Things dentists need to do on social media to improve patient retention

If you have been on a social media page in the last few days, you will have undoubtedly seen an array of businesses advertising via these platforms. Indeed, many websites like Facebook offer PPC (or pay-per-click) advertising, as well as allow websites to create their own adverts on the page to improve the SEO.

In 2023, social media platforms have become powerful tools for businesses to connect with their audience, and dental practices are no exception. While it may seem odd for a dental surgery to have a page on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok, it isn’t! Dental surgeries engaging with patients on social media not only strengthens relationships but also helps improve patient retention. So, if you have a dental surgery that is slowing down when it comes to attracting new patients or retaining old ones, then the best place to start is on social media.

In this article, the top strategies dentists can implement on social media to enhance patient loyalty and ensure long-term success for their practice will be explored, so you can get some ideas going forward in 2023. 

Establish a strong online presence 

To improve patient retention, dentists must create a robust online presence across various social media platforms. Social media for dentists usually involves setting up professional profiles on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You, or a marketing team, will need to regularly update these profiles with accurate contact information, office hours, and details about the dental services provided. This is on top of blog posts about the surgery, video snippets from your team, or even showcasing an outstanding review that you have received from a patient. Consistency in branding and messaging across platforms is vital to create a cohesive online presence and fostering recognition among patients.

Share valuable and educational content 

Dentists should leverage social media platforms to educate patients and provide them with valuable information. Regularly share educational content such as oral hygiene tips, dietary advice for dental health, and explanations of common dental procedures. Visual content like infographics and videos tend to perform well and are more likely to be shared by followers. 

This is especially important when it comes to treatment options that many dental patients aren’t overly familiar with, like oral implants or lingual braces. By offering useful information, dentists can position themselves as trusted authorities, building credibility and reinforcing patient loyalty. And, of course, you set yourself up as being a good starting point for dental patients to start any cosmetic work.

Encourage patient engagement

Active patient engagement on social media is a powerful tool for improving patient retention, as it allows the patients that you have (and the ones that you want to attract) to break down the image of the dental team being bossy and not talking to them unless they haven’t been flossing!

Actively encourage your patients to leave reviews, comments, and questions on your social media posts. Respond promptly and professionally to these interactions to demonstrate that their opinions and concerns are valued. Engaging in meaningful conversations not only fosters trust but also helps address patient queries and apprehensions, improving overall patient satisfaction.

Also, it can be worth putting out pop quizzes once in a while, with questions like ‘When was dental floss invented?’ with four options to choose from. Then, when a patient clicks an answer, they will get a bit of information about this, which is fun!

Utilise visual content and testimonials

Visual content, such as before-and-after photos, videos, and testimonials, can be immensely influential on social media.

After all, on social media, the majority of the content that is shared is either videos or photographs, creating a unique opportunity for you to engage with your Facebook or Instagram followers. Showcase successful dental procedures and patient transformations to create visual impact and inspire confidence in your practice. Highlight positive patient experiences through testimonials and encourage satisfied patients to share their stories. User-generated content can significantly boost your online presence and serve as social proof of your practice’s competence, further enhancing patient loyalty.

Run targeted advertising campaigns 

Social media platforms offer robust targeting options that allow dentists to reach specific demographics and geographic locations. Running targeted advertising campaigns can help attract new patients while also reaching out to existing ones. Advertise promotions, discounts, or special offers exclusively for your social media followers to incentivise patient retention. By tailoring your campaigns to the interests and needs of your target audience, you can enhance engagement and encourage patients to choose your practice over competitors.