Launching a new dental practice presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to building visibility and attracting patients. A well-rounded marketing plan that blends digital and traditional strategies can significantly boost your practice’s growth and long-term success.
Many new practices start by using direct mail campaigns and local advertising to announce their presence and highlight what makes them stand out. These efforts help establish initial brand recognition. As the practice grows, positive patient reviews and engaging content can turn your website and social media platforms into magnets for new patients.
Over time, as your practice attracts more patients through referrals, social media, and word-of-mouth, you can scale back on advertising costs while maintaining a healthy influx of new patients. By focusing on the right strategies from the beginning, you can set your practice up for sustained growth.
Build a Strong Online Presence
A robust online presence is essential for creating a solid foundation for your marketing efforts. Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and optimized for search engines (SEO). A well-designed site makes it easy for potential patients to learn about your services, book appointments, and connect with your team.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are powerful for building connections. Post patient success stories, helpful dental tips, and updates about your practice to engage your audience and foster trust.
Online reviews are equally important for establishing credibility. Encourage happy patients to share their experiences on platforms like Google and Yelp. Responding to reviews shows your commitment to patient satisfaction, helping to build trust with potential new patients. Curve Dental® software includes integrations for tools that manage online reviews and feedback, helping practices respond promptly to patient reviews and address any concerns, which can lead to more positive reviews.
Creating and maintaining a Google My Business listing is a must. Your Google business listing page should include essential information such as your practice's address, phone number, hours of operation, and website URL. Include high-quality photos of your office and team. Post updates regularly and encourage patients to leave reviews.
Invest in Targeted Digital Advertising
Digital advertising, including pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, can be a cost-effective way to target specific audiences. PPC ads on Google and social media allow you to reach potential patients in your area, driving traffic to your website and increasing appointment bookings.
Many dentists starting a practice ask, “Do I have to do digital advertising? I know it’s expensive.” This form of marketing can have a good to excellent return on investment because it allows you to connect with potential patients based on demographics, location, and keyword search. Digital ads can be cost-effective when managed carefully. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising ensures you only pay for actual engagement.
Detailed ad analytics do real-time tracking so you can monitor incoming leads and adjust your advertising to improve your return on investment (ROI). Keep in mind that getting the greatest return on your digital advertising may require the fractional hiring of a digital ads expert who is knowledgeable about the everchanging algorithms on platforms like Google and Facebook and can make the best targeting, budgeting, and messaging decisions. You don't want to waste dollars on ads that generate leads that are not appropriate for your practice.
Even in the First 6 to 12 Months, Do Re-Engagement Marketing
Curve Dental’s cloud-based, all-in-one dental practice management platform is an example of a practice management platform with invaluable tools for supporting re-engagement efforts. Its features include automated appointment reminders, personalized messaging, and an integration for online reputation management to streamline communication and foster meaningful patient connections. By leveraging these tools, practices can create a welcoming environment that motivates lapsed patients to prioritize their oral health and make the appointments they need.
Email marketing campaigns can be used to engage with patients between appointments and maintain visibility frequently. Short messages and newsletters can share valuable dental tips, announce promotions, and remind patients of the value of their recommended (and not yet scheduled) treatment.
Curve’s software makes personalizing these email campaigns a snap. Based on patient profiles in the system, you can pull an e-list of the patients you want to target and create a template with your content that the Curve software completes with the patient’s name. You can use your emailed news to remind patients you appreciate their reviews and referrals.
Engage with Your Local Community
Local involvement is a great way to introduce your practice to potential patients. Sponsor community events, participate in health fairs, and collaborate with schools on dental education programs. These activities boost visibility and establish your practice as a trusted part of the community.
Use Traditional Marketing Effectively
Traditional marketing remains a valuable tool, especially for new practices. Direct mail campaigns featuring postcards or letters announcing your opening, services, or special offers can grab attention and drive foot traffic. Advertising in local newspapers or community bulletins can also help reach a broader audience.
Prioritize Patient Experience and Referrals
Your best marketing asset is a happy patient. Providing excellent care and a positive experience ensures patients are more likely to recommend your practice to family and friends. Implementing a referral program with incentives can amplify this effect.
Focus on making every step of the patient journey seamless—from the initial call to follow-up care. A great patient experience creates loyal advocates for your practice.
Share Educational Content
Position your practice as an authority by sharing helpful educational resources. Blog posts, videos, or workshops on oral health topics can attract prospective patients and build trust. Use these materials to address common concerns, showcase your expertise, and connect with your community.
A Strategy for Sustainable Growth
By blending online presence, digital advertising, community involvement, traditional marketing, patient care, and education, your new dental practice can achieve rapid growth and build a strong reputation. Starting with a well-rounded plan ensures that your practice attracts new patients and creates lasting relationships supporting long-term success.
Curve Dental® works with many dentists starting their own practice, and we advise them in many ways. Our easy online tutorials train your team on how to optimize using the platform’s marketing features.
Do you want to start your new practice operations efficiently and effectively, streamline workflows, and increase patient engagement, case acceptance, reviews, and referrals? Let us show you how Curve Dental can be your partner throughout the process. Schedule your personal demonstration and consultation today!
