Marketing For Dentists: 28 New Patient Marketing Strategies for 2024

In the digital age, dentistry, like all other fields, requires a strategic approach to marketing to stand out and attract new patients. With competition fiercer than ever, leveraging digital dental marketing strategies is not just beneficial; it’s essential. This guide provides 24 proven strategies to help dentists increase their new patient numbers and enhance their online visibility in 2024.

Table of Contents

1. Rank Higher on Google Maps
2. Add Social Profile Links to Your Google Business Profile
3. Leverage New Patient Google Search Ads For Your Dental Practice
4. Run Targeted Meta Ads to Increase Brand Awareness in Your Area
5. Run a Special Promotion on Meta Ads Targeting New Patients
6. Run Retargeting Ads for New Patients on Meta
7. Leverage Video in Dental Marketing Campaigns
8. Post to Instagram Reels
9. Update to a Modern Dental Website Design
10. Optimize your Website for Local SEO
11. Leverage Local Social Media Influencers
12. Update Your Practice’s Mission Statement
13. Attend the Digital Dental Marketing Conference
14. Take Advantage of Dental Social Media Platforms
15. Use Instagram Threads
16. Start a Dental Blog
17. Get More Google Reviews than your Competition
18. Respond to Every Patient’s Google Review
19. Do Good with Charity Dental Marketing
20. Bump Up Your SEO Rankings with a Blog Post Exchange
21. Prize Package Give-a-way Collaborations are Awesome!
22. Reach a New Audience with a Gift Card Give-a-way
23. Update Your Website to New HIPAA Compliance Requirements
24. Get Comfortable using AI
25. Remind your Patients about Dental Benefits Before They Expire
26. Find Your Value Proposition and Use it In Your Marketing
27. Convert More Website Visitors with Live Chat
28. Outsource as Much Marketing as You Can
    

We'll get you multiple new patients within 30-days, GUARANTEED!

How a Dentist Can Rank Higher on Google Maps?

To rank higher on Google Maps, dentists must ensure their Google Business Profile (GBP) is thoroughly optimized. This includes accurate and comprehensive business information, regular updates, and engagement with patient reviews. Utilizing local keywords in the business description and posts can also improve local search rankings significantly.



Failing to optimize your GBP listing can result in reduced visibility, fewer patient appointments, and ultimately, decreased revenue. An unoptimized profile may not appear in local search results, missing out on potential high-intent customers searching for dental services in your area.



1. Verify your information: Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms.
2. Add high-quality photos: Including interior shots, staff photos, and before/after patient photos.
3. Collect and respond to reviews: Encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews and respond promptly to all reviews to enhance engagement and trust.

2. Add Social Profile Links to your Google Business Profile

Adding links to your social media profiles on your Google Business Profile can significantly enhance your online presence. This integration provides prospective patients with more pathways to interact with your practice, fostering greater engagement and building trust.

Profiles with complete information, including social links, see up to a 70% increase in appointment bookings (BrightLocal).

Social media is a vital tool for personal interaction. Linking your profiles can lead to increased traffic to your social platforms, where you can showcase the human side of your practice through regular updates, patient testimonials, and informative posts.

3. Leverage High-Intent Google Search Ads Targeting New Patients

What Are Google Ads for Dentists?

Google Ads for dentists are pay-per-click (PPC) ads that allow dental practices to appear at the top of Google search results for specific keywords related to dentistry. This can significantly increase visibility and attract new patients actively searching for dental services.



Are Google Ads Effective for Dentists?

Absolutely. Google Ads can target specific demographics and locations, making them highly effective for dentists looking to attract new patients in their area. With the right keywords and ad strategy, dentists can see a substantial return on investment.



What Results Can I Expect with Google Ads for My Dental Practice?

Dentists can expect increased website traffic, more patient inquiries, and ultimately, a higher number of appointments. The effectiveness of Google Ads can be measured by tracking conversions, such as appointment bookings or contact form submissions directly from the ads.

4. Run Targeted Meta Ads to Increase Brand Awareness in Your Area:

Meta Ads (formerly Facebook Ads) offer powerful targeting options to increase brand awareness within your community. These ads can be customized to reach audiences based on location, interests, and behavior, making them an ideal tool for local marketing.

Create engaging ads that highlight unique aspects of your dental practice, such as advanced technology, patient comfort initiatives, or specialty services. Effective Meta Ads can elevate your practice's profile and attract a broader patient base.

