A new phenomenon is taking place in dental waiting rooms, but are you taking notice?
You should be paying attention to this new phenomenon, as cell phone use is on the rise. Consider that there are currently 150 million Mobile Facebook users world-wide. Patients in waiting rooms are avoiding magazines and turning to their blackberries, iphones and even ipads for on demand content. Smartphones, iphones and the mobile web are starting to play an ever evolving and popular role in patient lifestyles. There are a number of opportunities available for the business minded dentist.
Consider Google mobile, Facebook mobile and Foursquare.com, three mobile applications that incorporate geographical targeting. Google maps has recently enhanced their mobile search listing by emphasizing the Google Places listing. An informative Google Local profile will allow for a good first impression to a mobile web surfer.
Facebook fanpages allow businesses to develop business profiles where potential customers can read reviews, watch videos and find helpful information. Foursquare.com allows visitors to check-in on mobile devices when visiting an establishment. The check-in is often accompanied by a review or comment and friends can see the check-in and review while other mobile users will see the reviews on business profiles. Profiles allow new users to discover your office based on their location. Like the web, staying active in the social media world can increase exposure on the mobile web and to those using mobile devices.
Mobile phone technology not only allows forward thinking dental professionals to reach customers through marketing over the social web but can provide access to necessary services, like filling out forms or booking appointments for the new breed of consumer who is constantly on the go. Mobile technology provides opportunity for persons to get the feedback they need when they need it.
"The medical research community and health care providers increasingly are turning to mobile health as a way to track and treat patients with chronic diseases and provide a better disease management system" -Associated Press / Washington Times
The number of professional organizations utilizing mobile technology to support the medical and public health needs of a population is on the rise. Mobile dentistry and mobile technology might just be the addition you might want to add to your current dental practice.
|
