Other External Marketing

There are other forms of external marketing besides social media sites.  Last week we discussed asking for a referral from other patients, but you can also ask for referrals from other specialists. If you focus on general dentistry and there are other specialists in the area you or your staff can bring a gift basket to them or drop off another item that markets yours. Think about how you can help your office stand out against the background of others.  

 

It is important to develop professional relationships with others that you can let your patients know about when they need it. The more helpful you are for patients the more you will stand out to them.  If you do not make bridges then find an office that does superior work in this area and market not only your business to them but their business to patients. This type of relationship can go along way to help build and increase patients that come into your office.

Another type of marketing that you can do that is easy is carry business cards or post cards with your monthly special on it. While you are out and about hand out your business card when the time arrives. If you’re at a game and people ask what you do, you can have a business card handy. While it may not always be the right time and place you never know who will be your next patient. Have your employees carry them also if they are comfortable.

    Great teams take effort. Take time to work on your practice regularly to build quality communication and strengthen your results. For more information and to read other articles, please visit us at www.saltdpm.com.

Internal Marketing

Marketing is what your office does to bring in patients. There are two types, internal and external.  Today we are going to focus on active events that you and your staff can do that would be considered internal marketing. Internal marketing are activities that occur in the office that help bring in new patients or help find opportunities for the dentist in order to build the practice. 

 

It starts with asking for a referral. During the team huddle, look through the schedule. Identify which patients you want to see more of. 

Second, look at if you had the ideal practice which individuals on the schedule you would want in your office?  These are the individuals you are going to ask for a referral from. You don’t want patients that you struggle to get paid from or ones that cancel over and over.  People spend time with which they are most like. So, you want to bring more patients through the door that smile when they are there, enjoy coming to the dentist, and keep their appointments.  Post a sign up that let’s individuals know about your referral incentive.

Utilize demand force or a website that has the same capability to send out reminders to patients about their appointments. Set up a system where the patient will receive an email in advance and then a text a day in advance. Ask them to confirm their appointment.

Set up a contest where a patient can win a fancy toothbrush or free whitening. This can be advertised on your external marketing but it will also get patients excited about coming to your office. Excited patients talk to other people. Individuals can go to just about every corner and find a dentist so, make sure that your marketing is the one that keeps grabbing their attention. 

External marketing helps continue to build your patient base. New patients equals new opportunities. 

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