If you’ve never worked with a digital marketing agency and are hesitant, we understand why. You went to school to practice dentistry, not to become a marketing wizard; trying to vet marketing agencies while simultaneously running your practice would be overwhelming to anyone. And when you try to get a grasp on marketing so you know exactly what you need out of an agency, you find that the information changes faster than a patient breaks a promise about flossing. Before you completely squash the idea of utilizing a digital marketing agency, learn the truths behind the three most common misconceptions. You just might change your mind!
- Digital marketing is not just about websites and Facebook. If you’re under the impression that digital marketing merely involves periodic website updates and Facebook posts, you’re way off. While it’s true that these are both components of a comprehensive marketing campaign, digital marketing agencies do far more; they are also proficient at helping their clients manage their reputations (including those occasional negative reviews), develop effective Google ad campaigns, and target marketing via email campaigns.
- Not all digital marketing agencies are created equal. For the most part, agencies that promise the moon for dirt cheap prices are going to take shortcuts in order to make a profit. Additionally, many agencies don’t have a niche and will take on any client with a credit card — regardless of the industry. Look for an agency that knows about dentistry, the equipment you use, and the services you offer to ensure that prospective patients are getting the right information that reflects who you are.
- Digital marketers aren’t simply nerding out behind computers all day. They are attending conferences and trainings, getting to know you and your team members, analyzing your current marketing practices, and communicating with you regularly to ensure that you have a full understanding of how their efforts are helping you grow your practice. They are strategizing, writing unique copy that appeals to your target audience, and using data to fine tune your efforts; they are not simply sitting in a cubicle writing code. When it comes down to it, marketing — even digital marketing — is a people business. If your marketing agency doesn’t interact with and understand people, your marketing efforts will yield few results.
If you were skeptical about digital marketing agencies, hopefully we’ve managed to open your eyes to the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions. When you are ready to take your practice to the next level, remember the finer points of digital marketing when you select an agency to work with.
