Sorry, Facebook Will Not Get You New Dental Patients
Facebook Ads are one of the most powerful marketing platforms available. Unfortunately, it will not produce a stream of new patients.
The biggest misconception in the online marketing world today is that Facebook generates new patients. “Why do I need a practice website if I have a Facebook page?” This is the most popular question asked from online marketers.
Though Facebook advertising and other social media platforms are certainly a crucial part of any successful dental marketing strategy, it’s important to have genuine expectations about new patient performance.
And, realistically, one should expect zero new patients every month. There are reasons for this-
Don’t treat Facebook as Google
When patients want to locate a dentist in the nearest area, they just Google it and get the list of results. Users search for keywords like “dentist in Melbourne” or “dental clinic in Sydney” to get results.
From search results, they can discover many practices by just clicking on the result of their interest. They can view various websites and explore different pages. They understand special dental techniques, procedures and learn more about the dentist. They even read blog posts that give them an in-depth idea about the practice.
The user cannot get the same results from Facebook. If a patient wants to go to your page, he/she must know your exact practice name to find your page in a Facebook search. How would new dental patients already know your name? And if they land there, what would they find? Facebook is not designed to post articles or blogs, so you’re restricted to status updates to display what your practice has to offer.
If you want to know more about how Ads will work on both, read our blog on Facebook Ads vs Google Ads which one is best for your dental practice.
Facebook has smaller reach
Content for Facebook and Google is different
With a proper website, you have a better chance to explain why your dental practice is the best choice. Also, websites can be optimized for search engines, allowing your content to show in search results, whereas Facebook posts don’t.
Genuine expectations for dentists on Facebook!
Now that you have a great understanding of what to expect from Facebook, you can clearly focus on what it can do for you and your dental practice. Dental Facebook marketing can be considered an internal marketing tool. It’s a powerful way to nurture existing patient relationships. Using Facebook, you can increase referrals and remind your existing patients about them.
You can achieve this by following the below-mentioned options:
- Keeping your page active and alive: Make it a habit to share one post each day. This is the best way to keep your new dental patients and fans engaged. Create a post asking a question, sharing some daily tips on dental hygiene, or information about an upcoming promotion. Your daily post on your Facebook page may be just the reminder a patient needs to book their next appointment.
- Be Interactive: People who ‘like’ or follow your page can leave comments on a post, images, status updates, and even share reviews. Notice this type of activity on your dental page and respond when required. This interaction may be helpful for them to better understand their queries and apprehensions about your dental practice. Social media is a social entity so stay active and engaged with your followers.
- Ensuring correct information: Make sure that your page is correct. Your practice phone number, website URL, address and map listing are correct. If a patient shares an upcoming promotion post with their friends on Facebook, you need to be sure that those potential referral patients can contact you without any difficulty and confusion.
- Brand your page: Just like all your advertising materials, your social media page should have consistent branding. If someone visits your Facebook page after visiting your dental website, they should know they are in the right place.
- Personalise: Your Facebook page should reflect your personality. Be creative and breathe life into your page by keeping your patients in the loop. Have an forthcoming event, or a new team member? Let your followers know.
Conclusion
Facebook is not a prime driver of new patients. It encourages referrals, improves retention, and provides upsell opportunities. Not sure about your Facebook marketing strategy plan? Get in touch with us by simply filling up our Contact us form available online. Facebook marketing experts at One Stop Dental Marketing can offer you a free consultation on how you can improve your dental set up and start generating more referrals. We also offer SEO, PPC and website design services. To know more call us at 1300 867 699.
