There's no time like the New Year to take a moment to reflect on what you can do during the year to improve your patients' experiences both inside and outside your dental office. Here are 5 things you can do in 2015 to enhance your dental practice:
- Get mobile: Desktops are basically ancient history, and laptops are quickly following suit--at least when it comes to personal tasks such as making appointments and searching for doctors. If your website isn't already mobile friendly, now is the time to develop a mobile marketing strategy. This should be priority No. 1 for the New Year so that you don't lose out on gaining new patients through this growing market.
- Set up online appointment scheduling: If you haven't already, set up your website to include an option for online scheduling. Patients are relying on technology more than ever, and they look for convenience when it comes to making and cancelling appointments. Your best bet is to include a scheduler on your website that is also accessible on mobile devices. This is the age of the multi-tasker, and being able to schedule appointments on-the-go is quickly becoming a necessity.
- Pay attention to reviews: Know where your practice is being reviewed, and respond to reviewers frequently--particularly negative ones. Apologize for whatever inconvenience the reviewer suffered and demonstrate how your practice is actively working to correct the problem. To get more positive reviews floating your way, offer an incentive for patients who offer reviews, such as entry into a monthly or weekly drawing for a free lunch at a local restaurant. You want to be engaged with your online presence, so make sure your practice is getting mostly good press.
- Let people get to know you on your website: Most consumers won't even consider going to a dentist who doesn't have a website, and beyond the office hours and insurance coverage policies, they want to get to know you as a person, not just a dentist. Include some history about your practice and your staff on the website. Even though we're in an age of technology, most consumers still seek out a personal touch. They want to see their dentist as a person who cares, not just someone who knows a lot about teeth.
- Engaging content: Just like people want to get to know you personally through your website, they want your website to have relevant information about the dental industry. If you don't already have a blog, start one this year that has a focus on the dental industry, not just your practice. Include any newsworthy information about dental procedures and advances, and make sure to respond to any comments you receive.
The above steps will help move your dental office to the top during 2015 by giving potential and current patients the tools and information they need to have a great dental experience.
