In today's competitive landscape, orthodontic practices need to adopt effective marketing strategies to stand out and attract potential patients. Orthodontists who embrace digital marketing techniques can connect with their target audience more effectively and position their practices for growth. We will delve into six orthodontic marketing strategies that can help you boost your practice and achieve success.
Your website is a finely tuned machine that attracts the right visitors and then converts them into leads that turn into patients. Or at least it should be. It needs to be more than a billboard. It needs to be an active space that funnels visitors to a place where they can engage through chat, forms, or contacting a live agent to answer questions and build trust in your services through smart, up-to-date content. At the same time, your website has to be responsive to multiple screen orientations (like desktop, mobile, and tablet) and it needs to be organized, easy to navigate and tell your story. Your website has to communicate your unique brand - why your practice is different in the marketplace from all other practices. Everyone straightens teeth but why should someone come to you over some other option.
If a potential patient isn’t engaged with your website or can’t because it’s too difficult to navigate, then they will bounce, and probably to one of your local competitors or – heaven forbid – a mail order aligner company. Marketing data shows that 97% of your visitors don't convert to consultations.
Optimizing your website for conversion is imperative. You have to lead the user where you want them to go. That means plenty of calls to action to contact you directly and putting them in the right place near killer content that engages the potential patient. You also have to deliver on your promise. Do not wait to contact anyone who does convert on your website by filling out a form. Data suggests that contacting someone within five minutes is 21 times more likely to end up in a sale than 30 minutes. Even better, implement a chat function on your website for immediate engagement.
Watch Now: Why Isn't Your Website Converting Inquiries Into Consults?
In a world where digital presence reigns supreme, orthodontic practices are realizing the importance of harnessing the potential of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to elevate their visibility and success. SEO is not just a buzzword; it's a strategic tool that can transform how orthodontists connect with their patients and expand their reach.
When potential patients are searching for orthodontic services, it's crucial that your practice appears at the top of search engine results. Effective SEO strategies can help your practice climb those ranks. By optimizing your website with relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and improving user experience, you ensure that your practice is more likely to be discovered by those seeking orthodontic solutions.
SEO allows you to target specific keywords and demographics, ensuring that your efforts are reaching the right audience. Unlike traditional forms of advertising, where reaching potential patients can be hit-or-miss, SEO delivers a more precise and efficient marketing approach. This means that your resources are focused on attracting individuals who are actively looking for orthodontic services, resulting in a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to broader marketing strategies.
Read more: 5 content marketing ideas for your orthodontic practice to bring traffic to your site
Share your expertise with valuable and educational content. Write blog posts, create videos, infographics, post patient testimonials and downloadable guides that address common orthodontic concerns and provide insights into treatment options. This not only establishes your credibility but also helps potential patients make informed decisions.
Patients place their oral health in the hands of experts they trust. A well-optimized website with informative content positions you as an authority in the field. Good content not only educates your audience but also fosters trust. When your practice consistently provides valuable information, it establishes credibility and demonstrates that you genuinely care about your patients' well-being and are the expert orthodontist in your market.
Read more: Orthodontic Content That Converts!
Social media offers an unprecedented opportunity for orthodontic practices to connect with their patients on a personal level. Orthodontists can share before-and-after transformation stories, patient testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the practice. This transparency fosters trust and relatability, helping potential patients feel more comfortable and confident in their choice of orthodontic provider. And don’t forget the comment section!
Orthodontists are trusted professionals who can demystify complex dental procedures. Social media serves as an educational platform where practices can share informative content about various orthodontic treatments, oral care tips, and even address common concerns. By demonstrating expertise through valuable posts, videos, and infographics, orthodontic practices position themselves as credible sources of information, attracting patients seeking reliable guidance.
Social media marketing allows orthodontic practices to extend their reach far beyond the local community. Engaging content can be shared, liked, and commented on, expanding the practice's visibility to a broader audience. Creative campaigns and captivating visuals catch the eye and linger in the minds of viewers, ensuring that when they require orthodontic services, your practice springs to mind.
Read More: Convert More Leads With Our New Products - PatientCue™ and Conversion Plus
Positive online reviews are like digital word-of-mouth recommendations that can significantly impact a practice's credibility. When prospective patients come across a stream of glowing reviews praising the quality of care, staff friendliness, and successful outcomes, they are more likely to choose your practice over competitors. Encouraging satisfied patients to leave reviews and share their journey can create a virtuous cycle of positive feedback, making your practice an appealing choice.
Even the best practices might receive negative reviews from time to time. What matters most is how these reviews are handled. Potential patients appreciate transparency and proactive problem-solving, which can help mitigate the impact of negative reviews and demonstrate your practice's commitment to improvement.
Reputation management goes beyond responding to reviews. It involves consistently delivering exceptional patient experiences that align with the positive feedback you aim to receive. By focusing on patient-centric care, fostering open communication, and consistently delivering outstanding results, your practice can build a reputation that stands as a testament to your commitment to patient well-being.
Read More: Reviews Even More Important Than Ever
Google My Business (GMB) has emerged as a cornerstone for orthodontic practices aiming to enhance their online presence and connect with local patients effectively. This powerful tool allows practices to manage their online information, ensuring that accurate and up-to-date details are readily available to potential patients in search engine results. For orthodontic practices, GMB offers a range of benefits that contribute to their overall success.
Many patients turn to online searches to find local healthcare providers, including orthodontists. By setting up and optimizing your practice's GMB profile, you increase the likelihood of your practice appearing in local search results. Potential patients can quickly access essential information such as your practice's location, contact details, hours of operation, and patient reviews. This ease of access not only enhances user experience but also establishes your practice as a credible option within the local community.
Google My Business enables patients to leave reviews about their experiences with your orthodontic practice. Positive reviews act as social proof, reinforcing your practice's reputation and encouraging others to choose your services. Moreover, timely responses to reviews, whether they're positive or critical, demonstrate your practice's commitment to patient feedback and satisfaction. Regular interaction with patient reviews builds a sense of trust and transparency, helping potential patients feel confident in their decision to trust your expertise for their orthodontic needs.
Read more: Improve your orthodontic office’s local ranking with Google My Business
In today's digital age, orthodontic practices need to employ a diverse range of marketing strategies to remain competitive and attract new patients. By developing a strong online presence, creating valuable content, engaging with patients on social media, and nurturing relationships within the community, your practice can achieve sustained growth and success. Remember, the key to effective marketing is consistency and a patient-centered approach.
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