HERE’S THE PLACE TO INEXPENSIVELY FIND NEW PATIENTS.
MediaPost just reported that Forrester Research is predicting that the spending for internet-based, interactive marketing campaigns will grow 11% this year!
And where is this growth coming from? According to Forrester Research, it is moving from “traditional media to digital channels”. Forrester Research is “…a technology and market research company that provides pragmatic advice…[and] that creates forward-thinking research…” according to their website.
Research Magazine says that the total amount of marketing spending “which includes [internet] search, E-mail, social media [marketing] and mobile marketing, is expected to double… by 2014”. A recent survey referenced by Forrester Research shows that 60% of marketers are going to increase their [internet] interactive budgets, while 40% of them plan to cut their traditional media budgets.
These numbers demonstrate a significant trend away from print media in particular. Now, why are major companies moving away from traditional marketing strategies? The following from Forrester Research will help answer that question: “The growth is due to marketers seeking lower cost, more accountable channels which are also widely used by their customers” [emphasis added]. So, major companies are now realizing that to get their messages in front of customers, they have to market on the internet because this is where the customers are to be found now.
This trend is expanding to all devices that allow for internet access: even mobile devices. The biggest budget gains are expected in Mobile and social media – increasing respectively by 70% and 60% in 2009. E-mail marketing and Search Engine marketing is expected to increase as well.
For dentists looking for a low-cost, effective strategy for targeting new patients, there is no better way than through “digital channels” including search-optimized websites, email, social media, and Mobile marketing.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding your marketing strategy.
Morris Harmor, Marketing at Global Market Hub.
