Running an orthodontics practice involves countless tasks; from scheduling and consultations to research and constant learning. You’re a dental specialist, not a marketer. But you know gaining new patients, getting existing patients to return, and keeping your practice growing requires smart strategies. That’s where we, at Podium, can offer some guidance. Here are ten effective tactics specifically tailored to Orthodontics practices:
How To Generate Quality Leads for Orthodontists
1. Engage patients with Podium Webchat.
Webchat can revolutionize your practice by providing instant, real-time engagement. It’s not just about answering patient queries but also about building relationships. The key is to make it easy for site visitors to start a conversation, something vital for busy folks looking to schedule an orthodontist’s appointment without having to make a call. Podium Webchat does just this and more. It converts those chats into text message conversations, thereby, making it convenient for your staff and the patient.
Podium Webchat not only connects you with your patients immediately but also gathers crucial lead data. Webchat serves as a lead generation tactic that’s both efficient and prevalent in today’s age, making it an ideal choice for orthodontics practices.
2. Implement dental SEO strategies.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical to getting discovered online. Orthodontic-specific SEO strategies include using keywords targeted towards a local audience, such as “braces in [city]” or “orthodontist near me,” and claiming your Google Business listing. This can significantly increase your site’s visibility and generate substantial leads.
SEO can be a game-changer, making it easier for potential patients to discover your practice when they’re in need of orthodontic services. Plus, the use of localized keywords gives a particular advantage to local orthodontics practices targeting a specific audience.
3. Host informative webinars.
Webinars are an innovative way to establish your practice as a thought leader in the orthodontics field. By hosting informative sessions about common orthodontics topics, like “Understanding Braces” or “Difference between Invisalign and Traditional Braces,” you can garner an audience beyond your local area. Additionally, it allows you to engage with potential patients, answer their queries, and generate leads through sign-ups.
We appreciate the value of sharing knowledge and expertise. Hosting webinars can prove instrumental in establishing trust with potential patients and simultaneously broadening your clientele base.
4. Start a podcast.
With the growing popularity of podcasts, starting one focused on orthodontics could help generate leads. You can discuss topics that potential patients often have questions about or bring in industry experts for interviews. Moreover, podcasts are convenient and accessible, making them a preferred choice for any customer on the go.
By establishing a regular audience base for your podcast, you can direct listeners to your practice while positioning yourself as a trusted expert in the field of Orthodontics.
5. Employ patient testimonials.
There’s nothing more convincing to potential patients than hearing about positive experiences directly from your satisfied ones. Use those stellar testimonials on your website, social media, or even in-office displays. A story depicting successful orthodontic treatment can resonate powerfully with potential patients, reassuring them about making the right choice.
This seemingly simple strategy can be incredibly powerful. Authentic testimonials can deeply influence prospective patients, encouraging them to choose your practice over others.
6. Work on networking with local schools.
Networking with local schools and offering free dental checks or speaking at health events is a fantastic way to get your practice’s name out there. As many orthodontics patients are children and teenagers, schools represent an optimal venue for promotion. Offering your professional services can solidify your standing within the community and bring in new patients.
This approach not only enables you to offer your services to potential patients but also establishes your practice as an integral part of the local community, which invariably leads to more clients.
7. Use direct mail campaigns.
Direct mail campaigns are an old yet profoundly impactful strategy. Sending personalized offers or discount coupons can be a great way to attract new patients. More importantly, it targets a specific geographical area, rendering it perfect for local businesses.
We recommend this strategy, especially for practices working on expanding their local reach. It has major lead-generating potential and can drive substantial business to your practice.
8. Create a stellar follow-up system.
Once a patient visits your practice, how you follow up is crucial to whether or not they return. Developing a well-planned follow-up system ensures patients don’t fall through the cracks. It can include follow-up emails, reminders for check-ups, or even a simple thank you note post their visit.
A well-executed follow-up system can help cultivate patient loyalty, which is a truly valuable asset for any orthodontics practice.
9. Launch a referral bonus system.
Motivating your existing patients to refer others is an effective way to generate new leads. Implementing a referral bonus system, which may incorporate discounts or free services for references, incites existing patients to actively promote your practice.
This isn’t merely about gaining new patients; a referral from a satisfied patient speaks volumes about your orthodontic services, thereby adding to your practice’s reputation.
10. Build a dominant online reputation with Podium Reviews.
The importance of online reputation cannot be overstated, especially in the healthcare industry. Most patients check online reviews before any health consultation. So, making positive reviews accessible to them is vital. Podium Reviews integrates with your systems to automate review invites, making it substantially easy for your patients to leave a review.
Podium Reviews doesn’t just showcase your positive reviews to potential visitors, it also increases your overall online visibility and credibility, making it a crucial lead generation tool for orthodontics practitioners.
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Embracing Podium for Your Orthodontics Practice
With the extreme competition in the orthodontics industry, keeping up-to-date with innovative marketing and communication techniques is essential. As you continue to create shining smiles for your patients, allow Podium to assist with your lead generation and business growth strategies. Utilizing guideposts like the ones we’ve discussed here, in conjunction with effective tools offered by Podium, can help catapult your orthodontics business to new heights. Your focus on creating healthy beautiful smiles, and ours on fueling your business growth, is a perfect alignment for success.
