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So, you think you are the boss of the floss, huh? In reality, you are. As a professional dentist, you definitely know your craft and continue to hone that daily. However, if you want to improve upon the success of your dental practice and grow your patient base, you may have to open your own mouth a bit wider to express your brand, what you offer, and who you are.
With these dental practice marketing strategies now at your fingertips, you can advance ahead of the competition and fill your appointment book at lightning speed. That should bring a smile to your face!
How do you acquire new patients?
As reported by Aldrich Advisors, every dentist needs at least 20 new patients a month to inspire success and growth. Twenty does not seem like many, but you may wonder where you will find those new patients. Sure, you may have placed an ad in a magazine or on the radio (there is something to be said about tradition), but if you really want more dental practice marketing power, it is time to consider digital. After all, most of your prospective patients can be found in the digital realm.
Doubt us? How many people do you see every day in nearly every walk of life who are practically hypnotized by their mobile devices? Their eyes aren’t going anywhere, so take advantage of this explosive opportunity to catch their attention in myriad ways, all at the same time! Using updated and modern digital marketing practices to grow your dental practice is a significant way to reach a larger audience in real time who truly needs the dental services you provide. (If you don’t believe us, Pew Research may open your eyes, as they have reported internet and smartphone usage is at an all-time high.)
So, the first question we need to get out of the way is this: do you have a digital presence?
Do you have a website, social media channels, or online listings? If so, you are already in the operating position. Pew Research indicated that 93% of consumers go online to search for medical treatments, procedures, and providers. To further amplify that statistic, those consumers will often search for one “near me” to narrow down that search. And most of them start on one popular search engine: Google.
That being said, we need to get your “to-do” list started and begin checking off the boxes. Fortunately, the process is simple. (This is not an all-inclusive list, but it does provide a great start.)
Five Dental Practice Marketing Strategies (The Nuts and Bolts of Modern Dental Marketing)
Set up a Google My Business account.
Ensure potential patients will find you. If you have several locations, it is imperative you set up a separate account for each location. Once you have completed the verification process using your Gmail, be sure to fill out the page in as detailed a manner as possible. This is what potential patients will read, so you want to make it as informational as possible. (You know….name, address, hours of operation, service areas, photos of your staff…the good stuff!) Once this page has been established, be sure to regularly post content. (Think: special details or offers. And most importantly, get reviews from current patients!)
Update and optimize your website.
If you have a website, great, but if that website is lacking in content or has been neglected, it’s probably not doing you much good. Consider your website the first impression prospective patients get. You want to be on top of your game here. Your website should look and perform like a champion. Website design is an integral part of that equation. Plus, you want your SEO maximized to ensure it shows up on search engines.
Why? Well, it should be easy for folks to navigate, contain relevant information, allow for online scheduling and bill paying (a real plus for busy people!), integrate informative videos and images, and have introductory pages on yourself and your staff. People want to put a name with a face and always enjoy finding out more about who you are.
Maintain a blog.
We get it. Writing may not be your strong suit, or perhaps you just don’t have the time. You may have asked a staff member to contribute regular posts, but other priorities just get in the way. Well, a blog is a priority. It is your opportunity to create value, boost your ranking on search engines, and establish yourself and your brand as an authority! Don’t know what to write about? Consider highlighting common dental issues, explaining new advances in dental technology, relaying patient success stories, and even providing tips on oral health. In a world where people are always on the prowl for information, an engaging and well-written blog will keep them coming back for more.
Join social media. It’s not just for kids!
The numbers are staggering. There are more than 3.5 billion active users on social media platforms, and more than 54% of those users are doing their research on products and services they need. Wouldn’t you like to stand out in the crowd?
Social media has so many advantages, and creativity and consistency are key! You can create before and after photos from willing patients who have undergone various dental procedures, whether cosmetic or medical. Use social media to promote patient reviews and testimonials. You can even take advantage of social media ads to target specific audiences in particular locations. (Don’t think this will work? We beg to differ, as Facebook’s ad revenue in 2019 eclipsed $15.6 billion. We did not stutter. That is the stat!) For more in-depth information, visit our friends at Threecolts for Social Media Statistics You Need to Know in 2023.
Make your dental practice marketing strategies a team effort.
No matter what approach you decide to take, you have to rally your troops and get them involved. Everyone on your dental practice team should understand your goals and objectives and play a role. In other words, make it part of their job description and an integral part of the lifestyle that is promoted within your dental practice. It is all about delivering the best possible experience to your patients.
Connect with the Right Prospect, at the Right Time.
What marketing solutions are available to connect you with more qualified, motivated consumers? We’ve got the full list, and the experience to put you in front of the right prospect, at the right time, in the right place.
The Benefits of Digital Dental Marketing
Your mind may automatically pivot to potential revenue generated through digital marketing tactics. But it’s important to highlight how much marketing also elevates the image and brand of your dental practice. This not only results in stronger relationships with your current patient base but it opens the door to new patients who want to enjoy the same experience.
While in the past, you may have promoted your dental practice through a newspaper or magazine ad, a billboard, flyers, or word-of-mouth (the latter of which is still a strong contender), you have to be prepared to embrace the digital landscape available to you in this new era. Your goal is to meet the needs of the people…and where are those people? Tethered to the internet and/or their smartphones.
Yes, there are so many ways to market your dental practice and position it for success this year and beyond. You don’t have to employ all of them (although you can). But if you use just a few of them, you will gain traction and get ahead of your competitors in grand style.
You can get started today in just seconds!
When you partner with LeadingResponse, you are positioned to grow your dental practice and revenue through simple, effective, and proven marketing practices. We do this by bringing patients and healthcare professionals like yourself together. Our team understands the challenges you face and can direct your dental practice on the path to success.
We can help with these digital marketing strategies and assist with direct mail, webinars, live seminars, and appointment settings. We target your specifics and transform your dental practice through our multichannel solutions. Wherever the consumers are, that is where we will position you. Let’s get started.
