For more on this topic, go to www.dentaleconomics.com and search using the following key words: Web site makeover, redesign, search engine optimization, Internet, Dr. Jeff Dalin.
Through the years, I have written many columns about the Internet. I have always thought that every dental practice needs a Web site, and a few years ago I wrote a four-part series on Web site design.
I also have covered important related subjects, such as search engine optimization, how to use Google, patient communication tools, blogging, marketing your Web site, and social media sites. I encourage you to visit www.dentaleconomics.com and type in "dalin" in the site’s search area to find links to these and other columns I have written.
Your Web site exists as a way to get information about you and your practice out to potential, and existing patients. If you do not have a Web site, you are missing these opportunities and it is time that you produced one.
If you do have a Web site, you have to take the time to make sure that it is functioning effectively. Just because you have a Web site does not mean that your work is complete. Most of us are guilty of getting complacent in this matter.
I have had a Web site for my practice for a number of years now. Periodically, I have added content, articles, and photographs. I thought that doing this had kept things somewhat fresh and up-to-date. In retrospect, I now realize that this was not the case. I did list new products and services for our practice but that was not enough. The Internet is a constantly evolving field and you need to stay up to date if you want to be effective. I now realize that it is mandatory to regularly do a complete "re-skin" or redesign of your site.
One reason to do this is to give things a facelift and make your site more visually appealing and exciting. This is something that will keep visitors returning for more.
Why would someone keep visiting a site that exhibits no changes?
A second and even more important reason to stay current is to take advantage of new search engine optimization techniques and programming that continues to change daily.
You need an experienced designer to work in concepts such as key words, metatags, title tags, site map optimization, search friendly URLs, linkable and shareable content, image descriptions, robot.txt files, checklists and validators, optimized headings and subheadings, and more.
As you can see, there is a lot to learn when it comes to search engine optimization. There are a lot of good designers out there. Many work with a lot of dental practices and this familiarity with dentistry gives them an advantage. Here are a few names to check out:
I believe strongly in "walking the walk" and not just "talking the talk." I want to show what it means to do a complete re-skin of a Web site.
