The Yellow Pages

I'll be honest with you- I am not a big fan of The Yellow Pages ads. They are usually expensive and not very effective. Unless your ad is a huge one, it will not likely bring you many referrals. Being listed in the Yellow pages does not hurt, but you need to make sure your ad is cost effective. These ads also tend to work better in areas without many dentists.

Patients who look at your ad in The Yellow Pages have already made the decision to go to a dentist. The thing to be aware of when you write the ad is the other dentists' ads. In other words, why should the reader select your practice over your competition? This is the crucial question, and your ad should provide the answer.

Remember to keep your ad clean, creative and eye-catching. Even though the phone company will "design your ad for free", some firms employ graphic artists and advertising agencies to create a Yellow Pages ad that really stands out.

One way to be in the Yellow Pages without paying for it directly is to join referral services that advertise in your local Yellow Pages. To find them just open The Yellow Pages and look for the first few ads advertising "emergency dental care" or "find a dentist" without a name of a doctor. These are usually referral services. Give them a call and ask about their service. One advantage they have is that they guarantee a number of patients when you sign up with them, something The Yellow Pages publishers never do.