Digital marketing isn’t optional.
The fact remains, though, that only 84% of businesses have a content marketing strategy as of early 2021. 16% don’t.
If you’re one of the people who has put off digital marketing or done it haphazardly, it’s time to get serious about it. You may have claimed your Google My Business listing – and that counts as digital marketing. It’s also the bare minimum you can do.
So, with that in mind, let’s talk about why every dental clinic – including yours – needs digital marketing, and which marketing strategies we recommend.
What Is Digital Marketing?
Some dental clinic owners don’t understand what digital marketing is and that’s part of the problem, so let’s start with a definition.
Digital marketing is the sum of any efforts you make to promote your dental clinic online. It may include:
- Email marketing
- Blogging
- Search engine advertising (PPC)
- Social media posting
- Social media advertising
- Business listings
- SEO
- Video marketing
The key to making the most of digital marketing is choosing the strategies that are most likely to deliver the results you want.
Target Local Keywords
The first thing you need to recognize is that in the world of digital marketing, everything is local. If you try to compete for the same keywords used by big corporations with huge marketing budgets, you’re going to lose. You’ll get far more bang for your buck if you think local.
Local keywords should be a combination of industry-specific words that identify what your business does and local words that let people know where you are. For example, a dentist in Minneapolis might target words such as:
- Minneapolis dental practice
- Twin Cities dentistry
- Emergency dental care Minneapolis
You get the idea. You want the words you target to be specific to both your business and your location. Google prioritizes local search already and optimizing your website and ads for local keywords will give you the best possible chance of connecting with people in your area.
Claim Your Local Listings
A big part of digital marketing is creating a consistent online presence. A person who finds you on Yelp should have access to the same basic information about your dental clinic as someone who searches for you on Google or someone who navigates directly to your website thanks to a referral from a friend.
Local listings such as Google My Business, Yelp, and others act as online directories. They’re there to help people find the businesses they need. If you haven’t already done so, you should claim every listing for your dental clinic. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to update and standardize all information to create a seamless presence.
Use Social Media Wisely
Social media should be part of your digital marketing strategy. As of 2020, 3.8 billion people worldwide use social media. Your patients use social media.
The trick, of course, is to know which social media options your patients prefer. B2B companies should focus on LinkedIn. Any company with a visual or aspirational product would do well to invest in Instagram and Pinterest marketing. Most dental clinics can benefit from having a Facebook presence.
Once you’ve decided which social media accounts to create, you still need to use them wisely. That means using both organic posts and advertising to connect with your target audience. Dental clinics can focus on local patients by using carefully-chosen hashtags and participating in community events such as Throwback Thursday.
Don’t Forget Email Marketing
Email marketing isn’t the new kid on the block, but it is still one of the most cost-effective digital marketing strategies around. It’s particularly effective for keeping existing patients engaged and coming back to your clinic.
If you don’t already have an email list, you can build one by creating content to give away and advertising it on Google or social media. If people want to download the content, they’ll need to provide you with their email address.
You can get the most from your email marketing by creating unique content for the patients on your list and combining it with special service offers.
Advertise On YouTube
YouTube advertising is something that a lot of local dental clinics miss out on because they don’t understand how effective it is. Fully 90% of consumers say they have learned about a new product from seeing an ad on YouTube.
Marketers agree that pre-roll skippable ads are the most effective format for YouTube ads. However – and this is anecdotal – we’ve noticed an increase in the number of short, non-skippable pre-roll ads we’re seeing. Consumers are less likely to mind sitting through a 15-second ad they can’t skip than an ad that’s longer and not skippable.
YouTube is owned by Google and that’s one reason that YouTube is a great option for retargeting people who have visited your site without connecting with you for an appointment.
Encourage Reviews
You already know that reviews are important. You should consider them an essential part of your digital marketing strategy.
If you’re not already doing so, start encouraging patients to write online reviews. You can ask them in person when they check out after their appointment or, if you have an email list or Facebook account, ask them to leave a review and include a link to your preferred review site.
