The internet is a vast and ever-growing resource that has revolutionized how people live. It has opened up new opportunities for communication, education, and commerce that were once unavailable to humankind. It has also given people new ways to interact with the world and has made it easier than ever for people to learn new things and stay connected with friends and family.
The internet is home to more than four billion people, likely increasing in the coming years. For many smaller industries, like the field of dentistry, this is a ripe opportunity to expand their customer base and reach a larger audience.
The internet can be used for various dental marketing tasks, including building a website, creating an online presence, and driving traffic to your practice. But one of the most important ways the internet can help your dental practice is by retaining patients.
Patient retention is vital to the success of any dental practice. Without repeat customers, your business will quickly dwindle. The good news is that there are several ways the internet can help you retain patients. Here are five of them:
Use Social Media to Check in On Patients
Patients love it when their dentist or dental team members take the time to check in on them on social media. It makes them feel valued and appreciated and shows that you care about their well-being.
You can use social media to announce new offers, remind patients of their upcoming appointments, answer frequently asked questions, and provide valuable dental tips. You can also use social media to build patient relationships by sharing interesting articles, answering queries, and responding to comments. Moreover, posting occasionally can also tell people that you’re active. It can drive a lot more people into your practice.
The majority of Americans are using social media nowadays. Your dental office can undoubtedly take advantage of this.
Make it Easy for Patients to Book Appointments Online
One of the most convenient features of the internet is that it allows people to book appointments online. It’s a huge benefit for patients, as they no longer have to call your office or remember to book appointments when they’re in the neighborhood.
You can use an online scheduling system to allow patients to book their appointments 24/7. This is a huge convenience for them, especially those who need to visit your office once weekly for a procedure. For example, dental implants are an essential procedure for most seniors. However, it can take weeks to accomplish, as the dentist needs to ensure that each implant is placed correctly and healed before moving on to the next. Through online scheduling, you can make it easier for patients to book their appointments and avoid having to miss their regular appointment times.
In addition, online scheduling can also help your office stay organized and reduce the number of missed appointments. By allowing patients to book their appointments, you can avoid having to reschedule patients who have forgotten or been unable to
Collect Patient Feedback Online
It’s important to know what your patients think of your dental practice. Are they happy with the service they’re receiving? Do they have any suggestions on how you can improve your practice? Are they likely to recommend your practice to their friends and family?
You can collect patient feedback by sending surveys, conducting interviews, or setting up a comment box in your reception area. However, online reviews are the most efficient way to collect patient feedback.
Most people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. So when patients read positive reviews about your dental practice, they’re more likely to book an appointment with you. On the other hand, if they see negative reviews, they may be less likely to visit your office.
That’s why it’s essential to encourage your patients to leave reviews about their experience at your practice. You can email them after their appointment or by placing a sign in your reception area.
Offer Educational Resources on Your Website
Your website should be more than just an online brochure. It should be a valuable resource for your patients and potential patients. This is a marketing strategy that Colgate has been doing for years, and it’s something you should adopt.
You can use your website to educate your patients about dental health, share tips on taking care of their teeth, and offer advice on choosing the right toothbrush or toothpaste. You can also use your website to answer frequently asked questions about dental procedures, insurance, and payment options.
By offering educational resources on your website, you can show your patients that you’re committed to their oral health. This can encourage them to book appointments and continue visiting your practice in the future.
The internet is a powerful tool that can help you retain dental patients. Using the options listed above, you can increase patient retention by making engaging and communicating with your patients easier. Implement these strategies today to improve your dental practice.
