10 Online Marketing Phrases and Terms You Need to Know

Marketing/July 3, 2024/Jameson Marketing

When you got into the dental field, did you know that you would need to be a closet marketer by night? Sure, you probably took a few classes in college before dental school focused on marketing and advertising techniques. But do you really understand all that was involved and how important online marketing is to help get the right messages in front of prospective patients?

The truth is that marketing and advertising are far more important than many business owners—dentists, too—could ever imagine. Yes, there are dental marketing companies to help drive your efforts. But, being in the know on some of the common online marketing terms and phrases can help you engage in those discussions and approve the efforts that are most likely to move the needle. In this article, we’ll help you understand the terminology that should become part of your vocabulary.

10 Marketing Terms to Know

The art and science of marketing is changing more rapidly than many people realize. What might have worked decades ago is no longer effective. Today, we have digital components that we never could have dreamed of just ten or twenty years ago. And these digital strategies are highly effective in driving new patients to your door.

That’s why we put this glossary together—to help you, the dental practice owner and non-marketer—be more in the know about the techniques underway to help drive your practice growth.

Here are the top ten marketing terms—your very own marketing basics—we think you should have top of mind.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results. This involves using relevant keywords, improving site speed, and creating quality content. For example, using keywords like “best dental care in [your city]” can help attract local patients.

2. Organic Marketing

Organic marketing refers to strategies that attract visitors naturally over time rather than through paid means. This includes blog posts, social media content, and email newsletters. For instance, sharing dental health tips on your blog can bring in new patients without directly paying for ads.

3. Content Marketing

Content marketing involves creating valuable content to attract and engage your audience. This includes blog posts, videos, and infographics. It’s a key component of organic marketing because it naturally draws in visitors over time. For example, writing articles about dental hygiene tips can help build trust with potential patients, bringing them to your site without needing paid advertising.

4. Paid Marketing

Speaking of paid advertising, paid marketing involves spending money on advertising to reach your target audience. This can include Google Ads, social media ads, and sponsored content. For example, running a Facebook ad promoting a special offer for teeth whitening can attract new patients.

5. Conversion Rate

Conversion rate is the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, such as booking an appointment. If 100 people visit your site and 10 schedule appointments, your conversion rate is 10%. A higher conversion rate means your marketing efforts are effective.

6. Bounce Rate

Bounce rate is the percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate can indicate your website isn’t engaging or relevant to visitors. Reducing bounce rate involves improving site content and user experience. Shoot for a bounce rate of 40% or below.

7. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

PPC is a type of online advertising where you pay each time someone clicks on your ad. Google Ads is a common platform for PPC. For instance, bidding on keywords like “emergency dental services” can bring in patients searching for immediate care.

8. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with your audience. Posting regular updates, patient testimonials, and educational content can help build your online presence and attract new patients.

9. Call to Action (CTA)

A CTA prompts your audience to take specific action, such as “Schedule an Appointment Now” or “Learn More.” Effective CTAs are clear and compelling, guiding visitors toward the next step in their patient journey. Your website, every blog, and even your flyers and pamphlets should include some type of call to action to prompt the reader to do something—like schedule their next dental appointment.

10. Marketing Analytics

Marketing analytics involves tracking and analyzing data from your marketing efforts to understand their effectiveness. This includes metrics like website traffic, conversion rates, and ROI. Tools like Google Analytics can help you make informed decisions to improve your marketing strategies.

Are you looking for online marketing support to grow your dental practice?

As you can see from the marketing phrases and metrics we shared above, growing your online presence is a big part of creating awareness for your dental practice. Many dental practice owners hire an in-house marketing associate to manage their website and marketing practices. However, in many cases, this strategy can be ineffective as there is often more to do than one person can handle.

That’s where working with dentist marketing companies such as Jameson Management & Marketing can make your business much more effective. We can take the marketing strategy and tactics off your plate so that you can focus on what you do best—patient care.