You’re a well-educated dentist with years of training and experience, but how much of that is marketing related? It’s not uncommon for dental practices to be in the dark when it comes to digital advertising, especially when they’re anchored to traditional practices.
If you really want to reach your target audience, you need to let go of your assumptions and get inside the head of your competitors and patients.
Stop listening to second-hand accounts of what works and do your research and due diligence, or trust in a seasoned expert. Let’s get started by debunking some common myths.
“Online marketing doesn’t work.”
It’s typical for business owner to feel frustrated or disheartened when they haven’t seen the fruits of their labor. Perhaps you’ve recently created a website or launched an email campaign. Sometimes it’s not what you’re doing, but rather how you’re doing it. If you’re not seeing results, there could be several reasons why. Are you targeting the right audience? Are you sending the right message? Are you leveraging the best platforms? Don’t assume the equipment doesn’t work – ask yourself if you truly know how to use it first.
“I’ll get by on word-of-mouth.”
Word of mouth is a powerful thing, but it in this day and age, it’s not enough to maintain a competitive edge. Your digital presence is just as important as your physical office, and your website is like your virtual front door. Successful dental marketing requires outward thinking – you need to see what’s trending online and adapt to any technological changes. Social media is a prime example. Many local businesses have grown rapidly through successful online advertising.
Does that mean word-of-mouth is no longer effective? Of course not. You can always use positive reviews and testimonials to strengthen your local reputation. But you shouldn’t rely solely on friends, family, and former patients to drive traffic to your business.
“I can’t afford dental marketing.”
It can be challenging for business owners to see the long-term benefit of an investment when it doesn’t provide instant gratification. Humans are naturally inclined to spend money on tangible objects, like name-brand products and new technology. But what good would that do if you’re not seeing any return on your investment? When dental marketing is done right, it’s proven to keep your business relevant, sustainable, and profitable. Your customers are the lifeblood of your practice. It’s time to rethink your strategy: if you can’t afford to invest in a solid marketing plan, keeping your business afloat could become a serious problem.
“The more leads the better.”
You may be getting a lot of interest around your business, but how many of these leads are actually converting into patients? Lead generation isn’t just focused on quantity – it’s equally important to have a qualification system in place. Ten patients who only come in once a year for a teeth cleaning could easily have the same value as one person with a greater need for your services. Know who your target audience is before casting your line.
Whether you’re just starting your practice or trying to attract new patients, dental marketing is crucial to long-term success. That being said, here’s the biggest myth of them all: marketing is easy and anyone can do it. It’s a full-time job that requires adaptation, industry research, and attention to detail. For many business owners, outsourcing marketing is a no-brainer because it pays off over time. You’ll still get to focus on your passion and expertise because your digital presence and reputation is in good hands.
