Become a Recognized Dental Expert: Write a Community Newspaper Column

A regular newspaper column can promote the benefits of good dental health, thereby changing peoples’ lives.  However, it can also be an advantage to your business by providing free advertising and establishing you as a local expert.

To get started, try to find a niche market, like a free weekly publication.  Whatever newspaper you’d like to write for, you must write a letter first to pitch your idea for a column.  Sell yourself and your expertise; propose a trial period.  Better yet, if you know someone who knows a newspaper editor, ask them to introduce you.  Follow up with a phone call.  

When you are ready to start writing, make sure your topics are timely, relevant and informative.  Keep it simple, be concise and check, double-check and triple-check for accuracy.  Remember, your column represents your practice.  You want to come off as a professional, even if you aren’t a professional writer.

Because the public obtains most of its information from the media, people believe what they read in the newspaper to be reliable and true.  Media coverage equals instant credibility among both your established patient base and the community at large.  Thus, a newspaper column is a powerful way to polish your professional image.