Attracting new dental patients is challenging for many reasons. There are people who avoid the dentist for cost related concerns. There could be local competition, with 202,304 active dentists and 139,048 dental practices across the US. It could also be a fact that people can’t find you or know you exist.
The good news is that there are now infinitely more ways than in the past to reach new patients. You just need to know who you are looking for and how to meet them where they are. Keep reading to discover effective strategies to grow your patient base this year.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying your ideal patients is crucial for targeted marketing.
- Forecasting patient growth helps in planning marketing and operational budgets.
- Standing out from local competition requires a unique selling proposition.
- A well-designed, user-friendly website enhances credibility.
- Local SEO is essential for improving online visibility and attracting patients.
- Ad retargeting can effectively bring back potential patients.
- Building a strong social media presence connects you with the community.
- Offering incentives and promotions can attract new patients.
- Providing a positive experience is key to retaining patients.
- Partnering with insurance providers can expand your reach and build trust.
Identify Your Ideal Patients
The first step is figuring out who your ideal patients are. These are the folks who will benefit the most from your services. Instead of trying to reach everyone all at once focus on those who are most likely to visit your practice.
Typically, your main audience will be people living nearby, as they’re more likely to choose your clinic. To zero in on your target audience, you will want to tailor your marketing and promotion to specific age groups and interests. For a pediatric dentist, your focus will be on families. If you’re a general dentist, you will want to cast a wider net.
Forecast How Many New Patients You Want to See
It is important to have a plan for how many patients you aim to see over time, whether that is over the next month, the rest of the year or the next three to five years.
You can start by looking at the previous year's performance. Say you welcomed 600 new patients, you might want to aim for 720 patients this year. With your goals in mind, you can figure out how much to spend on marketing, operations, and administration.
Make Your Practice Stand Out
Depending on where you're located, there might be quite a few dental practices nearby. There are also people who like to stay with their existing providers and are not interested in making a switch. That’s why it’s important to stand out from the crowd.
Think about your unique selling proposition (USP) and what will make you the go-to dentist in your area for those services.
- Extended opening hours
- Emergency dentistry
- Innovative technology
- Veneers
- Implants
- Dentures
- Invisalign
Be sure to highlight these features in your marketing materials, including on social media and your website.
Boost Your Website and Local Visibility
75% of people consider website design a major factor in the credibility of a business. That’s why your website should be a true reflection of your dental practice and services. Make sure it's easy to navigate, loads quickly, and is designed to work smoothly on any device (tablet, computer, phone).
In addition, 8 out of 10 people in the US select their dentist based on online reviews. That’s where investing in Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can really benefit your practice. You will want to make sure your practice website has keywords and content that highlight your location and specialties. You will also need to make sure your practice is listed in business directories so people can find you (Google Business, Yelp, Nextdoor, the Better Business Bureau).
Ad Retargeting
An effective way to bring new dental patients to your clinic is through ad retargeting. When someone visits your website, they leave a digital trail in their browsing history. With ad retargeting, you will have advertising in place that will appear on other websites after they visit your pages.
Build a Strong Social Media Presence
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X offer unique ways to connect with your community and display your dental expertise.
You can share engaging content, like dental tips, success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your practice. You can also build rapport with people by responding to their comments and messages on your profile. Plus, you can use the power of targeted social media ads to reach specific groups of patients in your area.
Offer Incentives and Promotions
You can invite new patients to your practice by offering incentives and promotions. Consider discounts on first visits, free consultations, or special referral deals. These offers can give potential patients an extra push to book an appointment with you. Make sure to spread the word about these offers on your website, social media, and through emails.
Providing a Positive Experience
Poor customer service can be a major reason patients leave a dental practice. So, focus on providing a positive and personalized experience, where you demonstrate that you care and want to build trust.
It starts with having a comfortable waiting area with some nice music and magazines, and maybe even a TV. Another big part of the office environment is how your staff interacts with each person. They should be friendly and well-prepared to help with any questions or concerns.
Plus, using convenient tech like online appointment scheduling, reminder texts, and electronic patient forms can make everything run smoothly.
Work with Insurance Providers to Expand Your Reach
Partnering with insurance providers can help you reach more people with your dental services. You can welcome patients who are eager to use their benefits for dental care. Plus, working with insurance providers keeps you updated on coverage options and allows you to assist patients in understanding their benefits. This friendly partnership can build trust and encourage more patients to choose your practice for their dental needs.
Ultimately, attracting new dental patients requires a strategic approach. By implementing these strategies you can effectively grow your patient base. Embrace these methods, and watch your dental practice thrive in today's competitive landscape.
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Already in the Solstice network? Search to see if you're part of the Solstice dental PPO or HMO network. You can also go to https://www.mysolstice.net/ or call us at 1.877.760.2247.
