A social media strategy offers dentists a critical way to increase their audience, build trust with current patients, and attract new patients. Social media for dentists offers similar advantages that it does in other industries.
For a long time, dentists have relied on reputation and word of mouth marketing – but times are changing, and dentists who rely too heavily on older methods may be missing out on key opportunities to strengthen their practice through social media.
Key Goals in Establishing Social Media for Dentists
Improve Existing Relationships
For many, root canals rank among the most unpleasant experiences out there. For some, there’s not enough novocaine in the world. Social media gives dentists the opportunity to share the positive patient experiences that may help put more anxious patients’ concerns at ease.
A video testimonial from a procedure like this can literally motivate the next person to get off the couch. It can even help a reluctant patient to schedule their next checkup. The dentist responding to a common treatment question on social media might help improve that trust level between the dentist and patients as well.
Finding New Clients
Consumers in the medical and dental industries are more likely to shop than ever before. They’re not committing to a frivolous inexpensive purchase, they’re looking to invest into a long-term relationship.
While the temptation may be to sell potential clients through the use of social media, the more effective approach is educational. Your potential client is not a captive audience. They are with you by choice. Instead of a hard sell, why not mention the importance of preventative dentistry, and consistent 6-month checkups?
Patients can learn to trust that you will help them look and feel their best.
Become an Industry Leader
Like any other field, dentistry evolves over time, as new treatments and technologies emerge.
Are there new treatment techniques that you are practicing? Social media may offer the perfect venue for highlighting those changes – and most importantly, what they mean for your patients.
Social media can be a place to highlight any staff recognitions within the field. It can be a place to showcase the expertise within your practice. This can help build trust.
Educate Your Patients About Oral Health (In a Fun Way)
People don’t often have a high working knowledge about their teeth. The more generalized knowledge you can pass about the importance of oral hygiene and how it can impact your general health, the better.
People will pay attention to the links between oral hygiene and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and more. You can highlight the simple oral hygiene steps people can take to avoid these problems.
A word of caution, you don’t want to be a constant source of doom and gloom. While it’s important to convey the significance of brushing your teeth, it can be done in a way that doesn’t lead perspective patients down a path of despair.
How is Your Messaging?
Is your practice doing enough to market your business through social media? Social media offers dentists and doctors an excellent tool for strengthening your practice and building patient trust. You don’t have to spend hours of valuable time on Facebook to do it. Just a few minutes a day can help!