There are many ways to get more clients into your practice, and some of them may be more successful for your clinic than others. That’s why it’s essential to use the proper marketing techniques to get more patients.
Marketing Strategies That Work
Getting more dental clinic patients can be challenging, especially in a crowded market. That means you need to do everything possible to utilize the most effective marketing strategies. Here are some of the best ways you can get your name out there and start attracting more new patients:
1. Use Social Media
Social media is a great way to connect with people and share your practice’s message. Don’t forget to use hashtags like #dental #teeth #smile or other relevant ones to your target audience. Humor, articles, and thought-provoking questions can encourage engagement and attract new patients.
So, don’t be afraid to jump into the conversation. The more you share and participate, the more people will see your name, photo, and website on their feed. But don’t just post any old thing; make sure your posts are relevant and exciting.
2. Create Videos
Videos are another great way to grab people’s attention online — just look at all of YouTube’s most popular videos! Make sure yours is short (no longer than 3 minutes) and focuses on a specific aspect of your clinic that sets you apart. This way, you can gain some exposure and maybe even go viral.
For instance, you could make a demonstration video if you want to show your potential clients how to place a crown on a tooth. Or, if you’re going to show the convenience of working with a local clinic, make a video that shows your office and what it’s like in person.
3. Advertise in Local Magazines
Another way to get more dental patients is to advertise in local magazines and online publications. Make sure your ad stands out — make readers stop and wonder what they would get if they called or visited the website listed. This way, you’ll get more calls and visits, which can turn into new patients.
You can also try creating a free offer, perhaps something like “FREE exam with any X-ray” or “FREE teeth whitening with cleaning.” This will encourage people to come in for an appointment to take advantage of the offer.
Marketing Strategies That Don’t Work
While many great marketing techniques have been proven to work, some didn’t work — and you should avoid them at all costs. Here are some examples of the worst ways to market your dental clinic that you should be sure to avoid:
1. Direct Mail is Dead
When was the last time you got one of those annoying ads in your mailbox or sent through the mail? Those days are over for good, so don’t waste your time on direct mail. Instead, consider turning to email marketing or social media advertising.
You can target the right people through email and keep them up to date on your clinic’s services without being intrusive. Meanwhile, targeted social media ads are a great way to get in front of specific audiences — so if you want more young adults, don’t post your ad on a site for older generations!
2. Forget the Yellow Pages
They say that “nothing gold can stay,” and for a good reason — most things don’t age well through the years. The yellow pages are a prime example because few people use them anymore to find local businesses. Instead, they prefer searching online or popping into stores in person.
So, save your money and time by using other marketing strategies. Rather than spending hundreds on trying to get your ad in the yellow pages, put that money toward a better marketing technique, such as social media ads.
3. Traditional TV Ads are Outdated
You might like watching TV, but that doesn’t mean you should be paying to advertise on it! Today’s audiences are more intelligent than ever before; they use DVRs and streaming services, so ads get skipped or ignored right away.
So, don’t waste your time and money with traditional TV ads; instead, try online videos. You could maximize Instagram Reels or TikTok, for example, to connect with new patients who are watching these ads. This way, they’ll see your ad while they’re scrolling through their feed, which means you have a higher chance of being clicked.
Remember that marketing is all about engagement, so what works today may not work tomorrow. For this reason, it’s always wise to try new strategies and keep up with the latest trends in dental marketing. By doing this, patients looking for a new clinic will find you, and they’ll love what you have to offer!