Why most dentists ignore this powerful dental marketing tool 

Good news: You don’t need a comprehensive software program or 25 pages of detailed research. Instead, a marketing plan can be a simple, one-page document that answers important questions about you, your patients, and your practice, and describes realistic promotions that you can and want to use.

Dentists are clearly not marketers. Still, you can learn some basics about the effective communication of ideas about the dentistry you practice—and the dental services your patients want to receive.

First, focus on your good and loyal patients. Why are they coming in? How can you describe them? Today, the most neglected area of dental marketing is the one that you can do among your existing patient base.

Next, pay attention to the dental services you do best, those that give you better than average results, feelings of accomplishment, and enjoyment while performing them. Most likely, it is a combination of services that will really add a distinctive “flavor” to your practice.

Next, examine your practice and the customer service that you can offer—this is another area that is neglected commonly. In many dental offices, there is room for improvement, and good customer service can certainly make a big difference in the number of referrals you receive.

Now you can examine the promotional aspect; that is, marketing activities that are within reason, your budget, and your area of comfort. This is especially important, as it is difficult to embark on costly marketing projects when someone is not completely familiar with the field of marketing.

Very few dentists use marketing plans but those who do reach profitable growth while enjoying a lower level of stress.

Fernando D. Lundstedt is a dental manager and marketing consultant who helps dentists by providing them with simple and effective marketing tools. Contact him at 877 340.4545 or email at FDL@dentalmarketingcenter.com.