Here’s the truth; traditional marketing strategies won’t bring in new patients for your dental practice. Not only do people go online to find grocery and beauty items to shop online, they’re also going online to find local services and dental practices are not an exception. In 2023 and beyond, you need new dental marketing ideas to grow your practice.
In today’s competitive dental industry, finding unique ways to attract new leads is essential for the success of any dental business. In this post, we will explore seven unconventional yet highly effective dental marketing strategies that are sure to bring in new leads. Whether you are a dental marketer or a dental business owner, these out-of-the-box ideas will help you stand out from the crowd and capture the attention of potential clients.
Let’s discover new strategies that will snag you new dental patients.
TL;DR
- Gamification and Dental Care
- Create a strong well-designed site
- Harnessing the Power of Local SEO
- Use Social Media for Showcasing
- Give your Dental Marketing a boost with Geo-targeted Google Ads Campaigns
Introduction: Rethinking Dental Marketing
Marketing is an integral part of any business, and the dental industry is no exception. However, traditional marketing methods like radio, television, and print advertisements are no longer as effective as they once were. With the rise of digital technology and the internet, the marketing landscape has significantly changed, necessitating a shift in how dental practitioners think about marketing.
In this age of information, potential patients are not merely passive recipients of marketing messages; they actively seek out and compare dental services before making a decision. This shift in consumer behavior emphasizes the need for dental marketers and business owners to rethink their marketing strategies. It’s not just about creating visibility anymore; it’s about building trust, providing value, and creating a positive patient experience.
This shift in perspective necessitates the exploration and adoption of unconventional marketing strategies. These methods, while not typical in the dental industry, offer unique ways to connect with potential patients and convert them into loyal clients. By rethinking dental marketing, we can bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table that help dental businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract new leads.
Strategy 1: Gamification and Dental Care
Making Dental Care Fun
Most people, especially children, associate dental care with discomfort and fear. This negative perception often leads to avoidance of dental visits, which can have serious implications for oral health. However, by introducing elements of fun and play into dental care, we can change this perception.
Gamification, or the application of game-design elements in non-gaming contexts, provides a feasible solution. It can make dental care more engaging and less intimidating. For instance, dental marketers can develop mobile apps or in-office games that reward patients for regular check-ups or maintaining good oral hygiene. Points earned can be redeemed for dental products or discounts on treatments.
Not only will gamification make dental care enjoyable, but it also provides an incentive for patients to keep up with their dental health. This strategy, while unconventional, has the potential to improve patient engagement, encourage regular dental visits, and ultimately, bring in new leads for your dental practice. Moreover, it positions your practice as a leader in innovation, setting you apart from competitors.
Gamification: Real-life Examples
To better understand how gamification can be integrated into dental care, let’s look at a few real-world examples.
One notable instance is the mobile app “Brush Up,” which turns the task of brushing teeth into a fun game for children. The app uses interactive videos and rewards to encourage kids to brush their teeth properly and regularly, improving their dental hygiene and cultivating good habits.
Another example is the “Playbrush” toothbrush, which connects to a mobile game. As children brush their teeth, they can control the game using their brushing movements, making oral hygiene an exciting activity rather than a chore.
Additionally, several dental practices have begun incorporating gamification in their patient care. For instance, some clinics use a rewards system where patients earn points for regular check-ups, referrals, or social media engagement. These points can be redeemed for prizes or discounts, adding a fun and competitive element to dental care.
These examples demonstrate how gamification can create a more positive and engaging dental care experience. By adopting similar innovative strategies, dental marketers and business owners can revolutionize their approach, attract new leads, and foster patient loyalty.
Strategy 2: Create a strong well-designed site
A lot of dental practitioners believe that a website is just a digital brochure. That is wrong. In fact, your website is your 24/7 sales engine. And if you already have a website and you’ve not made a single sale through your website then this article will put you through how to create a lead generation website. Getting your practice online begins with a website.
Ensure that your website is well-structured, easy to navigate, and mobile-responsive. Include essential information such as services offered, dentist profiles, patient testimonials, and contact details. Moreover, strategically place clear Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons throughout your website. Whether it’s “Schedule an Appointment,” “Contact Us,” or “Learn More,” CTAs guide visitors towards taking the desired action, improving user experience and driving conversions.
You can easily set this up on WordPress or hire an agency to create that for you. To get the best our of your WordPress website, ensure you integrate it with analytics tools, put contact in strategic locations on all your website pages. Also have a testimonials and case studies section to demonstrate your expertise.
