Like it or lump it, dental surgeries and clinics are a business. And so, in order for them to succeed and grow, they need to be treated like a business. In 2023, this means that if you are overseeing the marketing aspect of a dental surgery, you will need to invest some time and money into marketing the surgery online. But this is not as simple as putting together a website and writing blog articles!
So, what are some of the steps you need to take when putting together a marketing strategy for your dental surgery?
Define your target audience
The first thing that you and your team need to do when working on a dental marketing plan is to define your audience. Determine who your ideal patients are, such as age range, income level, and location. This will aid you in tailoring your marketing message and tactics to reach the right people.
Focus on building relationships
Marketing for a dental practice should be about building relationships and trust with your patients. You can do this by offering personalized service and making sure that your patients feel valued and appreciated. Make sure your staff are friendly and approachable, and offer a welcoming atmosphere.
Use social media to your advantage
Social media platforms can be some of the most powerful tools for marketing your dental surgery. You can use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share updates, promotions, and informative content with your followers. Social media can also help you connect with new patients and expand your reach.
Offer incentives for referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most effective forms of marketing for dental practices. Encourage your patients to refer their friends and family members by offering incentives like discounts or free services. This can help you build a loyal patient base and increase your overall revenue.
Utilize local SEO
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is crucial for any business with an online presence. For dental practices, it’s important to focus on local SEO tactics, which can help you rank higher in local search results. This includes optimising your website for local keywords, creating local business listings, and encouraging patients to leave online reviews.
Host events and promotions
Hosting events and promotions is a great way to generate buzz and attract new patients to your dental surgery. Consider hosting a free dental hygiene clinic or offering discounts on teeth whitening services. This can help you reach potential patients who may not have considered your practice before.
Measure your results
To make sure that the marketing efforts you use are effective, you will need to measure your results regularly. Track your website traffic, social media engagement, and patient referrals to see what’s working and what needs improvement. This can help you adjust your strategy and optimise your marketing efforts for maximum impact.
Alternatively, it can be worth investing some money into a marketing team to oversee this for you. That way, they will be able to advise you on the best steps to take when aiming to get more patients to your surgery.
