Dos and Don’ts for Blogging

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Ten years ago, a dentist could have been forgiven for questioning the validity of blogging and social media. Today, however, these channels have become essential tools for any dental professional hoping to add value to their practice.

A dentist with an active online presence shows that he or she cares about educating his or her patients. Blogging also helps establish professional credibility and can improve your status as an industry leader. Maintaining a blog, with relevant keywords also has the power to boost SEO rankings and keep your website at the top of Google, which can lead to increased online visibility and in turn, more clients.

So, how do you get started blogging and what components of a blog can help or hurt your practice? Here are a few Dos and Don’ts to consider when adding a blog to your website: 

1. DO Know Your Target Audience

Establish the type of patient you want to attract to your practice. Focusing on your specialty can help you to further understand your clientele. Once you have identified your audience, write content that speaks to their interests and needs.

2. DO Invest Time Developing High-Quality Content

A patient could probably find a dozen articles online regarding dental implants and the importance of good dental hygiene, but what do you have to offer that is unique to your target audience and its needs?

Blogging is an effective way to circulate informative and interesting content that your audience will care about, which can lead to higher engagement and potential clients. Consider your strengths and feature content that showcases what makes you different from other dentists. We recommend offering your readers a level of information that they’d be unlikely to find elsewhere; in a language they can understand.

3. DO Participate and Listen

Are you experiencing commonalities in the problems your patients are facing? Could a single blog post help more than one patient?

Use any feedback you receive from your patients, and let it inform the topics you cover on your blog. Let the chair-side manner you’ve worked so hard to cultivate over the years shine through in your writing. Utilize friendly language when speaking to your audience.

Listening, responding, and considering feedback is an essential component of building any great business. Make sure you follow, read, share and comment on any content written by your peers.

1. DON’T Forget to Use Your Own Words

Don’t make use of trademarked or copyrighted information without a citation of the author’s permission.

2. DON’T Infringe on Patient Confidentiality

While it can be effective to showcase studies and examples of your work, remember not to post anything about a patient or employee without their written consent in the form of a signed waiver. This includes photographs, radiographs and even testimonials.

3. DON’T Post Graphic Images

While images can add to your blog posts, make sure they do not depict overly graphic material. You don’t want to scare patients away.

4. DON’T Forget to Share Your Content on Social Media Channels

Blogging provides SEO value for your website but your articles can reach a wider audience if you share them on your social media channels too.