Dental Relationship Marketing

Posts Tagged ‘referral marketing solutions’

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas A. Edison

Many dentists today realize the value of “wowing” patients during their standard two office visits per year; however few appreciate the value of connecting with patients throughout the year.

If you look to the specialists of dentistry, the oral surgeons, periodontists and orthodontists, you’d likely see examples of good relationship marketing (staying in touch with general dentists) throughout the year. If not, they’d likely not be able to maintain good communication, strong relationships or most importantly receive referrals from you. If you didn’t hear from the specialist more than twice a year, a general dentist might wonder if they are sending the wrong type of referral, if the specialist has become too busy, or perhaps wonder if they just don’t need – or want- your referrals any more. The same is true with patients of the general dentist…

Yes, staying in touch with patients throughout the year is work- it requires time, effort and investment. However the benefit you receive is increased referrals because patients:

Feel they have a relationship with you.
Sense you care.
Know you still want their business.
Believe you welcome their referrals.

How do you take advantage of referral marketing opportunities?

Are you looking for an effective way to stay in touch with your patients? Want friendly, authentic and proven marketing? Contact rita@tangiblemarketing.com to learn about our patient newsletter programs and keep your patients loyal, motivated for treatment and regularly referring.

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1. NEWSLETTERS – Quality not quantity is the key. Don’t put off sending out a newsletter because you think it has to be four tedious pages long. The most important elements are to be consistent, interesting, and unique-to-your-practice.

2. REFERRAL PROGRAMS – Make sure you have a turn-key system in place. Be sure to say thank you for each and every referral and consider rewards or incentives when appropriate.

3. CHASES CALENDAR OF EVENTS – Reference this book and find ideas to celebrate any meaningful day of the year with your patients.

4. EMAILS – Send out e-news, greeting card, special offer, promotion, announcement or invitation.

5. CONTESTS – This can be something patients actively enter to win, or are automatically entered into when they refer, elect to receive your emails or complete surveys.

6. POSTCARDS – Get creative! Personalize a custom postcard with a team photo or use a non-dental related theme to get more attention.

7. SPECIAL EVENTS – Picnics, barbecues, pumpkin patch hunts or patient appreciation open-house parties.

Finding effective referral marketing activities doesn’t mean you have to re-invent the wheel or bust your marketing budget. If you forgot to plan, simply choose a few tactics you can implement today.

Want to know more? Get your complete Referral Marketing System How-To Guidebook now.

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