Strategic dental marketing will include targeting parents, college kids, and even the elderly before school starts up again and when time is at our leisure.
When school is out or just before it starts up again, a swarm of parents will be looking to book dental appointments for their kids, having been waiting to make them because of busy schedules.
But it’s not just parents and children. Everyone from college kids, to busy employees, to elderly patients exercise their newly free summer schedules and vacations to prioritize annual checkups. So how can you capitalize on this crop of new and returning patients?
Marketing your dental practice for summer is an effective way to optimize your business and referrals this season, and it can be as simple as incorporating a few new tactics into the methods you already have in place.
Spruce up the new patient bag
Toothbrushes, floss, pamphlet—the standard thank-you bag can benefit from a summer upgrade. Think sunglasses subtly branded with your name or logo, coupons to a local ice cream shop, or a flyer of upcoming community events and festivals will show you’re as invested in your patients’ summer fun as much as they are. You might also include a copy of your own personally branded magazine.
CLICK HERE, and we’ll send a free PDF copy of our most recent issue to your inbox.
Designed to keep your name top of mind for repeat visits and referrals, these 48-page, coffee-table quality magazines feature engaging articles, gorgeous photos, recipes, DIY tips, and much more. Use the Front Inside Cover to write a custom letter welcoming new patients, sharing tips for good dental hygiene, or whatever other messaging you may want. Despite its ability to keep your practice top of mind, each issue costs less than a fancy latte.
Participate in local events
You already know that by showing up at local events, such as fairs and fundraisers, you can gain invaluable exposure with families new to the area, interact with current patients, and, ultimately, highlight your dedication to the health and well-being of the community as a whole. You could even try hosting your own summer-themed event, or partner with another local business for a joint gathering. Anything to get people outdoors and interacting with you and your staff will broaden awareness of your practice.
Offer a summer deal
Think of summer as the prime time to see as many patients as you can and gain as many referrals as possible before fall rolls around and everyone has a packed schedule again. Perhaps you could offer a school’s-out-for-the-summer discount on children’s annual cleanings, a discount for patients who refer your practice to a friend or relative, or a special on a particular service you offer. Incentivize a visit, and you’re sure to see an uptick in appointments.
Divide and conquer
You can’t be everywhere all season long, so work with your entire team to brainstorm the best strategy to target as many marketing opportunities as possible. For example, if two local events are crucial to attend, send your hygienist(s) to one event while you tackle the other. The summer season is only a few short months, and it’s imperative to seize every opportunity that comes your way.
Recent renewal reminders
Many insurance companies renew patients’ maximum costs in June, giving you plenty of opportunity to reach out to those who may now have more flexibility in affording a checkup or unfinished procedure. Narrow down a list of patients who fit this criterion and reach out to stress the importance of regular visits.
When marketing your dental practice for summer, you don’t necessarily have to think big-picture. Summer is one of the most opportune times to acquire patients. Follow these simple strategies and you’ll soon be “filling” your schedule.
