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Veterinary News Network Media Insider
June 28th, 2012
In This Issue
Quick News Stories
Increase the Value of Your Website
New At MyVNN
New At ASVJ
Quick Links

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Greetings!
 
Today's newsletter may be a little shorter than normal.

If you have been following the VNN Facebook page or even Tom's personal profile, you know that wildfires have taken priority in many of our lives right now.  There are fires burning across much of the Western US and Colorado has 9 active incidents at this time, per the Incident Information System website.  News reports place more than half of the fire suppression equipment available in the US in the state of Colorado at this time.

The Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado is foremost on our minds because we see it from the VNN offices and our homes every day.  There are VNN members and staff helping in many different ways all across the state.  One VNN member has her spouse on the front lines of the Waldo fire daily, trying to protect the community.  VNN members near and around the High Park Fire in Ft. Collins are reaching out and helping the pets and people in their community as well.

Thanks to Dr. Mark Feltz of VetNetwork for helping supply us with a column today so that we can continue to work in some small way to help our community's pets. 
Animals, Veterinarians and VNN Members in the News       
Dairy cattleVeterinarians in Georgia are concerned after determining a toxic algal bloom killed four cows on a farm in Gwinnet County.  Pet owners should be reminded that these blooms can cause problems for pets as well.  Message points on this topic are available at MyVNN.com.

We have mentioned it before and will continue to do so for another 8-10 weeks, but heat stroke in dogs is a BIG problem all across the nation during this time of year.   Dr. Lori Teller, a VNN member in Houston, TX does a very nice job in this interview for the local NBC affiliate in Houston and Dr. Brian Voynick, VNN member in New Jersey also focused on this topic during his regular show!

Raccoons in dumpsterDespite all of us trying hard to help people understand the danger of rabies, we still see stories like this:  20 people will undergo prophylaxis because of a rabid baby raccoon.  Whatever your media outlet is (traditional or new), please consider an upcoming segment/story/article on the importance of rabies vaccines for pets and that people should avoid handling wildlife!

As mentioned above, wildfires and natural disasters are making headlines all across the country.   I have a single entry in my blog at VetNewsOnline about the temporary animal shelter that was created by the county animal response team here in Colorado Springs that shows some of what is being done to help pets.   I hope to have additional entries soon. And, please don't forget that there are many VNN resources available for your use to help people prepare for evacuation or disaster.  In fact, our most recent release was all about Wildfires and Pet Safety!

In any disaster, uncounted heroes step up and help out.   One hero I found this week was this Indiana pup who saved a 14 month old toddler from drowning.  These are the stories that I LOVE to share and that your local media is looking to you to find!

Any easy way
to keep up with important animal health or veterinary news is to "Like" our Veterinary News Network Facebook page.  Daily posts will help keep you up to date and recommendations for using VNN resources will occur routinely as well!  If you are more interested in a private setting to discuss media stories affecting the veterinary profession, join our VNN Linked In Group.

  PublicityIncrease the Value of Your Veterinary Hospital's Website!

Dr. Mark Feltz
VetNetwork Logo
President
VetNetwork


(Note:  this article has been condensed to save space...please visit VetNetwork's blog for descriptions of all fifteen of Dr. Feltz's recommendations)

Your website can serve as an open-door into your business, and speaks volumes about you and the services offered at your veterinary practice. When used correctly, a website can serve as the most efficient, valuable, and cost-effective advertising and marketing tools on the market. Yet, more often than not, veterinary hospital websites, in particular, are not used to their greatest potential. In understanding the value and increasing capabilities of your website, you, too, could be getting more bang for your buck when it comes to online marketing.   

Below are 15 effective ways to make your website more valuable to both you and your clients:

1.    Offer videos and online seminars on simple animal services.

Your website can double as a "how-to" site, which dramatically increases your viewership from your active clients to the pet-owning community at large.  If you record the videos yourself, you can also upload them to YouTube where there is potential to attract a wider and more diverse audience. Below the video you can add a link to your website, just as your website can provide a link to the YouTube clip. If you don't record the video yourself, remember that you have access to almost 150 different videos at MyVNN.com and many of these can be customized for you. 

2.    Take videos at local events and include them on your website.

3.    Engage in online pet discussions. 

4.    Create a newsletter signup box on your website.

It is worth investing in a monthly or quarterly (seasonal) newsletter that you can email to your clients and visitors who sign up on your website. The newsletter can be as simple or complex as you want - spanning everything from recent hospital or pet-related events, new technologies and medicines, or simple hospital announcements. This not only builds prospective client lists, but also attracts new clients and strengthens already existing relationships.  


5.    Create a special offers signup box on your website.
 
6.    Distribute free product samples.

7.    Add a blog to your website and start blogging.

With unlimited opportunities to join the online community, you should not be missing out! Blogging is an especially easy and an important way to build your credibility and relationship with the community. It can also provide a space for customer feedback, as well as attract new clients to your website. If your name or hospital appears in various blogs, this will instantly increase your hospital's web presence, and ultimately provide more free advertising. As a veterinarian, you have a tremendous amount of credibility in your community, and blog topics are limitless.  

8.    Write and publish press releases in your local newspaper.

9.    Take out a small advertisement in your local newspaper or an ad on their website.

10.    Integrate other social networking sites into your primary website.

11.    Tweet about your website, but don't abuse it.

12.    Use SEO to better rank your website on search engines.

13.    Add a coupon page.

14.    Promotional offerings.
 
15.    Finally, keep your website simple, attractive, updated, and easy-to-read and navigate.

There are plenty of bells and whistles to help attract people to your website, but ultimately, the most important and simplest component is often the most overlooked. Once you have attracted someone to your website, you don't want them to leave. So, make sure your website functions well, with simple, easy-to-read information and attractive images. Don't let your clients get swept away by the clutter.

A website is more than mere words on a screen. In fact, it can be your new best friend - but only if used correctly. Once you begin thinking of a website as much more than a one-dimensional informational board, an entirely new world of marketing opportunities presents itself. A website should not only be informative, but also interactive, enticing, and ultimately, your most effective advertising and marketing tool in your kit.

 

  

  

New at MyVNN.com 

After the weekend, another VNN story release will be live at the site.  Many of us deal with a lot of myths and mis-information about our pet's nutrition and pet foods in general.  So, we took a look at three key myths (the evils of corn, the evils of by-products and the thought that veterinarians know nothing about nutrition) and outlined a nice article that will help you educate your clients as well as your community.  Look for this release on or about July 1st!

ASVJ Logo American Society of Veterinary Journalists

Our organization designed with a goal of bringing professionalism back to journalism involving veterinary medicine and animal care is continuing to grow!!  Are you someone who should be credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Journalist or do you know someone who should be??

If you would like to know more about becoming a Certified Veterinary Journalist, visit http://asvj.org.  We highly encourage all VNN members to get their certification!
 

At VNN, we are here, 24/, to help you with your media needs.  Please don't hesitate to contact us whenever you need help!

Sincerely,

Thomas Dock
Managing Editor
719-445-7065
[email protected]

Dr. Jim Humphries
President and Founder
719-495-2100
[email protected]