According to Hootsuite, your practice could see up to an 80% increase in local engagement by utilizing this targeted channel.

5. Run a Special Promotion on Meta Ads Targeting New Patients

New Patient Promotion Ideas for Dentists in 2024:

1. Discounted first visits: Offer new patients a reduced rate for their first check-up or cleaning.
2. Free teeth whitening for life: Offer new patients free teeth whitening for life, as long as they maintain their two regular cleanings each year.
3. Free consultation for cosmetic services: Attract patients looking for cosmetic procedures like whitening or veneers.
4. Referral bonuses: Encourage current patients to refer friends and family by offering a discount or service upgrade.



How to Structure a New Patient Promotion for Dentists:

1. Define your offer: Make the promotion clear and compelling.
2. Set a time limit: Create urgency by making the promotion available for a limited time.
3. Have clear terms and conditions: Have clear terms to your promotion, promoting clarity to not only your patients but also your staff.
4. Promote widely: Use Meta Ads to target local audiences, and ensure the ad copy highlights the benefits of the promotion.

6. Run Retargeting Ads for New Patients on Meta

What are Retargeting Ads?

Retargeting ads are digital ads targeted at individuals who have previously interacted with your website or social media but did not make an appointment. These ads remind them of your services and encourage them to revisit your site.



How to Structure an Effective Retargeting Campaign for Dentists:

1. Segment your audience: Target users based on specific interactions, such as visiting a service page or spending a certain amount of time on your site.
2. Personalize your messages: Tailor ads based on the user’s previous behavior. For example, if they looked at Invisalign pages, highlight that service in your ads.
3. Offer incentives: Include special offers or reminders about ongoing promotions.

7. Use Video in Dental Marketing Campaigns

Video marketing can profoundly impact patient engagement and trust. Develop videos that introduce your team, explain common procedures, and share patient testimonials. Videos help demystify dental procedures and reduce anxiety among potential patients.

Use videos on your website and social media channels to engage viewers and provide valuable insights into your practice's care quality and environment. Well-crafted videos can enhance your reputation and make your practice the preferred choice for potential patients.

According to Forbes, websites incorporating videos show up to an 80% increase in conversion rates!

8. Post Valuable Content to Instagram Reels

When posting on organic social media, take advantage of reels! According to Insider Intelligence, Instagram Reels get 40% more engagement than static posts.

Instagram Reels offer a unique opportunity to reach a younger audience with quick, engaging content. Share short, informative videos that highlight quick dental tips, showcase transformations, or introduce new staff and services.

Reels can increase your visibility on Instagram, attracting younger patients who value quick, visual content. This platform allows you to creatively engage with potential patients, showing them the friendly and professional nature of your practice.

9. Upgrade to a Modern Dental Website Design

Your website's design should reflect the latest trends and technology, offering a user-friendly experience to visitors. Ensure your site is responsive, fast, and easy to navigate, with clear calls to action such as 'Book an Appointment' prominently displayed.

A modern, user-friendly website is crucial for converting visitors into patients, with 75% of people judging a business’s credibility based on its website design (Stanford).

A modern website reassures patients of your professionalism and technological proficiency, essential qualities for any healthcare provider. It should effectively communicate your services, credentials, and the quality of care patients can expect at your practice.

10. Optimize your Dental Website for Local SEO

How to Optimize Your Dental Website for Local SEO

To optimize your dental website for local SEO, focus on incorporating location-based keywords into your content, such as "dentist in [City]." Make sure your site is listed in local directories and that you have a strong presence on local business listings like Yelp and Healthgrades.



How to Optimize Your Dental Website for Technical SEO

Ensure your website loads quickly, is secure (HTTPS), and is mobile-friendly. Use structured data to help search engines understand the content of your site, and optimize meta tags and descriptions with relevant keywords.

11. Work With Local Social Media Influencers

Partner with local influencers who resonate with your target audience to extend your reach and credibility. Influencers can effectively market your services to their followers, providing authentic endorsements that can translate into new patient leads.



Choose influencers whose audience demographics align with your target market. Collaborative posts, sponsored content, and joint events can all help expose your practice to a broader audience, driving interest and engagement.

12. Update Your Practice’s Mission Statement (and add it to your website)

Your mission statement is a core part of your practice's identity. Update it to reflect your current values, technologies, and patient care philosophies. Make sure it is visible on your website and all major marketing materials.



