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Attract New Patients: 9 Budget-Friendly Ways
Let's face it: not everyone has a marketing budget the magnitude of the federal government's debt. However, in a competitive industry like dentistry, marketing is still necessary, especially if you want to expand. So, how can you promote to potential patients without blowing your marketing budget to smithereens? Here are nine fantastic methods to accomplish just that!
Make your presence known.
Networking is an excellent strategy to become more well-known in your community and to attract new patients. It also doesn't cost anything other than a little of your time. Seek out influential people and make an attempt to become a part of their circles. Are there any business groups or networking events in your region that you could join? What about going into schools and talking to students about dental care for kids? All of these things can assist to get the word out about your practice and place you on the map in your neighborhood.
Collaborating with local businesses in your neighborhood
Many businesses in your neighborhood will have a close connection to dentistry. Fitness clubs, health spas, and hairdressers, for example, are all in the business of assisting individuals in looking and feeling their best. With this in mind, why not approach them about displaying their promotional materials in your office if they do the same for you? It's not just a win-win situation, but it's also free. It's also a great method to recruit new, highly qualified patients...hint hint...cough cough cosmetic dentistry.
Low-cost incentives
In marketing circles, incentives are regularly used, and for good reason. People are more inclined to make a purchase or use a service if they believe they will receive value, according to studies. Incentives aid in the maximization of the value. As a dentist, for example, you might be able to offer a patient, say, $20 off their next treatment if they refer a new patient to your clinic.
Alternatively, when a new patient registers, give away a complimentary cleaning. The key to incentives is to think minimal cost but great perceived value, therefore be creative and appealing.
Using social media
Everyone appears to be on Facebook and Instagram these days, and dental offices should be no different. While any company can manage their own social media, it is critical to at least seek advice on strategy. We build Content Strategies at Local Digital Biz Solutions that will attract your Ideal Patient. Regardless, it's critical to choose someone to oversee your social media efforts. The key is to create compelling and informative content that people want to share, rather than filling it with self-promotional material. If used correctly, social media can be a very effective marketing tool for any company.
Website that is user-friendly and Google-friendly.
It's no longer enough to merely have a website. Instead, it should be jam-packed with educational, patient-friendly content that is also Google-friendly.
Did you know that when looking for a new dentist in their area, more than 75% of new patients use the internet as their first port of call? Your website is your most powerful marketing weapon after word-of-mouth, so make the most of it.
Okay, so this isn't cheap, but it's a requirement. Create a mobile-friendly website first, utilizing the story block style. Your prospective patients merely need to scroll, click for additional information, book an appointment, or subscribe for more information.
Keep in mind that the website is for them, not for you.
Maintain a high physical presence.
Consider the following question. For passers-by, how noticeable is your practice? As absurd as it may seem, many practices do not have enough signage to be seen from the road. Even when they do, it's not always clear what business they're in. Why don't you stroll a hundred meters down the road and past your practice? Don't forget to be open-minded and critical.
What can be done about it? Is the property well-kept; could a call to the city help remove hedges that block the view from the street?
Consider your office's interior: is it as clean as it should be, and is there adequate lighting? Keep in mind that you're attempting to attract as many patients as possible.
Dropping flyers
This is still a valid method of attracting new patients. The majority of cities have a free publication that is delivered to residents' homes.
Contact the publisher to see if a promotional flyer or leaflet can be placed inside each copy. Make sure it's focused on the customer and includes a time-based reward (e.g., free first check-up if you register before the end of July). It's a terrific way to get your name out there, just like networking, but this time you're doing it with a leaflet.
Public Relations (PR)
If you're a new business in town, you'll have a story to tell, so contact your local media and see if they'd be interested in doing an interview with you.
Explain how your dental practice differs from the competition and persuade them to give you a try. Leverage press releases!
Even if you've had your dental practice for a number of years, there are numerous topics for which you might write a press release. Consider any new equipment or procedures you've implemented.
That's noteworthy, and local papers and websites want to help small businesses. Hint: press releases help with SEO and are a stealthy technique to bring in new patients. A little good publicity can go a long way.
Host an open evening.
Finally, consider hosting an open evening so individuals may come in and look around your clinic, meet the staff, and perhaps get some quick advice. Then there's the traditional glass of champagne and quick instructions on how to clean, floss, and care for your teeth.
The point is to have fun based on your audience. It doesn't have to be expensive to get started; all it takes is a little PR (see above) and some organization.
You could, believe it or not, accomplish this virtually. Holding an open evening event via a webinar, Social Media live, or Zoom call is also a terrific approach to use it. The objective is to get the word out to current patients, staff, and potential patients. Consider all of the online inquiries that your team may or may not have followed up on.
So there you have it:
9 terrific strategies to expand your practice and attract new patients without breaking the bank on marketing. Remember, if you're willing to do what others won't today, you'll be able to accomplish what others can't tomorrow!
If you need assistance establishing a detailed strategy for any of our suggestions, please contact one of our team members at Local Digital Biz Solutions.
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