COVID-19 social distancing measures and lockdowns have had a substantial impact on the dental industry. As alarming and uncertain as these times may be, there are steps you can take to ensure client return, retention, and even growth in your client base. You can achieve this by strengthening your online presence, improving and promoting your client experience, and using referral incentives.

ONLINE PRESENCE

According to a 2020 study, the average person spends 144 minutes online a day. This is equivalent to more than a quarter of a person’s free time. As a dental professional, make it a goal to be present to your clients, and potential clients, during this critical window of time.

First, invest in a professional website that is the go-to resource for potential clients: this automatically gives you credibility. Contact information, photos of your clinic, and a list of services you offer should all be readily available through your website.

Second, create a business account on at least one social platform. Facebook is ideal as it includes business features like online appointment booking, which is increasing in demand among the public since it’s an easier way to book a dental appointment than having to call the clinic by phone.

Another great way to utilize the web is by having a newsletter. You can set one up in minutes on an email marketing platform like MailChimp. Collect the email addresses of your clients through their contact sheets and also include a form on your website for potential clients to sign up. In the newsletter, include exciting updates or announcements about your practice, reminders to clients to keep up with their cleanings, and other relevant information.

THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE

Make your practice stand out among others with the best client experience you can create. According to Spectrio, a positive experience can be achieved by simply providing free WiFi in your waiting room to prevent clients from getting bored or antsy. In the same vein, you can keep your office comfortable by streaming calming music, providing books and magazines for clients to read, and keeping the noise levels of your staff to a minimum. As of October 2020, waiting rooms must be closed to adhere to social-distancing measures, but plan ahead to implement these ideas when re-opening is allowed.

REFERRAL INCENTIVES

Word of mouth still remains the most powerful promotional method. Have incentives in place to encourage clients to tell their family, friends and coworkers about your practice. With the new virtual coach application DenTyme, you can assess whether or not your clients would refer you to their peers through the built-in, anonymous client questionnaire. If the majority of your clients answer “no,” improve your overall client experience or implement more attractive incentives like client discounts, freebies or monthly prize draws. Provide your clients with referral cards or a referral number that they can use easily.