A compelling mission statement can resonate deeply with potential patients, aligning your practice's values with their personal healthcare philosophies. This can be a decisive factor for new patients choosing between multiple providers.

13. Attend a Digital Dental Marketing Conference

Stay on the cutting edge of dental marketing by attending digital marketing conferences specifically tailored for the dental industry. These events are invaluable for learning new strategies, tools, and technologies to enhance your marketing efforts.



Conferences also offer networking opportunities with other dental professionals and marketing experts who can provide insights and partnerships that benefit your practice. Continuous learning and networking are essential for keeping your marketing strategies effective and innovative.

14. Take Advantage of Dental Social Media Platforms

Which Social Media Tools Should A Dental Practice Use?

1. TikTok: Engage with a younger audience through fun, educational videos.
2. Facebook: Share detailed posts, host live Q&A sessions, and connect with local groups.
3. Instagram: Utilize visual content to showcase before-and-after photos and day-to-day operations.
4. LinkedIn: Network with other professionals and share industry-specific content.

15. Use Instagram Threads

Instagram Threads allow you to create more personal and direct interactions with your followers. Use this feature to share updates, news, or educational content in a more informal and engaging way.



Threads can help you build a closer relationship with your audience, providing a platform for real-time feedback and engagement that enhances patient loyalty and trust.

16. Start a Dental Blog

How to Write a Dental Blog for SEO:

Focus on topics that are relevant to your patients, such as dental hygiene tips, the latest in dental technology, or answers to common dental questions. Use keywords strategically throughout your articles to improve your site’s SEO.

17. Get More Google Reviews than your Competition

How to Get More Google Reviews For Your Dental Practice

Encourage your patients to leave reviews by sending follow-up emails after appointments, including links to your GBP and social media profiles. Offer small incentives like discount vouchers or entry into a prize draw to encourage participation.



How to Automate Google Reviews for Dentists

Implement automated systems that prompt patients to review your services after their appointments. Use tools like Podium or SmileReminder to simplify this process.

18. Respond to Every Patient’s Google Review

How to Respond to Google Reviews for Dentists

Always respond promptly to patient reviews, thanking them for their feedback and addressing any concerns they might raise. This shows that you value patient feedback and are committed to improving service quality.



How to Respond to a Negative Dental Google Review

Address negative reviews professionally and calmly. Offer to resolve issues offline by providing contact information for further discussion. This can help mitigate the impact of negative reviews and demonstrate your commitment to patient satisfaction.

19. Do Good with Charity Dental Marketing

Participating in charitable activities or hosting community dental days can significantly enhance your practice’s image and brand. These activities demonstrate your commitment to community well-being and can generate substantial goodwill and positive media coverage.

Charity events are also an excellent way to network with other community leaders and potential patients who might not otherwise be aware of your services.

In addition, 84% of consumers say they're more likely to trust a brand that supports charitable causes (Cone Communications).

20. Improve Your SEO Rankings with a Blog Post Exchange

Engage with other dental blogs or health websites to exchange guest posts. This not only exposes your practice to a broader audience but also enhances your SEO through backlinks, a critical factor in Google's ranking algorithms.



Choose partners whose content complements yours, such as specialists in different areas of dentistry or general healthcare blogs, to provide your readers with valuable information that can also drive traffic back to your site.

21. Partner with Local Businesses for Giveaways

Collaborate with other local businesses to create attractive prize packages for giveaways. This strategy increases engagement, enhances your social media presence, and broadens your reach within the community. Contests and giveaways can increase engagement rates by up to 66%, making them a powerful tool for growing your social media presence and patient base (Outgrow).

Ensure that the prizes are desirable and relevant to your audience to maximize participation and interest. These collaborations can also lead to lasting partnerships with other local businesses.

22. Reach New Audiences with a Gift Card Giveaway

Gift cards are an excellent way to attract new patients, offering a low-risk opportunity for them to try your services. Promote these giveaways through your social media channels and local events to maximize reach and effectiveness.



Consider offering gift cards for a free consultation or check-up, which can lead to long-term patient relationships. This strategy not only brings in new patients but also introduces them to your practice in a positive and engaging way.

