In 2023, social media platforms like Facebook have become an integral part of most people’s lives, allowing you to look for friends from high school and stay up to date with what your favourite celebrities are posting.
These websites also offer numerous opportunities for businesses of all sizes to reach and interact with their target audience.
As odd as it may seem, dental surgeries are no different! Dental surgeries can leverage the power of platforms like Facebook to enhance their marketing strategies and attract new patients. And yes, it does work, especially when you consider that many branded dental products, like Colgate, have millions of followers solely for one of their toothpaste types! Even private surgeries can have a huge following; just search on Facebook or YouTube for a chap called the Dentist to see how well social media can promote dental care.
However, marketing for a dental surgery is a bit different, as you will need to use Facebook to promote an unknown brand rather than just promote one that is already well known (like Colgate).
So, this article presents 7 top tips for dental surgeries to effectively utilise Facebook as a part of their marketing efforts.
Create a compelling Facebook page
To make a lasting impression on potential patients, and current ones, it’s crucial to have an appealing and informative Facebook page for your dental surgery is a key part of social media for dentists. Of course, you will need to use high-quality visuals, including professional images of your clinic, staff, and before-and-after patient photos. You will also need to ensure that your page is well-organised, with a clear description of your services, contact information, and working hours.
This can be tricky to manage alongside a full caseload of dental appointments, so it may be best to hire a dental marketing team to design your dental surgeries Facebook page.
Engage with your audience
You will also need to maintain an active presence on Facebook by regularly posting informative and engaging content. Share oral health tips, interesting dental facts, and updates about your practice. You can encourage your dental audience to comment, ask questions, and share their experiences. Respond promptly and professionally to their inquiries and comments to build trust and establish a positive reputation.
Again, you may be looking at this and wondering how on earth you are going to have time to do all of this alongside running a dental surgery. Most dental marketing teams are able to oversee this for you and will engage with you about the tones that they use when responding to comments on your behalf.
Utilise visual content
Visual content is highly effective in capturing the attention of Facebook users. So, when looking to promote your dental surgery, aim to share images and videos showcasing your dental services, patient testimonials, and educational content. Consider creating short videos explaining different procedures or demonstrating proper oral hygiene techniques. Visual content, like videos and photos, is more likely to be shared, thereby increasing the reach of your posts and expanding your online presence.
Run targeted advertising campaigns
Facebook offers powerful targeting options, allowing you to reach specific demographics and geographical areas. Develop targeted advertising campaigns to raise awareness about your dental surgery. Create appealing ads with compelling visuals and clear calls to action, such as booking an appointment or claiming a special offer. You can monitor and assess the performance of your ads and adjust them as needed to maximise their effectiveness.
Encourage patient reviews
Positive reviews and testimonials are invaluable for attracting new patients. Encourage your satisfied patients to leave reviews on your Facebook page. Respond to reviews promptly, expressing gratitude and addressing any concerns or issues raised. Positive reviews act as social proof, instilling confidence in potential patients and enhancing your online reputation.
Foster community engagement
Create a sense of community by establishing Facebook groups or participating in relevant local groups. Share oral health tips, answer questions, and engage in conversations related to dentistry. By actively participating in these groups, you can position yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy dental professional and increase your chances of attracting new patients.
Leverage Facebook live
Facebook Live is a powerful tool to connect with your audience in real-time, allowing your dental team to become hosts of their own mini-dental show. Host live sessions can allow your team to answer common dental questions, discuss new treatment options, or showcase your clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment, as well as do a bit of a before and after segment with photos of work done in your clinic. You can promote your live sessions in advance to generate excitement and encourage participation. Save the recordings for later viewing, ensuring that even those who missed the live broadcast can benefit from the valuable information.
