when they land on your website and are directed to your Facebook page. That’s a referral source any way you log it!
It’s how people are engaging.
Enagagement, as it’s often called in social media context, is another form of trust-building. We contact people to discover if they’re legit. We do business with those we come to trust.
Engagement over social media can give you a faster track to trust. Not to make light of the value of time-tested trust development but with the options available in your market niche can you afford not to have your expertise accessible to current and prospective clients?
You appear up to date.
These days, one of the first things many notice (and certainly what they look for) is evidence of social media on your website or marketing collateral. A Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube link tells them you’re current. And once they click over to your Facebook page or subscribe to your Twitter feed there’s a better chance they’ll keep you front-of-mind when they need your services.
Social-ability challenges traditional advertising.
Do you know where Ford launched its new Explorer? Not at a major car show. The launch was on Facebook!
Comcast doesn’t handle customer service the traditional way (over the phone). They do it through Twitter.
Thinking about printing and distributing flyers door-to-door? Think again and do what countless local retailers are doing through Groupon.
Major brands are taking notice too! Standards like Old Spice are no longer depending on old media for branding. They’re doing it through YouTube.
Nick Usborne confirms, “There are hundreds of social media sites now, and thousands of services created to monitor, analyze, and optimize the use of social media as a means to connect with new customers, engage existing customers, and even make direct sales.”
Social media will give your business-to-business marketing an advantage if you…
- Embrace it! Don’t ignore it.
- Learn to engage more than you promote.
- Use it as your annual marketing benchmark.