Top Tips to Build Your Dental Practice Reputation Online Without Ads

Paying for marketing and advertising is a common business expense, and one that many business owners—including dentists—often overlook. In fact, most dental marketing consultants would suggest that you invest about 20% of your practice revenue into marketing. This can include tactics, such as local event marketing, conference attendance, press releases, direct mail and new movers programs, etc. 

And of course, today’s business owners also need to invest in online marketing strategies. Why? Because today’s consumers—your prospective patients—spend a lot of time online. Recent figures from Statista suggest that we spend over six and a half hours online each and every day. That’s a lot of time! With so much time spent in front of screens, dental marketers need to spend their money where the customer spends their time. But, is online advertising your only option? We’re here to tell you no.

Optimizing your website to grow your dental practice reputation.

Today’s dental practices need a website, and a good one at that. A high-quality website can impact your dental practice’s reputation and attract more patients. The key to a great website is user experience (UX). Your website design needs to be clean and professional, with easy navigation so patients can find the information they need without frustration. Additionally, website speed is important (under two seconds); a slow-loading site can deter potential patients.

Content quality is another often underestimated factor. Create informative, engaging content that addresses common patient concerns and questions, such as dental hygiene tips, procedure explanations, and what to expect during visits. While optimizing your website and producing high-quality content involves expenses, these costs are often far less than the expense of paid ads.

Make Use of Social Media

Remember how we said that people spend over six hours a day online? Well, they spend about 143 minutes on social media. So, if your dental practice doesn’t have a Facebook page or Instagram presence (at least), you’re very much missing out. Here are some tips to grow your online presence without paying for advertisements:

• Share great blog content: Regularly post links to your blog articles, bringing people back to your site for valuable information.
• Promote local events: Highlight your participation in community events or host your own, announcing your practice’s community involvement.
• Engage with followers: Respond to comments and messages, creating a sense of connection and trust with your audience.
• Share patient testimonials: Post patient reviews and testimonials (with their permission) to build credibility and show off those positive experiences.
• Post educational content: Share tips on dental care, answer frequently asked questions, and post informative videos to establish your expertise and provide value to your followers.

Focus on Patient Reviews

Did you know that approximately 94% of patients look at online reviews and testimonials to find the best medical provider? It’s really not that much different for patients looking for a great dentist. Managing your online reviews can significantly impact your practice’s reputation. Here are two key strategies:

• Encourage reviews: Politely ask satisfied patients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google My Business and Yelp. You can do this by sending a follow-up email after their appointment or having a sign at your reception desk with instructions.
• Respond to reviews: Respond professionally to both positive and negative reviews to show that you value patient feedback. Thank those who leave positive reviews and address any concerns raised in negative reviews with a solution-focused approach. This demonstrates your commitment to patient satisfaction and can help build trust with potential patients.

Develop a great content marketing strategy.

Today’s consumers (and patients) want to be in the know. They go to the internet to seek answers to their questions. Today’s internet is like the Encyclopedia Britannica of yesteryear, except it is much faster and much more up-to-date. But they aren’t going to find the information they need if no one is putting it out there in the first place. 

That’s why your content marketing strategy is so important. First, hiring a freelancer or working with a dental marketing firm to create great content doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, it’s probably one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies out there, because your content lives on in perpetuity. 

Here are some things you should include in your content marketing plan:

• Blogs: Regularly updated blog posts addressing common dental concerns, tips for oral hygiene, and detailed explanations of procedures.
• Videos: Create informative and engaging videos, such as tutorials on proper brushing techniques or patient testimonials. People love videos and are far more likely to remember what they saw.
• Infographics: Develop visually appealing infographics that simplify complex dental topics and make information easily digestible for patients.
• E-books and guides: Offer downloadable resources like e-books or guides on topics like dental health for kids or the importance of regular checkups.
• Social media content: Share bite-sized tips, fun facts, and updates on your social media platforms to keep your audience engaged and informed. See? It all works together.

Don’t Forget About Community Outreach 

The most successful dental practices have a positive and active presence in their community. They participate in a wide variety of events, including parades, community center events, local health fairs, and more. Plus, volunteering for community service projects or offering free dental check-ups at schools can also build your reputation in a good way. 

Sponsoring local sports teams or hosting educational workshops on dental health are other great ways to give back to the community and build strong, lasting relationships with potential patients. By showing your commitment to the community, you create a positive image that resonates with current and future patients. And trust us, the community at large will truly appreciate your efforts.

Dental marketing consultants can help you get the most out of your online marketing budget.

As a dental practice owner, you need to keep your eye on the prize, prioritizing excellent patient care. That’s why so many dentists look to a dental marketing firm to manage their dental website marketing, local marketing, and so much more. At Jameson Management & Marketing, we’re experts in dental marketing. We have the experience and expertise to help you grow your dental practice reputation online without investing in costly ads.

To get started, pick your plan today.