Dental Practices usually stay busy by taking care of their patients’ dental needs. They don’t always have time to spend on marketing or advertising for new patients. But marketing is necessary if a practice wants to grow. Marketing can help bring in new patients and strengthen relationships with current patients. There are a variety of marketing strategies a dental practice can employ, and using a combination of them is the best way to be successful. Continue reading to learn effective ways to promote your dental practice.
Hire a Marketing Professional
If you are looking for a way to promote your dental practice, hiring a professional dental direct marketing agency may be able to help. They know the best offers, tactics, and marketing strategies to grow a practice. Choose a company that specializes in markets specifically for dentists. They should have experience increasing patient bases for their clients through local marketing. Through digital marketing, online advertising, social media, and direct mail, they can help bring more patients to the practice.
Online Marketing
Every dental practice must have a good website. This is often the first interaction a patient has with a dental practice. The website needs to be professional, well organized, and informative. A patient should be able to find contact information, providers, and services offered. A professional website designer can create and manage the site.
Local Events
Local businesses, like dental offices, need to make themselves well known in the community. Sponsoring soccer leagues, gymnastics events, and other community sports can provide a venue for advertising. Everyone loves free t-shirts and goodie bags, so consider handing these out with the dental practice logo.
Another suggestion is to teach a dental hygiene class at an elementary school or participate as a dental office in volunteer work or fundraising. Any time the staff gets into the community, they have the opportunity to use word-of-mouth to promote the practice.
Community Referral Program
Incentive-based referral programs can bring many new patients. Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to spread the news about a dental office. Offering an incentive to both the new patient and the referring patient can help, too. Incentives could be in the form of a credit toward their next visit, or maybe free goods such as teeth whitening trays.
Email Marketing for Current Patients
A thriving practice consists of new patients and existing patients loyal to the practice. Sending email reminders to book routine cleanings can be an easy way to maintain patients. Patients also appreciate receiving information about new services the practice provides or new merchandise that they sell.
Social Media
The current generation relies heavily on social media for information, referrals, and advertising. Post regularly to Instagram or Facebook with specials, services, or announcements. Posting coupons can also attract new patients. Many millennials use online review apps such as Yelp to find a business. Be sure to claim your business and check to ensure that all information is accurate.
Local Directories
An important part of marketing is making sure that the dental practice is listed accurately in directories that show up in internet searches. Google can give a business more authority and provides backlinks to the practice.
To find new patients and to keep the existing ones, consider adding a few of these new marketing strategies today.
