How dental practices get more patients?

If there’s one question all dental practitioners lose sleep to, it is ‘how to attract more patients?’ But is attracting more patients so hard? It is hard because most dental marketers can’t figure out the best dental marketing strategies to attract more patients. If one strategy doesn’t work, remember, there is always something else to try. Here are three of the many dental marketing strategies that help some practices attract more patients than others.

1. Asking for referrals: Referrals are one of the most effective ways to get new patients—but if you sit back and wait for existing patients to refer their connections to you, you could be waiting forever. Take charge by implementing a system for soliciting referrals from your satisfied patients. Build referral-generating activities in the healthcare marketing process. For instance, ask your happy patients for a referral after the appointment. Or, after a patient posts a positive review of your services on the social platform, your patient support team should approach the patient and ask for referrals.

2. Networking with peers: Generate useful old-fashioned contacts by participating in local networking events relevant to your market and specialty. Be sure to approach such events with the attitude, “how can I help other physicians and practitioners in my area?” rather than “How can others help me?” By thinking about how you can help, you’ll build relationships that lead to new business and more patients.

3. Offering discounts and incentives: Introductory offers, such as a free consultation, can lure curious patients in your door by providing an efficient yet low-risk way to try your services. Track which patients redeem the special offers, then target them with marketing messages encouraging and enticing them to keep visiting your practice.