Competition is the bane of a dental practice’s existence. It’s good for the patients, but bad for business.
Today it isn’t enough to “hang a shingle,” because you’re no longer the only game in town. Years ago, there was a neighborhood dentist, and that’s where everyone in a family went. But loyalty is a thing of the past. Technology replaced it.
Dental practices that reach patients via social media and other contemporary digital marketing techniques are the ones with the full appointment calendars.
If patients don’t feel appreciated or connected with a practice, it is a lot easier for them to switch to the dentist down the street who is offering an exceptional deal on whitening that they saw on Instagram.
Like it or not, you need to stay in front of your audience. Here are just a few tips that will go a long way toward patient retention:
- Use email and social media to build better, longer lasting relationships with patients outside of the two times a year you see them.
- Patients know when you are sending templated emails or social media posts. They’re easy to spot. Stop sending those boring pieces of content and customize the message. Make it fun!
- Provide interesting facts and helpful tips, and use a lighthearted tone.
- Show case studies and before and after photos.
- Provide your patients the benefits of accepting a treatment, not just the features. In other words, speak their language.
- Get your patients to engage with your social media pages with content they would like to see. Post about events going on in the office. Share photos of the doctor and staff. Ask them questions. Or, offer a contest.
It costs money to acquire patients. But you also hate to lose them because you’re in dentistry to help people, to see them thrive and cure what ails them. It’s not 1985 anymore. Your geographic desirability is no assurance of patient loyalty.
With over a decade of experience in corporate dental laboratory marketing and brand development, Jackie 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, Jackie 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. When she isn’t helping dental practices reach their full potential, she can be found at the beach with her three dogs or immersed in everything food-related with her large Italian family. For more, call (800) 689-6434 or email Jackie@mydentalagency.com.
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