For many dentists trying to market their practices online, there’s a constant worry that they’re not “doing enough.” Learning what you MUST, SHOULD, and COULD be doing will help relieve that stress.
Most decisions are a matter of “good, better and best.” For just about any problem we face, there are multiple solutions, some better than others. And choosing between them usually comes down how much time and resources we have to make something work.
Dental digital marketing is no different. There are dozens of platforms, apps, and tools to choose from to help retain patients, and help new patients find you online. You don’t have time to use them all, so you’ve got to first focus on using the tools that will help you make the best impression with the largest number of patients and potential patients.
We’ve put together this useful list of digital marketing tools dental teams MUST, SHOULD, and COULD be using, and some resources on using them effectively. Use it as a guide to cover the most important items first in your digital marketing strategy, then implement additional items as you master the basics. So stop worrying about doing enough, and start prioritizing your efforts!
The “Musts”
The vast majority of dental practices we work with see significant results even if they only have the resources to focus on a couple of key things. If you’re just starting out with social media marketing, or only have a few minutes a day to devote to it, focus on these essentials:
- Post something on Facebook every day.
- Obtain one or two positive Google reviews from patients every week.
- Send patients a monthly newsletter email notifying them of special offers and your practice’s most notable social media posts.
- Set up a simple practice website that gives essential business details and links to your social media pages.
- Set up a practice YouTube channel.
Check out our free new ebook for more actionable advice on how to cover the basics!
The “Shoulds”
Once you’ve established your practice’s online presence, consider expanding to these platforms:
- LinkedIn. It’s not just for college students to find jobs any more. It’s a great way to connect with other dental professionals and get the doctor personally involved.
- Instagram. With one of the largest user bases, Instagram is a great choice for dental teams that like to take a lot of photos.
- Blogging. Even if you only have time to write short posts, blogging is an excellent way to help your practice website gain more traction.
The “Coulds”
While your efforts shouldn’t be centered around these tools, they can still help you build a vibrant online presence for your practice:
- Twitter. It’s an excellent learning resource that can help you build your career. Check out these blog posts for more information.
- Pinterest.
- SnapChat. SnapChat can help you reach younger demographics by posting fun, bite-sized content.
Adrian Lefler is the CEO and Co-Founder of My Social Practice and a recognized dental marketing expert with nearly two decades of experience. He is a trusted voice in dental marketing, AI in dentistry, and emerging technology, and he hosts BYTE SIZED, a podcast focused on dental AI, innovation, and technology.
