This online marketing stuff is often mystifying to dentists. Many of us aren’t particularly savvy when it comes to any technology that’s not related to oral care.
And that’s okay. You don’t need to understand all the ins and outs of the Internet to run a successful practice. However, in this day and age, failing to establish and maintain a strong online presence is dangerous for the long-term success of any business.
With that said, here’s what social media can do for your practice.
Attract New Patients
With so many people on social media today – adults and children alike – you can’t afford not to have a presence there. Your prospective patients are out there right now on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and YouTube.
E
very time someone likes, follows, or subscribes to your dental practice, their fellow fans or followers can see it. When you get engagement on social media, your visibility increases too. With a good following, social proof starts to kick in, and you might find some of your patients are referrals from Facebook or Twitter!
And aside from the improvements that social media provide, it just so happens that you’re starting from behind if you don’t have any presence at all. Imagine looking for a dentist for yourself and discovering that they don’t have a Facebook page.
Whether it’s logical or not, this conveys the feeling that the dentist has something to hide, or that they’re not very successful. Your practice’s success is proportional to the strength – or lack thereof – of your social media presence.
Engage Existing Patients
Half the battle in having a successful dental practice is actually maintaining a base of patients who keep coming back to you. There will always be some turnover as people move away, but you don’t want a lot of turnover from patients who choose another dentist instead of being loyal to you!
One way to help retain patients is with engagement on social media. Share things about you, your staff, and your practice. Announce fun promotions and contests. Show that you care about your patients as people! With a strong human connection, your patients are more likely to stick around.
I hope this makes it clear how valuable your social media presence is for your dental practice. To find out more, just ask!
~Reena Gajjar
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