Tips for Low-Budget Social Media/Internal Marketing Hacks for Dentists
Introduction
● Who is Dr. Amanda?
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions offers insights on dental marketing, emphasizing that effective marketing doesn’t require formal training in marketing.
● Internal Marketing vs. External Marketing
Focus on internal marketing using existing resources (patients, office materials) rather than relying on external ads or agencies. This approach is affordable, more personalized, and sustainable.
1. Why You Don’t Need Professional Marketing Training
● No Need for a Marketing Degree:
You don’t need professional marketing training to create effective strategies for your dental practice. Dental marketing is simple if you understand your patients and their needs.
● DIY or Outsource Smartly:
Dr. Amanda recommends creating content yourself to save money unless you’re short on time or skill. Outsource only the tasks you don’t enjoy, instead of hiring a full-service agency.
2. Leveraging Your Team
● Involve Your Team Members:
Consider hiring someone from your team, like an assistant, to manage social media. If they’re passionate about it, this could become a side business or full-time role.
● Incentivizing Your Team:
Offering extra pay or rewards for marketing tasks can boost engagement. Set key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and ensure accountability.
3. Top 4 Internal Marketing Tips for Your Dental Practice
● Selfie Wall:
Create a selfie wall with your practice’s logo and website for easy social media sharing, helping promote your practice organically.
○ How to Create It:
Use fun props, frames, or themed backgrounds to encourage patient photos. DIY options are cost-effective, or you can outsource the design.
○ Cost Considerations:
A selfie wall can be built for under $1,000, depending on how creative or complex the design is.
● Encourage Reviews:
Reviews are a powerful way to build credibility. Use a review generator like SMiRL or a simple QR code to encourage reviews from patients.
○ Incentives:
Having a physical display that highlights recent positive reviews can encourage others to leave their own.
○ Tip:
Place QR codes that lead directly to your Google reviews page in your waiting room, exam rooms, and other visible areas to make it easy for patients to leave feedback.
● Before-and-After Showcases:
Dr. Amanda recommends creating content yourself to save money unless you’re short on time or skill. Outsource only the tasks you don’t enjoy, instead of hiring a full-service agency.
○ Creating the Gallery:
If you lack original before-and-after content, curate or find inspiration from industry sources and watermark the photos with your logo to protect them.
● Office Tours for New and Referring Patients:
Ensure that every new or referring patient gets a tour of your office. Show them the selfie wall, review areas, and any other key marketing features of your practice.
○ Patient Engagement:
Personalize the tour by pointing out testimonials, fun facts, and patient successes to make them feel connected to your practice.
4. The Benefits of Internal Marketing
● Cost-Effective:
Internal marketing leverages existing resources, making it more affordable than ads or agencies.
● Stronger Connection with Patients:
Engaging personally with patients builds trust and loyalty.
● Sustainable Growth:
Internal marketing grows a loyal patient base, attracting new patients through referrals and social media.
Whether it’s a selfie wall, reviews, or before-and-after showcases, these strategies are designed to bring results without breaking the bank.