Do you ever have the feeling that you’re missing something? If yours is like most practices, I’d be willing to bet you are. There are so many excellent marketing opportunities happening every day in every office…..and so many of them just come and go, without ever doing anything to grow the practice. Don’t believe me? OK, let’s go down the list:
- A patient comes running in late and apologizes, but tells you she just finished attending a luncheon where she was surprised with an honor for her volunteer work. Certainly you congratulate her…..then go back to your work. The lost opportunity is going back to the op with her, telling the doctor about her accomplishment, and snapping a photo of doctor shaking her hand and congratulating her. Why is this a marketing opportunity? Because you can ask to post this photo (I’m assuming you get a blanket permission to post photos from every new patient) with comments on the office Facebook. How many “likes” do you think that will get when she tells her family and friends about her day?
- And speaking of new patients…..what about the child who comes in for his or first appointment, or has a cavity free cleaning? Have a fun area to play dress up or hold a trophy (or hit a big gong….really, one of my offices does this) as you take their photo for Facebook.
- A patient who teaches in elementary school mentions she’s doing a unit on dental health for her students….this is a perfect time to offer a presentation for the kids from a doctor or hygienist. Prepare bags with toothpaste, floss and a fun little prize (and of course a business card or flyer) and you’ve just sent inexpensive marketing to a large number of families. Add photos for your website….remember those permission forms….and you’ve hit a perfect home run!
- And now for the easiest marketing opportunity: A patient tells you how much she loves the office…..sure you say “thank you” but do you tell her how much you also enjoy her and her family? Then, do you tell her how much you’d love to have more patients like them….and give her some business cards or your incentive program cards…..and ASK FOR REFERRALS! It really is just that easy. Don’t miss these great opportunities to get more good patients into the practice.
