10 Ways to Improve Your Dental Patients’ Online Experience

It’s no secret that most people use the internet when seeking out a specific new business, but did you know that only 2% of those searches actually convert to a purchase or appointment on the first visit? It typically takes two to four more visits before making a decision.

Marketing tools like website retargeting can help boost those conversions, but it’s also important that your dental practice website offers a positive online experience for potential new patients. Here are 10 keys to ensuring those first-time visitors keep coming back:

1. Mobile-Friendly Website | Is your website optimized for mobile devices, providing a seamless browsing experience? With more than 7 billion smartphone users worldwide (and climbing), the importance of a responsive design and easy navigation is paramount for encouraging patients to explore your site further.

2. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) | Be sure to implement prominent and strategically placed CTAs throughout your dental practice website, guiding visitors to book appointments, request consultations, or explore specific services. This improves user experience and encourages conversions.

3. Streamlined Online Booking System | Integrate a user-friendly online booking system that allows patients to schedule appointments effortlessly. Consider upgrading the process with intuitive forms, real-time availability, and automated reminders to improve convenience and reduce potential drop-offs.

4. Local SEO Optimization | Implement local search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to enhance your visibility within your geographical area. Optimize your website with relevant keywords, include location-specific content, and ensure consistent business information across all online directories and platforms.

5. Engaging and Educational Content | Produce high-quality, informative content such as blog articles, videos, infographics, and professional photography. Focus on oral health tips, treatment options, and frequently asked questions. This not only educates patients but also improves SEO by driving organic traffic to your website.

6. Social Media Presence | Establish an active presence on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Share entertaining and educational content, patient testimonials, before-and-after pictures, and interactive polls to foster a sense of community and encourage patient engagement.

7. Online Reviews and Testimonials | Research shows that at least 93% of people searching for goods or services will use platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, 1-800-Dentist, and Healthgrades. By encouraging your satisfied patients to leave positive reviews and testimonials on these sites, you’ll not only boost your online reputation but also improve SEO with user-generated content.

8. Live Chat Support | Incorporate a live chat feature on your website to provide real-time assistance to potential patients. This feature enhances user experience, allows for quick responses to queries, and can help convert website visitors into actual patients.

9. Video Consultations | The value of teledentistry and video communication was proven through necessity during the pandemic. Consider offering virtual consultations for patients who prefer initial assessments from the comfort of their homes. Implement a secure video conferencing platform if you haven’t already and promote this service on your website to cater to patients’ evolving needs.

10. Patient Portal and Email Communication | Create a patient portal that offers personalized access to dental records, treatment plans, and online payment options. Additionally, implement a dental office newsletter subscription to regularly communicate oral health tips, new services or products, promotions, and more.

Be sure your website is providing the kind of online experience that keeps new patients coming back. At RAMP – The Dentist’s Marketing Company, we offer a variety of cutting-edge marketing tools to leverage those visitors into success. Contact us today and schedule a customized evaluation.