Attract New Dental Patients in 4 Easy Steps

‍Attracting new dental patients to your practice can be a daunting process. The dental industry is highly competitive, with new practices popping up like popcorn.  

However, with the right strategies in place, you can easily grow your dental clientele. Whether you’re running a small practice or you belong to a team of dental specialists, implementing these four simple steps will make it easier to get the word out and draw new people into your clinic.  

From SEO to social media marketing hacks, these tips are designed to give you an edge over your competitors. So, if you’re ready to expand your patient base while creating a strong reputation in the dental industry, stick with us as we walk you through!

Step 1: Spruce Up Your Online Presence

In this digital age, most of your potential patients will find you through the internet. That’s why refining your online presence should be the first step on our journey to attract new dental patients.

Think about it this way: your website is like your practice's virtual reception area. If it's inviting, informative, and easy to navigate, your visitors will feel more comfortable scheduling that all-important first appointment. Make sure it's mobile-friendly, has an "About Us" section to introduce your team, and of course, clearly lists your services and contact info.

Also, leverage the power of SEO (search engine optimization) to increase your visibility. Optimizing your site for search engines is key to ranking high in Google, which means users looking for dentists in your area will find you easily.

Start by targeting dental-related keywords. For instance, if you specialize in orthodontics in Florida, aim to appear in the search results for "Florida orthodontist" or "best braces in Florida." By including these keywords in your content, search engine bots will identify you as a relevant result for those searching these terms.  

It's not just about scattering these keywords throughout your site, though. They should be woven naturally into your content, meta descriptions, image alt text, and even your URL structure where possible. This way, bots will view you as a top dog in the Florida orthodontic scene, increasing the chances of them ranking you higher.  

But remember: write for humans first, search engines second. Overloading your content with keywords (known as keyword stuffing) can actually harm your SEO.

Step 2:  Be Active on Social Media

Social media is like the dazzling white smile of your dental practice's online presence – it catches people's eyes! Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even LinkedIn to showcase your dental expertise, attract new dental patients, and create a strong relationship with existing ones.

Bear in mind, however, that the goal isn't just to sell services. Instead, you want to engage, educate, and entertain your audience, building trust and rapport. To help you get started, here are some proven social media strategies to win the hearts of your followers:

Create engaging content

Post photos, videos, and infographics about dental care and oral hygiene. Content could range from practical advice like "how to brush properly" to before-and-after photos showcasing the results of your treatments. The more engaging and valuable your content, the more likely it is to be shared, increasing your reach.

Run contests and promotions

Hold contests or promotions that encourage followers to engage with your page, such as a photo contest where they post a picture of their brightest smile, or a sweepstakes for a free teeth whitening session. Don’t forget to read each platform's guidelines first before kicking off promotions.

Leverage patient reviews

Encourage loyal patients to share their positive experiences with your dental practice on social media. Authentic reviews can act as powerful testimonials that attract new patients. You can even highlight these reviews on your own page.

Respond to comments and messages

Social media is a two-way street. Don't just post content; interact with your followers as well. Respond to comments, answer questions, and thank followers for their feedback. This active engagement shows that you value your patients and can help build a sense of community around your practice.

Step 3: Gather and Showcase Patient Reviews

Never underestimate the power of word of mouth. Positive reviews from happy patients can act as a magnet, pulling in potential new patients like filings to a magnet.

Make it a habit to request feedback from your patients. Display these testimonials on your website and social media platforms. Potential patients often trust the word of previous ones, as it gives a genuine, unfiltered insight into what it's like to be treated at your practice.

As for getting bad reviews, don’t act like it’s the end of the world; it's an opportunity to grow. Respond professionally and kindly to show everyone that you care about patient satisfaction and are committed to improving.

Step 4: Develop a Referral Program

Your existing patients are among the best sources for new patient referrals. So, why not reward them each time they get someone to schedule an appointment with you? That’s right, start a referral program!

A well-structured referral program will encourage your current patients to become brand ambassadors for your dental practice. By offering them attractive perks, you encourage them to invite their friends, family, or co-workers who could benefit from your services.  

Not sure what rewards will actually entice your patients to refer you to others? Worry no more as we’ve got you covered:

Discounted services

Give your patients a discount on their next visit or a specific service when they refer someone to your practice. It could be a percentage off or a fixed dollar amount.

Free service or upgrade

Consider offering a free cleaning, oral health product, or an upgrade like teeth whitening as a “thank you” for referrals. This type of reward often feels more tangible and can be a significant incentive for patients.

Gift cards

No patient of yours can turn down a gift card! Gift cards provide them with the flexibility to choose something they’ll truly enjoy.  

Dental product bundles

Offer a bundle of dental hygiene products – such as high-quality toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, or an electric toothbrush – for successful referrals.  

Membership extension

If you have a dental membership plan, consider offering an extension or discount on the membership fee as a reward. This can help retain existing patients as well as attract new ones.

Need Professional Help for Faster Results? We’re Here for You!

While these four steps will no doubt help you grow your patient base, it might take you some time due to your hectic schedule. The fact that you have to take care of your patients while managing your office makes it impossible to stay on top of digital marketing trends.  

This is where Digital Resource swoops in to save the day.

With a proven track record in the dental industry, we specialize in creating tailored digital marketing strategies – including SEO, social media marketing, online reputation management, and more.  Tell us your business goals, and we’ll be more than happy to help you hit them!

Get started by booking a free consultation with us! Call us at 561-429-2585!