Top 10 Orthodontics Marketing Trends for 2024

In today’s marketing world, digital platforms and strategies are the name of the game, and it’s changing for everyone, including orthodontic practices. With ever-changing tech, local orthodontists have an opportunity to leverage marketing trends to strengthen patient relationships, increase operational efficiency, and grow business. At Podium, we’ve made a list of the top ten marketing trends your orthodontic practice can use. Let’s dive in.

1. Prioritize Mobile Optimization

With ever-increasing numbers of people accessing the web with their mobile phones, optimizing your website for mobile usage has never been more important. It boosts your SEO ranking, making your orthodontic practice more discoverable to new potential patients.

Making sure your site is easy to navigate from handheld devices enhances the user experience, encouraging potential patients to stay on your site longer and, ultimately, make an appointment.

2. Leverage SMS Marketing

SMS marketing isn’t about sending spammy texts. It’s a strategy to help you with appointment management and building a stronger relationship with your patients. Reminding parents about an upcoming appointment for their teen or inviting a patient who recently had a consultation to schedule their treatment are essential parts of your patient flow.

Tools like Podium’s Text Marketing help you to quickly and efficiently send bulk messages, making sure your patients stay informed on every step of their orthodontic journey.

3. Maximize Local SEO Strategies

Search engine optimization (SEO) is key to any successful digital marketing strategy, and it’s even more critical for local businesses like orthodontics offices. Optimizing for local SEO means that your practice will appear in search results when potential patients in your geographic area are looking for an orthodontist.

Local SEO strategies include managing your Google Business Profile, collecting patient reviews, incorporating local keywords into your website’s content, and creating locally relevant content to attract potential patients in your area.

4. Implement a Chatbot

Chatbots can offer instant responses and 24/7 availability to your patients, taking a big burden off of your staff. This results in quicker response times and reduces chances of error, which improves your patients’ online experiences.

Most users are looking for quick answers to their questions and issues, so implementing a feature like this on your website can make a real difference.

5. Engage in Targeted Email Marketing

While it isn’t new, email marketing remains remarkably effective, especially when it’s personalized. Target the right people with the right messages – think patients due for a routine check-up, patients halfway through their treatment needing encouragement, or potential patients who’ve expressed an interest but haven’t made an appointment yet.

Make your communication even more valuable by including oral health tips or the latest news about orthodontics technologies and treatments.

6. Utilize Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing, especially on platforms like Instagram, can be extremely beneficial for orthodontics practices. Partnering with a local influencer who can share their positive experience can put your practice in front of an engaged and relevant audience.

Patient testimonials and before-and-after photos are especially effective, showcasing the real-life results of your orthodontic treatment.

7. Harness the Power of Video Content

Video content is perfect for orthodontics, because it allows you to visually explain complex treatments. It also puts a face to your brand, making your practice appear more friendly and relatable. Patient testimonials, treatment animations, and team introductions are all good forms of video content that can engage potential patients.

These can be shared across your website, social media platforms, and email marketing campaigns for maximum reach.

8. Embrace Social Proof

Social proof like testimonials and reviews are incredibly impactful in today’s digital world. Potential patients often check online reviews before choosing a healthcare provider, and positive reviews give your practice a significant boost in credibility.

Use a tool like Podium Reviews to collect, manage, and respond to customer reviews, boosting your online reputation.

9. Offer a Virtual Smile Assessment

Free online or virtual smile assessments can spark people’s interest and encourage potential patients to take the first step in their orthodontics journey from the comfort of their home. This can be as simple as including a form on your website where users upload photos of their teeth, or as personal as an online consultation with a member of your team.

This is a fun and engaging way to draw in future patients, giving them an idea of the excellent service they can anticipate at your orthodontics practice.

10. Engage with the Community

Getting involved with your local community can build a positive image of your orthodontic practice. This could mean sponsoring local events, participating in school fairs, or running a free oral health workshop for local schools. On top of doing good, it brings awareness to your practice.

Community activities generate good PR and create opportunities for press coverage in local media.

Get Started

Keeping up with these trends might seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right team and tools. With Podium’s suite of communication tools, you can manage SMS marketing, online reviews, and more. All of the products we offer are designed to help your orthodontic practice grow and succeed as a business. Get started with us today!