New patient acquisition is the bread and butter to dental practice growth. But what are the best ways to bring paying patients through your door? For starters, it’s important to have several different vehicles driving leads. But your team should also be at the ready to convert those leads and maximize new patient numbers.
As a practice owner, you have a lot on your plate already. Perhaps you’ve already paid for marketing and have seen little growth. It’s difficult to know where to turn next. In this blog post, our experts explore some of the most inventive and successful ways to attract new patients and boost your ROI.
Prioritize patient needs over making a sell.
Your dental practice is a business to be sure, but the focus should always be on your patients and their best interests. Individuals will always be able to tell if you really care about them, or if you’re just trying to make a sell. Dental experts across the country will tell you: When you make patient care your priority, the rest will fall into place. Happy patients will tell their friends about the wonderful experience they had at your office, and more business will naturally start to roll in.
Utilize social media.
It’s no secret that social media has taken the marketing world by storm. Dental practices across the country are utilizing social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, to connect with the public and reach a variety of different audiences.
Launch a referral program.
Word of mouth is a tried and true marketing method. After all, patients are more likely to schedule an appointment at your practice if a family member or friend recommended your services. People who have good experiences are going to tell others about it, so consider launching a referral program to optimize growth. Offer monthly awards and prizes for patients who refer other patients.
Don’t underestimate the power of SEO.
If you have a website for your dental practice, you’ve probably heard the term “SEO”, which stands for search engine optimization. But what does that really mean? An optimized website targets local and worldwide keywords for relevant topics. People who search for those terms online are more likely to find and visit your website. Work with an experienced SEO strategist to ensure that your web presence is optimized so you can drive more traffic to your site – and potentially bring new patients through your door.
Ask current patients for reviews.
In the information age, people do a ton of research before making a decision – especially when it relates to healthcare. Google reviews are an excellent way to build an online presence and show the world all the good things patients are saying about your practice. You can also ask for reviews on social media platforms or health-related websites.
Offer flexible financing options.
We all know that dental insurance leaves a lot to be desired. Yet for years, the industry has been driven by it. The truth of the matter is, patient care shouldn’t be limited by in-network insurance plans. So, even if you accept a number of major dental insurance plans, it’s important to offer other options as well. For example, third party financing options such as CareCredit® give patients the option to pay off treatment in low monthly installments. You can also design an in-office membership plan that offers perks to new and established patients.
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