If you are operating on a tight marketing budget to promote your medical or dental practice, consider the following low-cost ideas that really work:

Create a Vibrant Company Page on Facebook

If you are not channeling the power of Facebook to promote your medical or dental practice, you are missing out on a big opportunity. You do not need to consume your marketing dollars in placing paid ads on Google or Facebook. All you need to do is create a professional looking company page for your practice, and nurture it with a passion.

Engage with your Facebook fans closely, disseminate useful information on the latest developments in your specialty area, and encourage your existing and potential patients to become a part of your network. Facebook can generate significant localized publicity for your practice, and provide SEO gains as well for your medical or dentistry website. The cost is next to nil if you are able to handle your Facebook account yourself or through one of your staff.

Write a Magazine Column or Publish on Respected Blogs

Qualified and experienced doctors and dentists can find plenty of opportunities to get published in respected online and print magazines and blogs that are widely read by potential patients. This helps build a strong public image and reputation.

You can shortlist a few online and offline avenues that appeal to you and reach out to them directly with your proposal to write a periodic column, article or blog for their publication. Once a beginning is made with a single outlet, it gets easier to replicate or syndicate the process with other outlets.

Post Interesting and Original Videos on YouTube

An increasing number of people prefer to watch a video rather than read through reams of online text. Any cost-effective medical or dental marketing campaign cannot afford to ignore the power of online videos. YouTube commands unique monthly viewership of more than 800 million, which can potentially provide a huge exposure for your practice.

Make sure your YouTube video has a catchy headline along with a localized keyword and contains your website link, contact details and a call to action at the end of the video. A great YouTube video that goes viral has the power to put your medical or dental practice on top in your local area.