Legent is a great example of a well structured website in healthcare.
Strategy 3: Harnessing the Power of Local SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful marketing strategy that can help your dental practice attract new clients. However, local SEO is particularly crucial for dental businesses. Given the nature of dental services, most people prefer to visit a dentist located within their local area. By optimizing your online presence for local search, you can attract these potential clients.
Local SEO starts with claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing. Make sure your listing includes accurate information like your practice’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). It’s also important to add high-quality photos of your clinic and patient reviews to enhance credibility.
Another key aspect of local SEO is optimizing your website with local keywords. For instance, instead of only targeting “dental services,” you might target “dental services in [your city].” By doing so, your practice can appear in search results when potential patients in your area search for these terms.
Also, consider getting listed in local directories and dental-specific directories. Such listings not only improve your online visibility but also boost your local SEO by building local backlinks to your website.
Embracing local SEO can help your practice stand out in local search results, thereby attracting more local leads. It’s a strategy that requires effort, but the potential return on investment is significant..
Strategy 4: Use Social Media for Showcasing
The Power of Social Media in Dental Marketing
In the world of digital marketing, social media is an undeniable powerhouse. With billions of users worldwide, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide a vast and diverse audience for dental practices to reach.
For dental marketers and business owners, social media platforms offer unique opportunities to showcase your services, interact with potential patients, and build a strong online presence. More than just a platform for sharing content, social media is a powerful tool to engage with your audience, answer their queries, get feedback, and build relationships.
Highlighting before-and-after photos, sharing patient testimonials, or creating informative and engaging dental health content can attract potential patients to your practice. It’s not just about broadcasting your services; it’s about creating a dialogue, fostering a community, and establishing your practice’s reputation online. By effectively leveraging social media, you’re not just selling dental services – you’re selling a brand, an experience, and an image that can set you apart in the crowded dental market. Here are 2 examples of facebook ads:
Building a Robust Social Media Strategy
As beneficial as social media can be, it is not a magic bullet. Its success depends on a well-planned and executed strategy. Here are some tips to guide your social media marketing efforts:
- Identify Your Audience: Understand who you’re targeting – their age, location, interests, and social media habits. This can guide your content creation and posting schedule.
- Choose the Right Platforms: Not all social media platforms are the same. Choose the platforms where your target audience is most active.
- Create Engaging Content: Quality content is key. Share a mix of informative dental health tips, patient testimonials, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your practice, and interactive content like quizzes or contests.
- Promote User-Generated Content: Encourage patients to share their positive experiences on their social media accounts. This not only provides you with authentic content but also allows you to reach their followers.
- Use Paid Advertising: Social media ads allow you to target specific demographics, helping you reach potential patients who might not see your organic content.
- Monitor and Adjust: Use social media analytics to monitor your performance. Understand what works and what doesn’t, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Remember, consistency is key in social media marketing. Regular posting and engagement can boost your visibility, keep your audience engaged, and grow your online community.
Why Social Media Matters
In the digital age, having a strong social media presence is no longer optional for dental practices. It’s a means to reach potential patients, build an online reputation, and stand out in a competitive market.
Social media allows you to go beyond traditional marketing methods to interact directly with your audience, fostering a sense of trust and community. Moreover, through social media, dental practices can showcase their expertise and values, attract new leads, and even improve patient retention.
So don’t underestimate the power of social media. Embrace it, and it could prove to be a game-changer in your dental marketing strategy.
How to Find Content Ideas Using AI
Content is the backbone of social media marketing. But coming up with fresh and engaging content ideas can be tough. This is where AI can come in handy.
AI-powered tools like content generators can provide content ideas based on your industry, audience interests, or trending topics. You can also use AI to analyze competitor content, giving you insights into what works well in your industry.
Some AI tools can even create drafts of social media posts, blog posts, or articles, saving you time and effort in content creation. Remember, the goal is not to replace human creativity but to augment it with AI capabilities.
In the world of dental marketing, AI can provide a competitive edge, helping you create data-driven, engaging, and targeted content for social media.
In conclusion, social media marketing, backed by a robust strategy and the power of AI, can be a game-changer in your dental marketing efforts. It’s time to harness the power of social media and take your dental practice to new heights.
Strategy 5: Give your Dental Marketing a boost with Geo-targeted Google Ads Campaigns
The Power of Geo-targeting in Google Ads
In the digital age, tailoring your marketing efforts to a specific audience can significantly enhance your campaign’s effectiveness. Geo-targeting is a powerful technique that allows you to do just that.
