Tips For Growing Your Practice Without Breaking The Bank
In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for any dental practice looking to attract new patients and grow their business. However, digital dental marketing can seem daunting, especially if you’re operating on a limited budget. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable ways to promote your dental practice online without breaking the bank.
The Now Media team helps you explore some budget-friendly digital dental marketing tactics that can help get your practice noticed in the blog below. If you have any questions, or you’re looking to get started with our digital marketing services, contact us today!
Choose Your Platforms Wisely
With so many social media platforms out there, it can be tempting to create accounts everywhere in hopes of reaching the widest audience. However, for small dental practices with limited marketing dollars, it’s better to be selective.
Focus your efforts on one or two platforms where your target demographic is most active. For example, if you want to reach middle-aged adults, Facebook may be a better use of resources than the teen-dominated Snapchat.
Set Up Your Google My Business Listing
Google My Business is a free tool that allows you to manage your practice’s listings on Google Search and Maps. By verifying and optimizing your Google My Business profile, you make it easy for potential patients to find your practice when they search for a local dentist on Google.
This listing also allows patients to view your address, phone number, website, and photos and even leave reviews. Given that 76 percent of consumers use online reviews when choosing a business, reviews on your GMB listing are valuable social proof.
Focus On Search Engine Optimization
SEO (search engine optimization) is the process of improving your website to rank higher in search engines like Google. While SEO can get complex, there are simple things you can do to boost your dental website’s visibility. This includes using relevant keywords for your services and location throughout your site and content. Be sure to optimize page titles, URLs, meta descriptions, image alt text, headers, etc. Quality content and links from reputable sites also help improve rankings.
Leverage Content Marketing
Content marketing involves creating informative and engaging content tailored to your target audience, from blog posts to videos. Not only does high-quality content help draw organic search traffic, but it also positions your practice as an authority in your community. You can share this content through your website, social platforms, emails, and more.
Some budget-friendly content ideas include:
- Blog posts on dental care topics your patients ask about
- Short videos that give tips for better oral health
- Infographics illustrating dental facts and statistics
- Email newsletters providing seasonal dental information
Keep Social Media Active
While hiring a social media manager may be out of your budget, you should keep your dental practice’s social platforms active. Post regularly about special offers, new services, tooth care tips, staff spotlights, holiday promotions, etc.
Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages. Run occasional contests — paying attention to the legal restrictions for giveaways and contests — for free services to spark engagement. Ask followers to tag your practice when sharing their positive experiences. Not only does this increase brand awareness, but it also improves social proof.
Advertise Strategically
Paid ads allow you to target your marketing messages to specific demographics who are likely to need a dentist. While a comprehensive ad budget may be unrealistic, you can start small and increase spending as warranted.
Focus first on reaching your local community by promoting ads within a limited geographic radius. Run Google search ads so your practice appears when potential patients search for terms like “dental implants [city name].” Boosting social media posts can help get content in front of more followers in your area.
Partner With Local Businesses
Look for opportunities to cross-promote your dental practice with complementary local businesses like orthodontists, pediatricians, pharmacies, salons, gyms, etc. You can cross-link to each other’s websites, share social media posts, co-host local events, display brochures in their office, and more. These partnerships allow you to tap into an aligned audience without paying for ads.
Don’t Neglect Email Marketing
Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to communicate with your patient base. It allows you to send personalized messages, appointment reminders, and promotions directly to their inbox. To get started with email marketing, do the following:
- Build and maintain an email list of current and potential patients.
- Send regular newsletters with informative content, promotions, and updates about your dental practice.
- Implement segmentation to tailor your messages to different patient groups.
- Track email open rates and click-through rates to refine your email marketing strategy.
Track and Analyze Your Results
To ensure the effectiveness of your budget-friendly marketing efforts, you need to continually monitor and analyze your results. Use Google Analytics, Google Search Console, or other analytical tools to measure website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates, and conversion rates.
Promote Your Dental Brand On A Budget
Marketing a dental practice on a limited budget may require some creativity and elbow grease. However, there are plenty of inexpensive digital dental marketing tactics you can utilize. Combining these budget-friendly options will help attract patients and grow your practice. The key is consistency — commit to investing a little time and effort each week, and you will see results over time.
If you’re looking for digital marketing services, we offer varied plans. Contact Now Media Group today to set up your free strategy call!