There are now over 3.5 billion active social media users across the globe. If you're not using social media marketing, you're missing a chance to reach new patients. In fact, over 20% of consumers only buy from brands they can reach on social media.
About 70% of consumers who have had a good social media experience with a brand will suggest it to others.
Meanwhile, 90% of marketers say social media marketing boosts brand exposure. Another 75% say it increases traffic. Adding social media to your dental marketing strategy can help you reach more patients online.
Not sure where to start? Here are 10 tips that can help with marketing for dental practices.
Expand your reach and generate more leads than ever before. Get started with these tips today!
1. Understand Your Audience
The average American has 7.1 social media accounts. They're not always active on every social media platform, though. Before you develop your social media dental marketing strategy, research your audience.
Consider which social media platforms your target audience uses most.
For example, maybe you want to reach parents who need pediatric dentistry services. Focus your time on Facebook and Instagram.
If you're trying to reach millennials and Gen Z patients, use TikTok and Snapchat. Using the right platform will ensure you reach your target audience.
Otherwise, your content might not appeal to the consumers on that platform.
Take the time to research your patients, too. For example, consider the content they already love finding on social media. You might discover your patients prefer video content to still images.
Maybe they love participating in contests and polls.
What questions are your patients asking? Maybe they want to know more about Invisalign. Perhaps they want to learn how to spot a cavity.
Then, start making content based on those interests.
Consider working with an experienced dental marketing company this year. They can gather the research you need to develop a more informed strategy.
2. Establish Your Goals
Before you start posting content on social media, take a moment to consider your goals. What do you want to accomplish with your dental marketing strategy? For example, you might want to:
Generate brand awareness
Demonstrate your experience and expertise
Direct more people to your website
Generate more leads and book more appointments
Generate more social media followers
Establishing your goals will help you determine what content to create. For example, you can reformat blog posts to demonstrate your expertise.
3. Make Sure You're Mobile
Don't rush to start posting on social media yet. Instead, take a look at your website. Make sure it's optimized for mobile devices.
You can run your website through Google's Mobile-Friendly Test to double-check.
Add lead generation opportunities to your website, too.
Anyone who visits your website from your social media profile will have an easier time finding what they need. You might gain more leads as a result.
4. Start Creating Content
To boost your online marketing dental strategy, consider the content you're creating. Make sure your content appeals to your audience's needs and interests. For example, you can provide helpful tips or educate them about your services.
Consider working with a social media influencer, too. You can leverage the influencer's existing brand trust to develop your own.
You can also experiment with polls, quizzes, Stories, and other post formats.
5. Go Live
Consider using live video content to engage your audience this year. For example, you can host a live Q&A session. Answering patient questions could help patients recognize your expertise.
They might have an easier time trusting your dental practice as a result.
6. Maintain Brand Consistency
As you begin creating content for your social media marketing strategy, maintain brand consistency. Brand consistency can help awareness and recognition grow. Otherwise, consumers might confuse your practice with another.
Your branding includes your voice, tone, and color palette. Consider the font styles you're using, too.
You can also add your logo to your posts to help people recognize you.
7. Share Reviews
Consider creating video testimonials for your dental marketing strategy.
Customer reviews can help future patients learn more about your practice. They might decide to trust you based on a patient's recommendation.
You can also design still image review posts.
Consider working with a dental marketing agency. They can help you generate fresh reviews throughout the year. Then, you can share those reviews to reach more patients in the future.
8. Try Social Media Ads
Consider using social media pay-per-click (PPC) advertising through Facebook Ads. Your digital ads can reach people who aren't following you online.
You could generate more brand awareness and followers as a result.
Work with an experienced dental marketing company if you've never used Facebook Ads before. They'll help you create eye-catching digital ads. They'll also ensure you make the most of your advertising budget.
9. Use the Right Hashtags
Before you start posting on social media, consider the hashtags you're using. Adding the right hashtags to your posts can expand your reach. You can generate more followers and gain more brand exposure.
First, consider creating a branded hashtag. People will have an easier time finding posts about your practice.
Encourage your patients to post about your dental practice using your branded hashtag. Then, share their posts as user-generated content.
Avoid using broad hashtags. Instead, use hashtags that are relevant to the dental industry. Otherwise, your posts might get lost in a sea of other broad-focused posts.
10. Analyze and Optimize
Once you start using social media marketing, review the data from your posts.
First, look at when your posts are generating the most engagement. Consider adjusting your post times.
Look at which posts gain the most attention, too. Then, start creating similar posts. You can boost engagement and keep your target audience entertained with your content.
Polished Social Strategies: 10 Dental Marketing Tips for Success
Developing a strong social media marketing strategy doesn't have to feel stressful. Instead, give these 10 dental marketing tips a try. Consider working with a dental marketing agency to give your strategy a boost, too.
With their help, you can reach more patients and book more appointments this year.
Ready to launch your digital presence? We can help.
Get in touch with our team today!