This morning, a dental website client asked me what should go on his business card. The answer is, when it comes to a business card, keep it simple — and visual. As for information, your practice name, phone, physical address are the gold standard. Today, you also need your website and the office’s main email address, if that account is checked throughout the workday. If no one checks email, leave the email address off the card.
Printing Considerations
Because printing has come a long way, baby, since the 80s, a full-color card with a front and back imprint, rounded corners, and gloss finish costs about the same as the old black and white, one-sided cards with a matte finish and stock logo. So, I like to put the website address on the back of the card, rather large so that it’s easily seen, and with title case lettering, like: www.ModernDentalMarketing.com. You can employ a graphic artist to come up with an eye-catching design that will make people think twice before throwing your business card in the trash when cleaning their wallets and purses.
The Appointment Card
In addition to the business card, you need an appointment reminder card. I do not suggest that the business card, which you’d use when you’re out and about, at meetings, or with friends and neighbors, feature the appointment reminder blanks on the back. I think, from a professional standpoint, the two are separate. Your appointment reminder cards can look like your business cards on the front, but the web address should go on the front, and the appointment reminder blanks on the back.
QR Codes
Another consideration is the QR code. If you’ve noticed that a vast majority of your patient base and fellow citizens of the community use smart phones and tablets all day, every day, you might consider adding a free QR code to your business card, under the website on the back of the card. QR stands for quick response. In short, a QR is a digitally generated, square code that can be scanned with a QR reader app on a smart phone or tablet. When the code registers on the device, the user is automatically redirected to the destination you chose when making your QR code. You have many options. A QR code can direct a device to dial a number – ideal for pizza delivery businesses, but not really important for dentists. A QR code can also lead to a web page, like your website, Facebook page, or blog. One great way to use a QR code is to direct patients to your Google+ Local profile, where they can see your map, leave an online review, and access your contact information. QR codes are free and fast to create; many websites offer them. Simply google “free QR code,” and follow the simple instructions. If you’re interested in tracking the traffic on your QR code, talk to your web hosting company about QR tracking through Google Analytics.
Where to Order Business Cards
The quality and appearance of your business card may be the first impression a potential patient has of your dental practice. Do not neglect quality, or you’ll send the wrong message and attract the wrong type of patients. VistaPrint.com offers a good product at a low cost. However, you have to either create your layout using their WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) tools or upload a completed design. If you do not upload high-resolution images, you may be sorely disappointed in the appearance of your cards. Paying a few hundred dollars to create a high-quality, custom design for your business card is a one-time investment, and you can order cards based on that design for years to come. Another option is going to your local printer. If you don’t have a golf buddy or neighbor in the printing business, call your chamber of commerce for a referral.
"I really enjoy working with MDPM. They are always evaluating and making changes to my site to keep me as the number one dentist to come up on search engines for my immediate area, and I'm very high on search engines for most of the surrounding communities. We are on the second floor of a medical building, with no signage or exposure to drive-by traffic, so online marketing is vital. MDPM has done micro sites to increase my web traffic, as well. I have added almost 1,500 patients in three years. We had one month in 2011 when 70 new patients were added. A new associate has come on board to take some of the load off of me. Nice problem to have, for sure. Several of the patients who found us on the web referred friends, and it really snowballed. I'm happy to be a professional reference for MDPM!"
- Dr. Brad Greenfield Lake Orion Family Dentistry | Lake Orion, MI Client Since 2010
"I was referred to MDPM by a friend of mine. I have worked with a couple of web designers in the past and always ended up spending a lot of money when none of them delivered. MDPM took the time to listen and helped me build the website I always wanted. I'm very happy I found them. Their customer service is phenomenal, and they are experts when it comes to building website and handling marketing. They are also very honest; they are not trying to rip you off like the other companies I worked with. I'm a very satisfied customer, and I have been referring them to all of my friends."
- Dr. Arjang Naminik Woodland Hills Dental | Woodland Hills, CA Client Since 2015
"I have a start-up General Dental practice in a busy metropolitan area, and began utilizing MDPM as my primary marketing resource in 2010 for website design and updates, as well as to grow my practice and online presence. Jill and her team have innovative design ideas and blog content and are extremely responsive when they see a change in the market or I request better visibility for a particular service. In fact, they have always gone above and beyond their job descriptions for me - from responding to an unfavorable review in a timely manner (and after hours!), to researching things outside their scope of knowledge. I would highly recommend MDPM to meet marketing and online presence needs!"
- Dr. Jessica Lawson Lawson Family Dentistry | Urbandale, IA Client Since 2011
"Our office has been working with MDPM Consulting since 2013. They designed and maintain our website. By far they are the best marketing decision we have made. They are easy to work with, listen to our needs and are eager to implement to help our dental practice grow. I highly recommend using them for all your marketing needs."
"I just wanted to pass on the wonderful compliments that we are receiving about our new website. There has been positive and encouraging notes from brides/guests/viewers/etc. Just last week we had the camera crew out for the show 48 Hours on CBS who like to research wedding venues all over the country to conduct interviews, and the gentleman said he 'loved the website more than any I’ve researched.' He was really impressed at the functionality and actual venue photos/videos that really gave him an idea of the venues themselves (which he said a lot of venue websites lack). So, I just wanted to pass on the compliments and thank you for all of your dedication towards the online efforts for Texas Old Town!"
- Dr. Peter Zanella Kirkwood Eye Center | Southlake, TX Client Since 2018
"MDPM Consulting has worked with a number of our clients for several years. Their knowledge, responsiveness, and professional approach to web design, social media, blogging, and SEO are top notch. MDPM does a great job helping our dental offices stay current, attract new patients, educate and retain existing patients. Their custom design work is the envy of the profession."