Healthcare is becoming more technologically advanced every day. Not only that, but consumers are utilizing technology now more than ever. To keep up with competitors, consider utilizing more online marketing strategies to reach consumers and prospective clients about your dental practice.
Some effective online marketing strategies include:
- Optimizing your website
- Utilizing SEO and social media platforms
- Providing educational content to consumers
First, we will establish what strategies are not effective or beneficial to your dental practice.
Strategies That Are Not Effective
First, let us talk about what not to do when promoting your dental practice. One task to stay on top of is keeping up with the trends. For example, more and more consumers are using social media networking to look for information. But linking your social media to an older, under-performing website is a bad idea. In fact, 38% of consumers will look elsewhere for services if a company’s website is not helpful or updated.
Another strategy that is not effective is not prioritizing effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. Most clients will use online search engines like Google, or verbal search on their phones or home assistants, to find services in their area. Using modern and up-to-date SEO strategies will ensure prospective clients can reach your site when searching for a dental practice.
Similar to an effective SEO strategy, not maintaining a consistent online presence is also not beneficial. Responding to Google reviews and social media comments can be effective in maintaining a good standing with patients and prospective clients of your dental practice.
Develop and Optimize Your Website
One of the most effective ways to reach clients is to have a fully developed and easy-to-use dental practice website. Using the Google My Business account, clients can effectively search for your dental practice, and have quick access to your business phone number, address, and website. However, the Google My Business account will not be of much use to consumers, or beneficial to you, without an excellent website with relevant information.
Your website should be easy to navigate, especially by a mobile device. About 85% of users report that a company’s mobile site should be as good as the website. Simple and effective communication of services should be relayed on the site, as well as other topics including staff biographies, patient reviews, and online scheduling and payment information. Another tip is to ensure that your website is safe, without pop-ups and risks for threats. If a client feels your site is not easy to use, they are more likely to leave the site and not return.
Utilize SEO Strategy
As mentioned prior, many clients are now using internet searches to find what information they need. The purpose of SEO is to promote your dental practice and make it easier to access by way of online search engines. An important aspect of SEO is keyword usage. Words specific to certain procedures or problems can be used. For example, the words “fix broken teeth San Diego” or “teeth cleaning in Tallahassee.” Some keywords are more specific to location, by using street names or zip codes, like “dental practice 37604.”
Another way to improve your SEO strategies is to promote your patient reviews on your site. According to an article by NRC Health, 74.4% of clients want to see at least 7 positive reviews before trusting a business. Keep the review section of your webpage updated and respond quickly to comments and questions.
Ways to get patients to leave reviews include:
- Emailing them a review request URL.
- Have staff request reviews from patients following their visit.
- Make the option to leave a review on your site easy to access.
Utilize Social Media Platforms
According to a 2018 study, 54% of people use social media to research services and products. The most popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Dental practices can utilize social media to promote their practice’s updated services and technology. An effective way to reach people by your sites is to promote positive patient reviews, and posts with tidbits of helpful information. Include photos and videos of the team to help attract clientele. Be sure to have your website link and contact information on your social media pages.
Maintain Consistent Blog Posts
Using informative and helpful blog posts can generate interest from prospective clients, while also providing public education. Blog posts should be updated regularly with relative content that is applicable to clients. For example, topics you might use are “Five tips for excellent oral health” or “What you should know about root canals.” Blog posts can be useful for educating patients on new procedures, how to maintain their oral health or when to contact their dentist.
If you have difficulty keeping updated content on your site, you can consider using a third-party company to take over the job for you. Strategic Practice Solutions can help you create a detailed plan for success, provide company training and assist with promoting your dental practice. Call or click today for more information.
Strategic Practice Solutions, LLC