23. Update Your Website to New HIPAA Compliance Requirements

As a healthcare provider, ensuring your website is HIPAA compliant is essential for protecting patient information and building trust. Regular updates and audits are crucial to maintaining compliance and demonstrating your commitment to patient privacy.



Stay informed about the latest HIPAA regulations and implement necessary changes promptly. This not only protects your patients but also prevents legal complications that could arise from non-compliance.

24. Integrate AI Into Your Dental Practice

Artificial intelligence can revolutionize the way you manage your practice, from scheduling appointments to personalizing patient care. Implement AI solutions that can help streamline operations and improve patient interactions.

AI adoption in healthcare is growing at an exponential rate, with the AI health market projected to exceed $34 billion by 2025 (Forbes).

AI tools can also analyze patient data to provide insights that improve care outcomes. By adopting AI, you position your practice at the forefront of technological innovation in dentistry.

25. Remind your Patients about Dental Benefits

Approximately 90% of people do not maximize their dental benefits (National Association of Dental Plans).

Send timely reminders to patients about their expiring dental benefits to encourage them to make appointments before the end of the benefit period. This not only helps maximize their benefits but also ensures your schedule remains full.

Utilize email, SMS, and social media to send these reminders. Clear communication about the benefits of using these services can lead to increased patient engagement and satisfaction.

26. Find Your Value Proposition and USE IT In Your Marketing

Identify and clearly articulate what makes your dental practice unique. Whether it's your advanced technology, patient care excellence, or comprehensive services, understanding your value proposition is crucial.

A clear value proposition can increase the likelihood of patient conversion by up to 80% (QuickSprout). 

Incorporate this value proposition into all your marketing materials. A strong, clear value proposition can differentiate your practice from competitors and resonate deeply with potential patients.

27. Convert a Higher Percentage of Website Visitors with AI Live Chat

How to Add an AI Live Chat to My Dental Website?

Implement AI-powered live chat on your website to provide real-time assistance to visitors. This can help answer their queries instantly, improving engagement and increasing the chances of booking appointments.

28. Outsource as Much Marketing as You Can

Outsourcing your marketing activities can allow you to focus on what you do best—caring for your patients. Partner with a dental marketing agency that understands the unique needs and challenges of marketing a dental practice.

Outsourcing can increase productivity by 10-100x, depending on the complexity of the tasks outsourced (Deloitte).

Professional marketers can develop and implement effective strategies that are both cost-efficient and impactful, freeing you up to concentrate on patient care and service quality.



Implementing Digital Marketing Strategies into a Comprehensive Marketing Campaign

To maximize the effectiveness of these strategies, integrate them into a comprehensive marketing campaign that addresses multiple aspects of your online presence. This holistic approach ensures that all efforts are coordinated and contribute towards a common goal—increasing new patient numbers.



Need Help? We’ve Got Marketing For Dentists Covered

If implementing these strategies seems overwhelming, Murray Marketing Services is here to help. We specialize in dental marketing and can manage all aspects of your digital marketing efforts to ensure optimal results.



Frequently Asked Questions - Dentist Marketing

For businesses with multiple locations, managing user access through location groups is efficient. This setup allows you to administer access on a group basis rather than for individual locations, streamlining the management process. This can be configured in your Google Business Profile account settings under the "Location groups" tab.



Which marketing strategy is the most important to find new patients?

While all strategies contribute to attracting new patients, optimizing your Google Business Profile and leveraging Google Ads are particularly effective for immediate results.



How can a dentist get more patients?

A comprehensive digital marketing strategy that includes SEO, local advertising, active social media engagement, and maintaining an informative and user-friendly website is essential for attracting new patients and growing your dental practice.



Is digital marketing for dentists necessary?

Absolutely. In today's digital world, patients often search online for their healthcare providers, including dentists. Digital marketing ensures you are visible where potential patients are looking.



How much does the average dentist spend on marketing?

Marketing budgets vary, but dentists typically allocate 3-5% of their gross revenue to marketing efforts. The exact amount can depend on the practice’s size, location, and growth goals.



How do you do dental digital marketing?

Dental digital marketing involves a combination of SEO, content marketing, social media engagement, online advertising, and reputation management. A strategic approach tailored to the specific needs of a dental practice is crucial for success.



Contact An Expert Marketing Agency for Dentists!

For more personalized advice or to start improving your dental practice’s online presence, contact Nathan Murray at Murray Marketing Services. Let us help you craft a marketing strategy that brings real results.