If you’re a new dental practice, it’s important to have a solid marketing strategy in place to attract and convert potential patients, dental marketing strategies can vary from digital/online marketing (like website SEO, dental digital ads, and email marketing) to patient-centered marketing (like collecting reviews and starting a referral program) or more traditional methods (like direct mail or billboard advertising). No matter the method, it’s important to focus on your target audience and customize your messaging to resonate with this group.
To develop a dental marketing plan, start by outlining your core goals for the year. This will help keep your team on track as you implement each marketing channel. A dental marketing strategy should also include a timeline and key metrics to measure your success. Lastly, assign roles and responsibilities to each member of your marketing team.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the foundation of any successful online dental marketing campaign. SEO is a long-term process that improves your visibility on search engines by optimizing the content of your website and creating backlinks to other sites. It’s a great way to generate leads and build brand awareness without spending money on paid advertisements.
Having a social media presence is essential to any dental marketing strategy. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are an excellent way to connect with local people and promote your business. In addition to posting relevant content, dentists can use these platforms to create and distribute engaging videos to their audience.
Another digital dental marketing strategy that is worth investing in is setting up a Google My Business account. This will allow your practice to show up in local search results on Google maps and Google Search. It’s a free tool that can be used to promote your website, phone number, and location on Google.
An effective marketing strategy will also incorporate offline activities. Networking events are a great opportunity to meet other dental professionals and spread the word about your practice. Dental professionals can also use this time to establish relationships with doctors that may be able to refer new patients to their practice. A simple approach, such as sending a letter with your brochure, is a cost-effective way to make this connection.
A referral bonus system is one of the most common dental marketing ideas that can have a significant impact on your new patient numbers. This can be accomplished through in-office contests, online competitions, or prizes. Many dentists choose to promote this program by sharing flyers in their waiting rooms or through conversations with existing patients. This is an easy, cost-effective, and effective marketing strategy that can boost your new patient numbers and grow your bottom line.