A recent search by iProspect showed that 61% of internet searchers think ‘natural listings’ (instead of paid listings) are more relevant. This means that while ‘Pay Per Click’ advertising can be effective, a ‘natural’ campaign based on relevant content is necessary in order to build a credible and lasting web presence.

Statistics like these indicate that ‘natural’ web-based marketing is an essential tool in your ability to reach and attract more patients.

Getting to the top of search results is key to successful localized search engine marketing. When someone searches for ‘dentistry’ in your local city, you want to be within the top three results to be considered.

How do you get to the top? Here are four important factors to consider for your online marketing strategy:

1. Frequency
   Search engines look for fresh content to assure that your site is alive and active. You should be posting new content to your site at least twice a month. The more often, the better.
2. Keywords
   The content on your site should emphasize keywords that are relevant to your practice, such as ‘tooth whitening’. Keywords should be incorporated into your content in a readable manner, and should constitute a minimum of 3 percent of your content.
3. Localization
   Your keywords must be modified for your local area in order to be effective. For instance, using the keyword phrase ‘Yourtown tooth whitening’ will help search engines associate your office location with your ‘tooth whitening’ service.
4. Linking
   Keywords that are linked to your home site from other pages are given high points by the search engines. A link indicates a relevant destination and shows that your content is not a ‘dead end’ for readers. Search engines rate sites with strong external links higher than others because the site provides additional value for the reader. Links to and from your content are important.

ListPipe (www.listpipe.com) is a new service that will help you improve your online marketing. ListPipe provides a new blog website and regular optimized content each week as part of their service, helping you fill your site with Powerful Custom Content designed to attract local search traffic.

For a low monthly cost, ListPipe will host a customized blog website for you, and will insert a new article each week that includes industry keywords, localization for your practice, and links to your own home page. If you don’t already have one, ListPipe provides an inexpensive opportunity to begin your online marketing with a blog website.

Getting started with ListPipe takes only 10 minutes, and in no time you will have a blog website full of search optimized content specifically customized for your practice. In addition, ListPipe includes optional online training resources to help you and your staff learn how to manage your blog, post your own content, and otherwise take advantage of your ListPipe site.

Cost is normally $46 per month, including the website, hosting, and at least four articles each month.

Use promo code ‘dentallab’ when signing up at www.listpipe.com and receive a discount. You pay only $42 per month.

For patients, the Web offers a fast and convenient way to find a local dentist and learn more about what you have to offer. ListPipe will help you gain more ground in your search engine marketing with ‘Powerful Custom Content’ each week. As the search engines index this content, your ‘organic’ search optimization will improve, helping you rise to the top of local searches.

At only $42 per month, you have a professional copywriter building optimized articles for your website for less than the cost of lunch each week.

Published by BECDEN Dental Laboratory 131 E. 13065 S. Draper, UT 84020 888-344-9991 toll-free 801-576-9991 phone

The editor of this newsletter is Emily Webb of Becden Dental Laboratory, Inc. Please send any questions or comments about this newsletter, or suggestions for articles to: emilyw@becdendental.com ©2007 BECDEN Dental Laboratory, Inc.