Optimize For Mobile
It’s safe to say that in 2021, all digital marketing is mobile marketing. We don’t mean that nobody accesses a website or social media on a computer anymore, but it’s a fact that mobile search has surpassed desktop search and almost everybody has a smartphone.
In practical terms, that means you’ve got to be sure that your website is optimized for mobile. Ideally, you should have:
- A mobile-responsive design that looks equally good on any device
- Mobile-friendly content
- Clickable buttons
No mobile user should need to zoom in to hit your call to action button or scroll horizontally to read your blog posts. There’s no excuse for ignoring mobile users – so don’t do it.
Digital marketing is here to stay – and it’s time to take it seriously. By focusing on the marketing strategies we’ve mentioned here, you’ll be able to differentiate your dental clinic from competitors and attract a steady stream of new patients.
Want to see how professional dental marketing help can take your dental clinic to new heights? Call Ian here at Dental Marketing Heroes for a chat – he’s an expert marketer specializing in dental clinic marketing, and he’d love to talk with you!
About the author
Ian Cantle is passionate about helping dental practice owners achieve their dreams by helping them systematically grow their practices, beat out the competition, and give back to their community.
Ian is an author and expert in the fields of strategic marketing for local businesses, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and Web Design.
Want to discover the Dental Marketing Heroes difference, book a free discovery call or call us at 905-251-8178.
Ian Cantle is passionate about helping dental practice owners achieve their dreams by helping them systematically grow their practices, beat out the competition, and give back to their community.Ian is an author and expert in the fields of strategic marketing for local businesses, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and Web Design.Want to discover the Dental Marketing Heroes difference, book a free discovery call or call us at 905-251-8178.
You may also like
Subscribe to our newsletter now so you don't miss out on the latest trends, tips, and articles!
search engine, marketing strategy, reputation management, web design, brand, search engine optimization, online advertising, patient, return on investment, digital marketing, investment, orthodontics, content creation, expert, lead generation, accessibility, revenue, marketing plan, reputation, visibility, strategy, search advertising, landing page, analytics, research, social media marketing, content marketing, cosmetic dentistry, influencer marketing, search engine results page, social media, all rights reserved, privacy policy, target audience, company, technology, dental marketing services, marketing for dentists, online dental marketing, dental marketing agencies, digital dental marketing, dental practice marketing, dental digital marketing, dental seo, dental marketing company, dental marketing agency, dental marketing, dental internet marketing, dental implant marketing, dental marketing videos, consultant, customer, customer service, video production, online and offline, email marketing, faq, understanding, cost, knowledge, copyright, testimonial, link building, sms, magazine, competition, pricing, automation, transparency, conversion rate optimization, pleasure, dental, marketing services, dental implants, marketing campaigns, dental marketing strategies, digital marketing services, promise, digital marketing experts, gilleard dental marketing, marketing agencies, marketing budget, method, web marketing, discovery call, program, prime dental, build, dental marketing expert, dental marketing ideas, marketing program, plan, dental practices, marketing agency, personal marketing, dental practice, dental marketing experts, pediatric dentistry, advertising campaign, periodontology, gift card, text messaging, pediatrics, dental marketing companies, direct mail, dental ppc, dental website design, ppc management, review management, local search, brand awareness, credibility, consumer, gift, prosthodontics, target market, risk, copywriting, landscape, practice management, confidence, toothbrush, business marketing, statistics, web presence, fee, social proof, user experience, storytelling, contract, button, new york city, dental care, marketing solutions, dental website, marketing team, smile dental, tough, dental social media, seo, dental marketing strategy, premier dentistry, marketing department, local seo, complete dental, workflow, motivation, productivity, dental marketing consultant, web development, skill, dental office, medical, marketing consultant, online marketing, digital marketing consultant, service marketing, marketing tasks, social media presence
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I assess a consultant's effectiveness?
To assess a consultant's effectiveness, focus on tangible results, alignment with your goals, clear communication, and the consultant's ability to adapt to your changing needs.
What are common dental practice marketing strategies?
Some common dental practice marketing strategies include search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, direct mail, and patient referral programs. These tactics can help attract new patients and retain existing ones.
