When we speak to new clients we often find that their website, Facebook, blogs, and other online platforms all look different making it difficult for patients to see they belong to the same practice. There is no branding-the use of fonts, colors and imagery from one place to the next is different, and there is nothing consistent about the messaging. You have to wonder, how would this make a new patient feel about your practice?

How To Create A Memorable Facebook Cover Image

When you think of marketing your practice, you probably think about using your website, social media posts, emails, and online ads to attract new patients. In any solid marketing strategy, however, you shouldn’t overlook your existing patients-they are key to the success of your practice. In fact, once you acquire a patient, think of it as just the beginning of your marketing relationship with them, as well. Here are reasons why you should:

Don’t Stop….Marketing

Asking patients for a review puts you in a vulnerable position. You hope they will leave positive feedback, but what if they don’t and their not so flattering review is online for everyone to read. In the past, this hesitancy to ask any and all customers to leave a review led businesses to filter candidates, a process known as “review-gating”. It was a common practice and in fact, we did this for our clients years ago, too. Not long ago, however, Google and other credible review sites put a stop to it and for good reason. Like Google, we noticed it wasn’t helping our clients, but actually hurting them in the long run.

To Gate Or Not To Gate

Google My Business has added some exciting new updates that will enhance your business listing and help your practice stand out online. The features give you more control over your listing and allow you to be more strategic with marketing your practice. With Google putting more emphasis on them, it also means that it’s more important than ever to keep your listing current and complete.

New Features for Google Listings

This article originally appeared in the July/2019 issue of the Academy of General Dentistry’s AGD Impact magazine.

You take great pride in offering the highest quality dentistry available. You invest in the best equipment, attend training sessions to grow professionally and hold memberships in the most renowned organizations. Therefore, you don’t feel obligated to offer discounted treatments. Aren’t patients willing to pay for quality treatment?

The short answer is yes, but competing in a market that is saturated with businesses offering specials and discounts can be tricky. To resonate with the right patients, you have to appeal to their appreciation of excellence.

How to Compete With Discount Dental Practices