More and more patients look for a new dentist online. Through platforms like Google, Doctena or social media, they search for a reliable care provider who can see them quickly. That is why it is so important for your practice to be visible online.
To become more visible as a dentist, you really don't need to hire an expensive marketing agency. With a few small but effective changes you can already reach a large audience.
Being visible on Google
Does your practice already have a Google Business Profile? This free tool from Google makes your practice extra visible to people in your area. It lets you make sure the right details, like your address and opening hours, show up when people search on Google or navigate with Google Maps.
Getting your profile in order takes 10 minutes at most, but it makes it a lot easier for future patients to find and contact your practice.
By completing your Google Business Profile, you also let patients leave reviews. Those five stars matter more these days than you might think.
Collecting good reviews
Review sites like Google and Trustpilot strongly influence which practice potential patients book with. A new patient often reads first what others say about your practice.
So there is nothing wrong with asking patients after a treatment whether they would like to leave a positive review on a platform of their choice.
Afraid of bad reviews?
Nobody likes receiving negative comments, we understand that all too well. But that is no reason not to collect reviews. By not accepting reviews on central platforms like Google, you make it harder for yourself to deal with negative reviews. Unhappy patients will then take matters into their own hands and write about their experience on platforms like Facebook. That can lead to reviews scattered everywhere, which makes it impossible for your practice to solve problems.
Turning a negative review into a positive experience is definitely possible. By doing it in the open and responding publicly as a practice, you also show that you are there for your patients and want to handle every case properly.
A simple website is better than no website
When it comes to online search, it is important to realize that authority matters. By authority we mean how many sources and how much information is available about your practice. Your own website is a good source and also gives potential patients one more way to get in touch.
These days you can easily build a website yourself with tools like Framer, Wix or Squarespace. If you don't feel up to it and are looking for a budget-friendly way to get a website online, it can always be worth emailing a local college's IT or marketing program. Many student entrepreneurs are eager to get their first real-world experience.
Presence on social media
Using social media well for your practice can attract new patients organically. Through channels like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok you can easily share content.
Some types of content that work well for dentists on social media:
- Educational content: explain how a treatment works and what the patient can expect
- Before and after photos: with the consent of the patient in question, it is perfectly fine to share the results of your work online
- Team in the spotlight, from the dentist to the reception staff. Patients like to know who they will be dealing with.
