Patient Communication – Step 9

KEEP YOUR DENTAL PATIENTS INFORMED

A proactive dental practice with good patient communication systems in place will benefit in the long term. Many existing patients want to be advised of new services so think of ways to keep them informed. You must also update your dental website regularly and focus on different advertising avenues. A lot of potential new patients may know you are there so keep your brand fresh and up to date.

It can cost twice as much to acquire a new patient as it does to keep an existing one. By keeping in touch with your patients, you can make sure they are happy with your service. Ask them if there is anything you can improve on. By looking after their interests, not only are they likely to remain loyal, but they may recommend you to their friends and colleagues. Keeping your dental brand at the forefront of their minds may just catch them at the right moment to pass your name on.

PATIENT LOYALTY

Putting a regular patient communication programme together will make life easier for you. It will also allow you to vary the ideas in which you communicate. For instance, a regular newsletter is a simple way of keeping in touch, and referral and loyalty programmes are a great way of saying thank you. An annual patient satisfaction questionnaire or a post-treatment questionnaire will give your patients the chance to provide you with feedback. They must also be able to make any suggestions for improvements.

Ensure you keep them posted on your product launches, or new offers. Sometimes a call just to see that they are comfortable after a dental treatment will add a personal touch which will be remembered.

Running client hospitality events may be a perfect opportunity to have a more relaxed conversation with your patients. You can also genuinely thank them for their business. They needn’t be hugely expensive. With a little creativity, care and planning you can really delight your customer.

TEAM COMMUNICATION

When was the last time you really talked to your team? Are they all up to date and engaged in your vision? Are they being true ambassadors for your brand? Often your team will be the first point of contact with prospective patients, as well as with existing clients.

If you’ve put together a fantastic offer, make sure the person answering the phone is fully briefed to handle the queries and knows the terms and conditions of any offer.

Ongoing team communication is vital. Often your team will have fantastic ideas but aren’t sure of the best way of sharing them, or don’t feel they’ve been given permission to suggest them. By harnessing the energy, enthusiasm and ideas of your team, you are will not only ensure that your brand experience is consistent, but that it keeps improving.

STEP 10 – STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

Team up with other businesses and develop strategic alliances >

WHO AM I?

Alex Nicolaou is a Brand Designer and Advertising Strategist who partners with company directors, dentists, specialists and entrepreneurs to grow their personal and professional brands. Having 20 years experience in dental marketing and a total of 30 years designing and advertising in all industry sectors, Alex knows how to make your brand get noticed and communicate with your ideal target audience.

Alex has always been artistic, creative and passionate about art and design. His natural talent enabled him to develop his career working on blue chip accounts for successful London based advertising and marketing agencies. The skills learned and experienced gained placed him in good stead for running his own business which he has successfully managed and directed for 20 years.

His expertise has helped dental practices and other businesses to win national awards for design, branding and marketing. If you want your business to turn heads, he’s the man.

Read more about Alex Nicolaou here >

DENTAL BRANDING & MARKETING

For more information call Alex Nicolaou on 01923 609770 to find out about making the most of your website marketing opportunities.
www.design4dentists.com >