OK, I’ll admit it.  I watch television - and I watch television commercials.  That may reveal something about me.  Like my age.  Fifty something. 

Not so for the thirty-something gang in my office who, while sipping on their soup, checking on text messages, perusing People magazine and still managing to stay one step ahead of the lunch table conversation, boast that they haven’t seen a TV commercial in a dog’s age (my expression, remember, fifty something).

I wonder, especially as I try to reach out to a patient target of the same age - and younger - as my work pals, can I still count on the old media to reach those women of childbearing age or those young families coping with infertility?  The answer depends on who you ask.

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Social networking sites are no longer just for college students who post pictures online of the weekend’s parties.  It seems like almost overnight everyone from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pop icon Britney Spears and Tour de France seven time winner Lance Armstrong are joining social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogger, etc. 

Twitter has also made its way into the medical community.  Our research shows that doctors and medical professionals are currently using sites such as Twitter to network not only with other colleagues and professionals in their area but they are using these social networking sites as an avenue to connect with potential patients.

MSNBC has recently reported that surgeons at the Henry Ford hospital in Detroit, Michigan say they use Twitter before, during and after a procedure.  Lead surgeon Dr. Craig Roberts stated the tweets are “use[d]as a way to get the word out.” 

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The flagging economy has impacted organizations across all sectors, including the so called “recession proof” health care industry.  The tightening of the credit markets and investment losses have affected everyone, including hospitals big and small.  However, unique to health care are the reimbursement pressures as unemployment rises and more become uninsured or eligible for Medicaid.  Hospitals nationwide are tightening their belts, as are state governments.  Many state legislatures and administrations were in a holding pattern for months while they anxiously awaited news from the federal government about the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).   There should be a quick ramp up in activity as states figure out how and when to access these needed funds.

In addition to the ARRA, the first federal moves on health care reform were made when Obama selected Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to hold the top job at Health and Human Services.  In addition, the president plans to hold five White House Summits on health care reform designed to cross pollinate ideas and build consensus around key issues such as coverage and payment.  Vermont and Massachusetts co-hosted the only New England summit on March 17th, with over 400 invitees and countless advocates protesting outside.  While a lot remains uncertain, system integration, payment reform and increased reporting on performance are three areas of focus we can expect from the federal government.

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Search is the second most popular activity among Internet users. Searchers pose millions of queries each day. Unless you optimize your website for search, users will find your competitors' website and not yours, even when you have a better product or offering.

Search marketing is demanding marketing disciple that requires an excellent understanding of consumer behavior, strong marketing skills combined with technical acuity on how sites interact with search engines. However, here are a few tips to help you optimize your site.

1. Have Quality Content: The adage is true that "content is king." The fast route to search success is to have original quality content. Users will find it useful or informative and reward you with links.

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