How can a dental clinic increase patient acquisition?
A dental clinic can increase patient acquisition by implementing effective marketing strategies, such as improving their online presence, leveraging social media, and offering promotions or incentives to attract new patients.
What roles does a marketing consultant fulfill?
A marketing consultant helps develop and implement effective marketing strategies, analyze data, identify growth opportunities, and provide guidance to improve a business's marketing efforts and overall performance.
Can consultants improve online marketing efforts?
Yes, consultants can improve online marketing efforts by providing strategic guidance, analyzing data, and implementing proven tactics to enhance a business's digital presence and drive measurable results.
What metrics measure marketing success for dentists?
The key metrics for measuring marketing success for dentists include new patient acquisition, patient retention, average revenue per patient, patient referrals, and return on investment (ROI) from marketing campaigns.
How often should marketing strategies be revised?
Marketing strategies should be reviewed and revised on a regular basis, typically every 6-12 months, to ensure they remain relevant and effective in responding to changing market conditions, competitor actions, and customer needs.
What digital marketing trends impact dental clinics?
Digital marketing trends impacting dental clinics include increased focus on patient experience, rise of telemedicine, growth of social media marketing, and optimization for mobile devices.
How to balance traditional and digital marketing?
Balancing traditional and digital marketing involves strategically combining both channels to maximize reach and engagement. Integrate print, broadcast, and direct mail with a robust online presence, social media, and targeted digital campaigns for a comprehensive marketing strategy.
How to choose the right marketing agency?
Look for an agency with proven dental marketing expertise, transparent reporting, and a focus on delivering measurable results that align with your practice's objectives. Ensure clear communication and a collaborative partnership for long-term success.
What constitutes a successful marketing campaign?
A successful marketing campaign effectively targets the right audience, delivers a compelling message through the appropriate channels, and produces measurable results aligned with the organization's objectives.
How to gauge patient satisfaction with marketing?
Regularly gather patient feedback through surveys, reviews, and personal interactions to understand their satisfaction with your marketing efforts. Monitor metrics like website traffic, lead generation, and appointment bookings to assess the effectiveness of your marketing.
What should a dental marketing plan include?
A dental marketing plan should include strategies for patient acquisition, retention, and referrals, incorporating tactics such as website optimization, social media engagement, email marketing, and targeted advertising to reach and connect with the desired patient base.
How does a consultant optimize marketing budgets?
A consultant optimizes marketing budgets by analyzing data, identifying high-performing channels, reallocating resources, and implementing cost-effective strategies to maximize return on investment.
Are there specialized marketing tools for dentists?
Yes, there are specialized marketing tools and strategies for dentists, such as dental-specific SEO, social media management, lead generation funnels, and reputation management services to help grow dental practices.
What's crucial for a dental website's success?
A dental website's success hinges on a user-friendly design, compelling content, strong search engine optimization, and a seamless patient booking experience to attract and convert visitors into loyal patients.
How can SEO improve a dentist's online presence?
SEO can improve a dentist's online presence by increasing their website's visibility in search engine results, driving more targeted traffic, and enhancing credibility through higher search rankings.
What's the role of social media in marketing?
Social media plays a crucial role in marketing by allowing businesses to engage directly with their target audience, build brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales through cost-effective and measurable campaigns.
How to create engaging dental marketing content?
Develop a content strategy focused on providing valuable information to your target audience. Use visuals, storytelling, and thought leadership to create content that resonates and builds trust with potential patients.
What innovative marketing tactics attract new patients?
Innovative marketing tactics that attract new dental patients include targeted social media advertising, creating a strong online presence, offering promotions for new patients, and leveraging patient referrals through loyalty programs.
How to manage patient feedback effectively?
Actively solicit patient feedback, respond promptly to concerns, use feedback to improve processes, and regularly communicate with patients about changes made based on their input.
Can targeted ads increase dental appointment bookings?
Targeted ads can be an effective strategy to increase dental appointment bookings by reaching potential patients who are most likely to need and seek dental services. Careful targeting and ad optimization are key to maximizing the impact on appointment bookings.
