Every once in a while a dentist will ask me about other social media sites besides the big three, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Although I do suggest working with the big three first, there are some secondary social media sites that can increase visibility. Many of these sites are built to share with others, but some social media sites can also help the SEO of your primary website.
A big social media site that dentists overlook is Flickr. Flickr.com is one of the largest photo sharing sites around. Many of its other features also make it a viable social networking site. Posting photos from one's practice has the obvious benefit of adding some nice visuals to reference and can also help with Search Engine Optimization efforts.
- Adding tags to photos allow users to place keywords within the content and help draw those keywords into search results. When uploading a photo, include tags like "Ohio dentist" or "dental."
- Make sure all of the photos are public and remove any restrictions.
- Add keyword rich descriptions of the photos, however it is important to make the narratives sound like natural speech. Many people try to make content keyword rich, but then it doesn't make any sense.
- Add links back to your website, and links to your pictures on your website.
Another type of social media includes social bookmarking sites which allow users to create a bookmark for almost any web content and share it. Sites like Digg and StumbleUpon actually rank bookmarked material and create compilations of the most bookmarked material. Many journalists and newsmakers look through these sites to find content for their news stories.
Bookmarks are very useful because they show Google that an actual human likes a website. Human interest will always carry a lot of weight in Google's search algorithm. Each bookmark is like a vote for web content. It says "hey I like this enough to mark it for later." I advise dentists to get bookmarks for almost everything. I advise using bookmarks for your blog, facebook posts, websites, and possibly even Flickr uploads. Try to avoid bookmarking everything yourself. Get others to bookmark your content and spread the word about it. It will help increase rankings, and make it appear that your content is very active.
One of the newest developments in Social Media is Google Buzz. Buzz is Google's foray into the social media realm. Buzz is integrated with the Gmail platform, and takes cues from both Twitter and Facebook. Many are concerned with the privacy features and Buzz's default settings can override users wishes. Buzz is also integrated with Picasso photo sharing and many other Google tools and widgets. It has the potential to be a major player, and gained 10 million users right out of the gate. SEO features have yet to be nailed down, but one would think they will be numerous as it is Google.
Finally, location based Social Media is poised to be the next big thing in social media. Foursquare is one the first websites to jump on this platform. Foursquare combines mobile social networking with conventional social media. The platform allows users to "check-in" to their favorite locales using a mobile device. The device will use the GPS features to discover nearby establishments and suggest them to the user. The check-ins allow the user to share where they are and what they are doing with their online friends or followers. It also uses the check-ins to create a game, and allows those users to become the "mayor" of a location if they have enough check ins. On the business side, owners can customize their profile by adding pictures and creating keyword rich content. Owners are also encouraged to create specials and content to increase the number of check-ins. Yelp.com is also developing its own location based social media game, and is including Yelp reviews and descriptions. Several of these companies are working on a "heads up" software giving real time reviews while peering through a camera of a mobile device.
Social media has something for everyone. Useful tools are everywhere, and they are increasing in number everyday. Take time to explore other social media platforms and inventions. They just might get your practice noticed.
Jason T. Lipscomb is a general dentist in Richmond, VA and a co-author of Social Media for Dentists. Dr. Lipscomb has developed the methods used by Social Media for Dentists after several years of private practice. He maintains a unique perspective on dental marketing by operating two busy practices and researching social media practices. Social Media for Dentists is one of the only dental specific Social Media marketing books. Social Media for Dentists L.L.C. offers hands on training to dentists all over the country.
The Skinny on What's Out There in Social Media