5 Reasons Why Social Media Wins

Dentists now have unprecedented access to a wide variety of tools and techniques for marketing their dental practice. While social media is often dismissed as a serious means to building a business, it can be a valuable part of your winning strategy.

We’re taking a page from the RAMP Social Media Playbook for Dental Practices to share five reasons why you should include at least one social media platform in your game plan.

1. Patient Acquisition

Dental patients are increasingly turning to social media to not only share their experiences and testimonials, but to learn from others where to go. Word-of-mouth reviews are powerful endorsements that can influence potential patients who are researching their local market for services.

In addition to organic patient acquisition through referrals, targeted paid advertising and promoted posts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google are valuable marketing tools.

2. Brand Awareness

A strong social media presence can help build brand awareness and loyalty as well as attract new patients. It’s another marketing opportunity to engage with the community and elevate your practice, while reinforcing your expertise, specialty, unique offerings, company culture, and more. A few examples might include:

• Sedation dentistry for anxious patients.
• A fun and safe environment for pediatric patients.
• Cutting-edge technology in implants and cosmetic dentistry.
• Accessible care for all demographics and income levels.
• Convenient location or teledentistry capabilities.

3. Increase Traffic

Increasing your online visibility will also serve to improve traffic to your website and other relevant platforms. By posting regular content and incorporating search engine optimization (SEO), dentists will get their practice seen by more people in the area, while establishing credibility and trust.

It goes without saying but remember to include website links on any of your social media profiles for easy navigation. Visitors who follow the URL should also trigger retargeting tools for even more impressions.

4. Engagement

Social media facilitates patient engagement which is generated by personalized and informative content. Dentists and their teams can directly interact with followers by responding to comments and messages, allowing them to provide great customer service and build positive relationships.

Just be sure to be mindful and well-informed on HIPAA regulations when engaging publicly with current and past patients to avoid any violations.

5. Affordability

One of the biggest perks of social media is its cost-effectiveness. While there are paid components for targeted ad campaigns, or subscription fees for premium access, basic posts, reels, stories, and more are free to users.

By following the previous suggestions with entertaining or educational content, and by posting with consistency and forethought, you’re adding a very affordable play to your team’s marketing strategy. And don’t forget to track social media metrics and insights to learn what’s working best and adjust accordingly.

When utilized strategically along with high-quality dental care, social media marketing delivers significant benefits for dentists and their team. Get more winning tips from the Social Media Playbook, then schedule a free strategy session with RAMP today to discuss your game plan.