How to build a referral network through marketing?
Build a referral network through consistent content marketing, strategic partnerships, and exceptional customer service. Leverage testimonials, rewards programs, and personalized outreach to encourage existing patients to refer new business.
What are the compliance considerations in dental marketing?
Dental marketing must comply with regulations on patient privacy, advertising claims, and professional conduct. Practices should consult legal counsel to ensure marketing activities adhere to relevant laws and industry guidelines.
How to measure ROI from marketing expenditures?
Measuring the ROI from marketing expenditures requires tracking key performance indicators such as website traffic, lead generation, conversions, and revenue generated. Regular analysis of these metrics can help determine the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and guide future investments.
What's the impact of branding on patient loyalty?
Effective branding helps build trust and credibility, which can foster stronger patient-provider relationships and boost patient loyalty. A strong brand identity differentiates a practice, creating a memorable impression that keeps patients returning.
How to navigate competitive analysis in dental marketing?
Conduct thorough research on competitors' marketing strategies, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and use these insights to develop a unique value proposition and differentiate your dental practice in the market.
How can analytics improve marketing decision-making?
Analytics can improve marketing decision-making by providing data-driven insights into customer behavior, campaign performance, and marketing channel effectiveness, enabling more informed and strategic decisions to optimize marketing efforts and drive better business outcomes.
What is the importance of a marketing audit?
A marketing audit provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of a practice's marketing efforts, allowing for data-driven decision-making to improve ROI and better align strategies with business objectives.
How does a consultant streamline marketing operations?
A consultant can streamline marketing operations by evaluating current processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing more efficient workflows, automation, and data-driven decision-making to optimize resource allocation and improve overall marketing performance.
dental marketers, dental marketing team, dental marketing company, dental marketing audits, dental expert marketing, dental marketing guy, dental marketing experts, dental marketing agency, dental marketing consultant, dentist marketing agency, dental marketing expert, dental marketing specialists, best dental marketing agency, dental marketing consulting, hero marketing system, dental marketing toronto, dental marketing consultants, dental advertising agency, dentist dental marketing agency, dentist marketing consultant, dental marketing services, marketing consultant for dental clinics, dental marketing firm, online marketing heroes, strategic dental marketing, dental marketing firms, marketing agency for dentists, dentist marketing, heroes dental, dental advertising firms, dental social media agency, dental marketing funnel, fogászati marketing ügynökség, dental marketing strategy, how to find a dentist marketing company, gilleard dental marketing, dental hero, dental practice marketing agency, dental marketing solution, dental consultant, dental marketing strategy development, dental search engine marketing firm, dentalmarketing, local dental marketing team, dentist marketing firm, family dental marketing agency, dental marketing guy reviews, dental practice marketing, marketing consulting for dental clinics, dentist marketing services, dental marekting agency, dentist marketing system, easy dental marketing, dentist marketing service, dental marketing companies canada, dental search marketing, dental practice marketing growth agency, all in one dental marketing package, dental social media marketing consultant, dental marketing washington dc, dental practice marketing consultant, dental marketing agencies, dental marketing statistics, dental practice marketing team, dental marketing practice, dental digital marketing team, marketing for dental consultants, dentist marketing company, most trusted dental marketing company, top dental marketing agency, marketing consultant for dentists, prosthodontic dentistry marketing, dental practice marketing companies, marketing dental, best dental marketing campaigns, dentist local direct mail marketing, dental advertising consultants, dental marketing package, dental marketing analytics, dental marketing net, dental marketing near me, marketing company for dentists, dental social media marketing agency, dental heroes, dentist social media agency, dental internet marketing team, dentists seo, agencies specializing in dental marketing, marketing consultants for dentists, dental marketing resources, dental ad agency, dentist marketing agencies, dental marketing plan, marketing for dentist, dental practice marketing growth, dentist marketing plan, dental website marketing dental practice marketing dental marketing consultants, dental marketing group, new york city