You’ve got a ton of patients who have been coming to your practice for years. Maybe you started seeing some of them as kids and now you’re seeing their kids as well. They’re obviously happy with their treatment and the care they receive from you and your team members. But are they shouting it from the rooftops? If not, you’re missing out on a huge marketing resource that is often overlooked—your patients!
When prospective patients scour the internet in search of a new dentist, they just might happen to see your name come up in their search or in a Google ad that you placed, but they’re not going to make a decision based on those results alone. They’re going to dig deeper and look into your Google reviews, your Facebook activity, and even the reviews and testimonials that you’ve shared on your website. Why? Personal stories and experiences are profoundly moving! This is exactly why you should put your patients “to work” for you. How? Here are a few ways:
- Ask them to leave reviews. This may seem obvious, but when your patients check out of your office, their mind is on the next item on their agenda, not going online to leave a review. Place signage at your checkout that encourages patients to share their experiences. It also wouldn’t hurt if someone on your team asked them directly (without being pushy, of course).
- Use Facebook to let your patients see what you’re up to when they’re not sitting in your chair. When you stay in front of them digitally, they are more likely to share your posts as well as bring you up in conversation. Say one of your patients is at a PTA meeting and overhears another parent talking about needing a new family dentist that can also do orthodontic treatments. If, earlier in the day, your patient happened to see your most recent engaging Facebook post (like you trying to play “Cat’s Cradle” with dental floss), you’ll be on the forefront of their mind, making it more likely that they’ll speak up about how pleased they are with you and your practice.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for video testimonials. These are particularly effective, as they allow prospective patients not only to hear what your patients have to say, but also to personally witness the emotion they put behind their words. When you know that a treatment you provided has improved the quality of someone’s life, ask that patient to do a quick video spot. All you need is your cell phone. If your patients are camera shy, then they can still leave a review for you on Google.
Ultimately, if you’re not tapping into your patients, you’re missing out. Let them say how great you are so you don’t have to!
With more than a decade of experience in corporate dental laboratory marketing and brand development, Ms. Ulasewich decided to take her passion for the dental business and marketing to the next level by founding My Dental Agency. Since starting her company, she and her team have helped a wide variety of business owners all over the nation focus their message, reach their target audience, and increase their sales through effective marketing campaigns. She can be reached at (800) 689-6434 or via email at jackie@mydentalagency.com.
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