Geo-targeting in Google Ads enables you to target your ads to potential clients based on their geographic location. As a dental practice, your clientele is likely to come from the local area around your clinic. By using geo-targeting, you can ensure that your Google Ads campaigns are seen by users who are in or around your location, thereby increasing the chances of converting them into patients.
But why stop at your immediate locality? If your dental practice offers specialized services not commonly available in surrounding areas, consider expanding your geo-targeted reach accordingly. This way, you can attract patients willing to travel a bit further for your unique services.
Implementing Geo-targeted Google Ads Campaigns
Implementing geo-targeted Google Ads campaigns is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Create a New Campaign: Start by creating a new campaign in your Google Ads account. Choose the type of campaign that best suits your advertising goals.
- Set up Your Location: In the campaign settings, you’ll find a section for “locations.” Here, you can enter the geographic areas you want to target. You can be as broad as a country or as specific as a zip code or radius around your dental clinic.
- Choose Your Keywords: Choose keywords relevant to your location and services. For instance, instead of “dental implants,” you might use “dental implants in \[your city\].” This can help attract local users who are specifically looking for dental services in your area.
- Craft Your Ad Copy: Write compelling ad copy that highlights your location and services. Make it clear to potential patients why they should choose your dental practice.
- Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on your campaign’s performance. Use the insights to make necessary adjustments for improved effectiveness.
Why Geo-targeted Google Ads Matter in Dental Marketing
In an industry where proximity plays a crucial role in choosing a service provider, geo-targeted Google Ads campaigns can give your dental practice a significant advantage. They allow for highly targeted advertising, ensuring your advertising budget is spent on reaching potential patients in your service area.
Moreover, these campaigns can help you outshine competitors in local search results, garnering increased visibility for your practice. By appearing in search results when potential patients in your area search for dental services, you increase the likelihood of attracting new leads and ultimately converting them into patients.
In conclusion, geo-targeting is not just a smart strategy; it’s an essential one in dental marketing. Embrace this approach and watch your dental practice attract more local leads than ever before. Remember, in the world of Google Ads, the key to success lies in reaching the right people, at the right place and the right time.
Always Measure your Success
In the dental industry, potential patients often prefer to call a practice to inquire about services, book appointments, or seek professional advice. This makes phone calls a significant source of leads for dental practices. But how can you optimize these phone interactions to maximize conversions? The answer lies in call tracking.
Why Call Tracking Matters in Dental Marketing
Call tracking is a tool that allows you to measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts based on call conversions. It enables you to monitor the quantity and quality of calls generated by specific marketing channels, providing valuable insights into which strategies are driving the most phone leads.
Beyond quantity, call tracking also provides insight into call quality. You can record and listen to calls to gather data about customer inquiries, concerns, and preferences. This data can provide valuable information about potential clients, helping you tailor your services and communication to better meet their needs.
But the benefits of call tracking in dental marketing don’t end there. With call tracking, you can also determine what made a lead call you. Did they visit your website? Did they find you via a local search? Did they see a particular ad? By attributing calls to specific marketing activities, you can identify which strategies are most effective in driving phone leads.
Implementing Dental Call Tracking in Your Practice
Implementing call tracking in a dental practice involves setting up a call tracking software that assigns unique phone numbers to different marketing channels. These could be your website, online ads, social media profiles, or offline advertising like billboards or flyers.
When a potential patient calls using one of these numbers, the system tracks and records information about the call, including its source, duration, time, and outcome. This data is then analyzed to provide insights into your marketing effectiveness.
Consider integrating your dental call tracking software with your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. This will allow you to record call data against individual customer records, providing a complete picture of customer interactions and enhancing personalized communication.
Conclusion: Embrace the Unconventional to Attract New Dental Patients
In conclusion, the key to attracting new leads in today’s competitive dental industry lies in standing out from the crowd. Traditional marketing strategies may have their place, but as the digital landscape evolves, so must our approach to dental marketing.
Embracing unconventional strategies such as gamification, local SEO, and social media can give your dental practice a competitive edge. Each of these techniques offers unique ways to engage potential patients, build trust, and provide value, ultimately leading to new leads and loyal patients.
However, implementing these strategies requires a willingness to step out of the comfort zone and explore uncharted territory. It requires creativity, innovation, and a patient-centered approach. But the rewards — increased visibility, more leads, and a strong reputation — are well worth the effort.
Remember: in the world of dental marketing, the unconventional could very well be your path to success. Don’t be afraid to shake things up and try something new. The future of your dental practice could depend on it.