marketing for dentists, marketing funnel for dentist, most trusted dental marketing agency, email marketing heros, online dental marketers, dental marketing consultant for dentists, integrated dental marketing, dental advertising specialists, dental marketing expert ltd, dental seo toronto, dental social media marketing pricing, dental focus marketing, dental marketer, find a dental marketing company, local marketing vendor for dentist marketers, dental marketing packages, dentist advertising agency, dental search engine marketing consultant, complete dental marketing, dental seo agency, dental promotions that work, dental pr agency, dentist local marketing vendor, dental website marketing, dental website marekting, dental marketing heroes, dental web site marketing, hero dental, how to find a dentist marketing agency marketing, dental marketing practices, dental marketing roi return on investment, dentistry marketing, marketing dentist, dental advertising companies, dentist marketing companies, dental marketing goals, what is dental marketing, dental marketing roi, marketing heroes, dentist website marketing, dental marketing suite, dental practice marketing support, dental seo marketing agency, dentists marketing agency, dental office marketing company, dental marketing to families, dental marketing service, how to find a dental advertising company, dental search marketing company, dental advertising firm, dental marketing assessment, dentist ad agency, dental marketing specialist, the dental marketer, dental office marketing, dental marketing professional, marketing strategies for dentist, best dental marketing firm, dental patient marketing, local dental marketing professional, dental hero.com, dental clinic marketing, dental marketing tactics, marketing agency for dental practices, dental practice marketing strategy, funnel vision dentist, local dental patient growth, marketing to dental professionals, dental marketing messages, dental social media marketing company, dental markeitng, dentist marketing roi, dental marketing website agency, dental content marketing, dental marketing content, dental firm marketing, marketing dental practices, dental content marketing consultant, dental practice hero, dentistry marketing agency, dental marketing campaign, dental practice heroes, marketing strategy dental, dental strategies marketing, dental marketing tools, dental digital marketing agency, new york city marketing for dental clinics, dental advertising company, dentist internet marketing, orthodontist practice marketing consultant, best dental marketing, consultant dental marketing, orthodontic practice marketing consultant, dental. dental marketing, promotional dental marketing services, best dental marketing companies, dental content marketing strategy services, dental practice marketing consultants, roadside dental marketing, dental search engine marketing agency, marketing for dental specialists, email marketing heroes, dental marketing online, marketing agency for dental offices, dental digital marketing, growing a dental practice, marketing services for dentist, agencia marketing dental, dental marketing help, dental web marketing, dental marketing companies, dental practice growth marketing, local marketing experts for dentist marketers, dental internet marketing, website marketing for dentists, best dental marketing strategies, how to do marketing for dental clinic, dental marketing solutions, best dental marketing ideas, dental marketing website, everything is marketing the ultimate strategy for dental practice growth, dental marketing book, marketing strategy for dental clinic, dental social media marketing cost, dentist content marketing, dental marekting company, best dental social media campaigns, cosmetic dentist website marketing, local marketing support for dentist marketers, dental marketing strategies, dental clinic advertising, hero dentistry, high-production dental case marketing, dentist digital marketing, marketing plan for dental clinic, dentists marketing company, denteel marketing, fogászat marketing, dental seo marketing consultant, internet marketing for dentists physicians and lawyers, dental clinics marketing agency, internet dental marketing, dental marketing plans, dental office marketing strategies, dental marketing ideas new patients love, dentist marketing strategy, online dental marketing, dental influencer marketing, marketing strategy for dentist, marketing services for dental offices, dental marketing ideas for dentists, dental seo company, dental marketing companies in usa, marketing dental practice, dental seo and content marketing, your dental marketing solutions, marketing for dentists, marketing plan dental office, how to find a dental marketing company, strategy for dental marketing, search marketing for dentists, heroes square dental, local search heroes, public relations firms for dental practices, dental social media company, best dental marketing agencies, best dental marketing company, digital marketing for dentists, new york dentist marketing, dental marketing business consultants, web marketing for dentist, dental marketing books, cosmetic dental marketing, dentist video marketing, system for dental leads, dental advertising, dental marketing websites, dental marketing