Once your web site is designed, developed and up & running, it could become a lesson in futility, unless people are able to find and check out your site. First, be sure your web designer submits the proper Meta Tags to the major search engines. If you are located in Los Angeles, for example, and a person goes to Google and types in "dentist, Los Angeles," you want your web site to come up on the list of LA dental sites. There are SEO [Search Engine Optimization] companies that you can pay to get you and keep you near the top of the list. You can also register with the "Find a Dentist" sites [many are free].

If you want to target a particular audience [i.e. sport enthusiasts, bikers, seniors, garden enthusiasts, etc.], post your web address to those specific News & Discussion Groups. Many do not like commercial postings. Check with the group first as to the wording. It may be enough just to have your web site address under your signature in all your emails when you correspond with these groups.

Put your web site address [URL] on all printed matter that leaves your office including business cards, appointment cards, stationary,
billheads, brochures and e-mails. Have the web address added to
your front door or outside sign.

Send a press release to local community newspapers announcing your new web site [include a screen shot image of your home page]. If you practice in an area with corporate headquarters or larger companies, send a similar press release to their Human Resources Department [many of these companies will publish the information in their in-house newsletters]. Include the web address in any print advertising or yellow book ads. If you have a "telephone on hold" message, add your web address. Speak with a local real estate agent or look it up on the Internet; you can usually find out who have become new residents in your zip code each month. Get their address and mail a post card with your web address inviting them to check you out.

Keep in mind that the best source of new patients comes from patient referrals. So put images and text on your web site that will motivate your existing patients to tell their friends and relatives about your site. An example would be to pick a monthly "Patient of the Month." It's human nature that they will want everyone they know to see himself or herself on the Internet [which, of course, just happens to be on your web site]. WebDentalMarketing.com designs the "What's New" section of their dental web sites with this concept in mind. Click here to check it out.