Running a dental practice can be both challenging and rewarding. On the one hand, you need to wear many hats and juggle many balls. But on the other hand, you get to make a difference in people’s lives every day and see the results of your hard work firsthand.
Suppose you’re considering taking the plunge or is already managing your dental practice. In that case, one of the most common challenges you may face is getting new patients. When a new dental practice opens, it can often take time for the business to build a patient base. There are several reasons why this may be the case.
For one, people generally have established relationships with their current dental providers. It can take time for them to develop trust with a new dentist. They may not even be aware of the new practice or be familiar with its location. Many people are also reluctant to switch dental providers unless they are dissatisfied with their current care.
Therefore, new dental practices must market themselves effectively and make it easy for potential patients to learn about their services. With a bit of patience and effort, most new practices will eventually be able to build a solid patient base. Here’s what you can start doing to find more patients for your dental practice.
List Your Business Online
One of the best ways to attract new patients is to list your business online. According to experts, 97% of consumers learn more about a local business online than anywhere else. This shows that if people can’t find your business on the internet, they’re likely to go with one of your competitors.
To list your business online, you’ll need to create a website and ensure it appears in local search results. You can do this by claiming your Google My Business listing. Don’t forget to optimize your website for local SEO by including relevant keywords and phrases and your city and state.
You should also create profiles on popular directories like Yelp and Angie’s List. These platforms can help you attract new patients and generate positive reviews, further boosting your online visibility.
Make sure your listing is accurate and up-to-date on all platforms. Include important information like your practice’s name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. You should also add photos and a description of your services to help potential patients learn more about your offers.
Invest in Targeted Marketing Campaigns
This allows you to specifically target the demographics of your ideal patients. For example, you’re looking to attract more families with young children. You could run ads on parenting websites or in local school newsletters. You can also employ the services of an agency specializing in marketing dental practices.
Some targeted marketing campaigns you could consider include:
- Social media ads
- Pay-per-click (PPC) ads
- Display ads
- Direct mail campaigns
You can develop an effective marketing strategy tailored to your dental practice with the right agency. They can help you devise a plan that does more than just get you quality leads, but lots of patients. Find one with a good track record, is transparent regarding their fees and services, and even offers a demo service so you can test them out before committing.
Partner with Local Businesses
Although everyone needs a dental practice to help them keep their dental health in check, some people are still hesitant to go to the dentist. Partnering with local businesses is a great way to get your name out there and show potential patients that you’re invested in the community. Studies show that 57% of companies use strategic partnerships to gain new clients.
By partnering with local businesses, you can This way, you can reach people who may not have considered going to the dentist before and even turn them into clients. For example, you could partner with a local daycare center and offer free dental screenings for their families. This helps raise awareness about your practice and make them see you as a trusted resource for their dental needs. This will also help build relationships with potential patients, eventually leading to them becoming loyal patients.
When choosing a local business to partner with, selecting one that shares your values and whose target audience is similar to yours is crucial. This way, you can ensure that you’re reaching the right people with your marketing efforts. Don’t forget to market your online and offline efforts to maximize your reach. You can do this by creating flyers or posters and distributing them to local businesses, as well as sharing your partnership online through social media or your website.
Offer New Patient Specials
Another great way to attract new patients is to offer specials for them. New patient specials can include anything from a free consultation to a discount on their first dental procedure. You can also use new patient specials as an opportunity to upsell other services.
For example, you can offer a discount on teeth cleanings. You can then provide a discount on whitening treatments or other cosmetic procedures. By bundling services together, you can make your new patient specials more enticing while making a profit.
Just remember to market your new patient specials both online and offline. You can promote them on your website and social media, as well as through local print publications or even through word-of-mouth.
If you’re looking to attract new patients to your dental practice, this list can help you get started. Keep in mind that building a successful dental practice takes time and effort. But with the right marketing strategy, you can reach your goals and grow your business.
