As technology advances, it is important to embrace it and stay ahead. Recent developments have…
Want to grow your dental practice? Consider these 5 points!
Posted on 27th September 2019 under Blog.
As technology advances, it is important to embrace it and stay ahead. Recent developments have changed the way business is conducted and redefined how businesses operate.
Everyone needs dental care but competition is high, so setting yourself above the rest is key to growing a successful practice.
New technologies are driving traditional workplaces to transform and support smarter working. The following tips will can help support your business growth and transform the way you work.
Create an online presence
Does your dental practice have a professional website and active social media presence? You may think online marketing isn’t necessary in the dental industry, but 97% of consumers actively look online for local businesses.
By advertising the services, you offer, pricing, opening hours and contact information, you will fulfil customer needs. The ability for a web user to book an appointment online and pre-fill any necessary forms, will not only save time but set your practice apart from the competition.
Blogs are some of the best ways to stay relevant in terms of SEO as well as create a personal connection with potential patients. Your dental blog does not have to be extremely in depth and you do not have to post every day. But keeping it updated with changes in your practice or tips on how to care for your teeth in between dentist visits will help give your practice a voice of authority.
With more people using the web ensure your part of it and don’t miss any business opportunities.
Business SMS messaging
98% of text messages are read within 3 minutes. In a competitive marketing landscape, that’s an impressive figure. And with 94% of the UK population owning a mobile phone, SMS marketing continues to be one of the most powerful ways to get in touch with your customers.
Missed appointments can have a negative impact on your business. Your time can be wasted from waiting for an individual who doesn’t attend – and expenses lost.
A gentle reminder can jog a customer’s memory. By sending out an SMS appointment reminder the day before your customer is not only reminded of their appointment, but they have plenty of time to confirm, reschedule, or cancel their appointment.
The ability to reach your customers on a device that they always have with them is invaluable – and should be considered as part of your communication strategy.
Embrace innovation
Dental technology is constantly changing, and it is up to you to stay on top of the latest technological trends. Although not all upgrades may be required, patients notice when practices aren’t modern.
It may be expensive to update everything at once, so focus on one thing at a time and be sure to educate patients about the new technology (and talk about it on your website).
Your excitement and clear grasp of the changes in your field provides customers with a sense of security and also enhances your credibility as an expert in your field.
Create a referral ad loyalty program
A loyalty or referral scheme can be a great way to maintain relationships with your customers and offer added value.
This could include a reward system where the customer can receive a free upgrade or a percentage discount on particular treatments.
Referrals are a key way of growing your practice through online reviews and word of mouth. You could ask your patients to refer people when attending your practice and publicise it through social media.
Reward referrals through gift cards, percentage discounts or upgrades demonstrate your appreciation towards customers who help to grow your business.
Geographic numbers
It is simple to add an additional number if your practice expands and opens another site.
But your business can reach out to other areas, even if you don’t have a physical premise there. With virtual phone numbers you may want to attract potential customers in surrounding areas. This can be an area code that is specific to a town or city location in the UK.
For example, your dental practice could be located in Cardiff but you want to widen your reach to Bridgend.
Provide excellent customer service with the cloud
Whether or not your dental practice offers the best pricing, the interaction with your patients is memorable.
Aspects such as unanswered calls can frustrate customers – with 85% whose call is unanswered will not call back.
KloudPBX offers a range of call management features including hunt groups, call forwarding, auto-attendant and day and night mode. You are able to programme your phone system to operate differently, depending on the day and time. Night mode can be set when the office is unoccupied, with a different greeting in operation or a call divert – improving efficiency and customer service.
If you have multiple sites you have the ability to unite all teams, integrate applications and connect multiple office locations and mobile employees under one phone system. If you have a new site opening or new member of staff you can simply connect them to your KloudPBX system.
All businesses need to continually adapt in order to survive. By embracing modern technologies and recognising which can add value financially or from a time management viewpoint, your business can thrive.
If you have a dental practice which you would like to upgrade your telephone system to cloud and improve customer service contact us today on 01656 33 44 55, or alternatively email sales@datakom.co.uk
