Dentists
A successful dentistry practice has a steady stream of patients for routine cleanings, emergency services and cosmetic procedures. Beyond the yearly checkup, most patients only need extra services for a set period of time to correct a problem or enhance their smile. So a marketing strategy is essential to draw in new patients, offer services to current ones and keep downtime to a minimum.
Multiple Service Offerings
Send postcards or fliers to your patients detailing additional services such as whitening, children's dentistry and orthodontic care. Through a group-practice approach, you can provide services for the whole family and expand your client roster. Placards and notices throughout the office can also inform patients of the services.
Referrals
Current or former patients help build your business through word-of-mouth advertising. Provide excellent service, and your patients will send new patients to you. Offer an incentive, such as gift certificates or a discount on teeth whitening, to patients who refer their friends and family.
Website
Advertise your dentistry skills and office information on a website. Informational articles tell patients of new advances that you offer, especially ones that decrease procedure time or pain. Personalize your website by putting information about your hobbiesalong with a picture that shows you in a family or sports activity. Create a special website that provides reviews of your service. Ask satisfied patients to review your service online, or collect reviews after their service and ask for permission to post them.
Be sure that all the information a new patient might need -- office hours, location, insurance, etc. -- is on the website.
Insurance and Phone Books
Accept as many dental insurance plans as feasible, and list them in the yellow pages of the phone book. Also note if you deal with Medicare or the uninsured. Accepting many insurance plans increases customer retention when a patient's insurance company changes.
Volunteer
Being a volunteer for a charity generates goodwill and visibility for your practice. Volunteer your services at a battered women's home or a homeless shelter. Increase awareness of your activities through a local news story that features your charity work. You also could sponsor a children's sports team. Volunteer to speak at the local elementary school, and bring plenty of free toothbrushes and other dental items with your name and phone number printed on them.
Tags: insurance plans, your patients, your service