jobs, marketing agency for dentist, marketing for dental offices, dentistmarketing, dental search engine marketing company, dental social marketer, free dental marketing consultation, line dental marketing, prosthodontist marketing, local dental marketing agency, dental specialist marketing, digital dental marketing, best marketing for dental office, dc dental marketing agency, dentist marketing strategies, general dentists marketing company washington dc, marketing solutions for dentists, best dental marketing agnecy, dental implant marketing companies, local dentist seo, local dental marketing, dental marketing for new patients, buy dental leads, tips dentist marketing, dental-marketing-heroes, orthodontic marketing companies, marketing packages for dentists, orthodontic marketing consultants, dental marketing agency usa, dental marketing guide, how to do dental marketing, dental marekting, dental-marketer, dental online marketing, dental email marketing, full service dental marketing, dental marketing seo, all in one dental marketing, dental marketing companies toronto, best dental marketing strategies that work, marketing service dental, dental marketing company washington dc, best marketing for dental practices, dental branding company, dental marketing usa, dental business marketing, intelligent dental marketing, dental marketing companies near me, heroes marketing, marketing dental clinic, dental marketing institute, dental marketing tips, dental engine market, medical dental marketing, dental seo marketing near me, local dental marketing firm, dental marketing for endodontist, denta marketing, pediatric dental marketing plan, dental social media marketing near me, dental firm online marketing, dental social campaign, dental marketing research, marketing firms near me, dental advertising ideas, local dental marketing company, dental implant marketing specialist, dental marketing campaigns, dental seo marketing experts, dentist office marketing, instagram dental marketing, dental marketing directory, dental social media marketing firm, online marketing for dentist, dentist marketing tips, execute local dentist direct mail campaign, dental local marketing, dental online marketing company, dentist direct mail marketing, marketing strategies for orthodontics, marketing for dental, marketing firm for dentists, dental search engine marketing specialist, expert dental marketing, dentalmarketing com, dental marketing agency near me, dentists email marketing program, sales funnel for dentist, upcity free seo report card, dentist practice marketing, dentist marketing campaigns, dental seo marketing, grow dental marketing, dental-marketing-expert, dental marketing agency san diego, dentist sales funnel, dental marketing consultation, local seo for dentists, digital marketing for dental clinic, dental marketing san diego, dental marketing company san diego, dental clinic marketing plan, heroes dental reviews, dental search engine marketing, expert dental sales help, marketing for dental clinics, marketing strategy for dental office, dentists social media agency, marketing a dental office, dental sales leads, how to market a dental office, endodontist marketing, innovate dental marketing, internet marketing for dentists, marketing for dental clinic, dental marketing agency orange county, how to market a dental practice, dental office marketing plan, dental social media marketing companies near me, dental seo marketing experts company, hero mondzorg, how to find the best dental advertising company, online marketing for dentists, hypnotic-digital-agency, seo marketing for dentists, dental marketing ideas company, web marketing for dentists, dental marketing company near me, local marketing for dentists, dental social media marketing proposal, top dental marketing, local seo dental marketing, marketing for a dental practice, dental website design, dentist seo agency, heros dental, dental social media marketing agency near me, seo dental marketing, dental practice marketing tools, dental digital marketing company, m-dental-marketing, dental content marketing orange county, orthodontist marketing agency, online dental marketing company, best dental marketing campaign, dental marketing in dc, best dental advertising, pediatric dentist content marketing orange county, dental office marketing tools, dental branding expert, orthodontic marketing agency, dental online marketing services, dental seo, marketing for dental practices, how to find the best dental marketing company, marketing your dental practice, online dental marketing course, fogászati seo, effective dental marketing, dental internet marketing web site, local dental office marketing, upcity seo report card, seo for dental marketing, help marketing dentist, dental seo marketing company near me, dental medical marketing, top dental marketing agencies, dental marketing patient, local dental digital marketing team, pediatric dentist marketing agency orange county, successful dental social media campaigns, consultant dental seo, dentalmarketing.com, heros marketing, marketing for dental practice, dental firm digital marketing, system for dental patient leads, dentist patient marketing, reputation marketing for dental physicians, dentist local marketing for global brands
