How to foster better patient reviews at your dental practice
When attracting new patients to your dental practice, referrals have been king for decades. But in today’s world, online reviews are quickly becoming a major player.
As more patients rely on online testimonials to find a dentist, you need to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s being said about your practice.
Here are a few strategies to help.
Get listed
Patients are more likely to take the time to write a review when you’re already listed on a website they use. Make sure your practice is listed on the major local review local platforms, such as Google My Business, Facebook and Yelp and on health-specific sites such as ZocDoc, RateMDs and Healthgrades.
Be honest about your intentions
It’s relatively simple to ask a patient to fill out a review, and equally easy to explain why. If you’ve built rapport with your patients, they’ll understand you’re a regular person just like them. There’s nothing wrong with pointing out how a 5-star review will benefit your practice. If you don’t put emphasis on its importance, your patients won’t either.
Lay it all out
Hand out a printed flier with basic instructions on how to leave your practice a positive review. Note your preferred platforms and the questions you’d like to have answered.
Surveys suggest that the following criteria are most valued when a potential patient reads your review:
- Caring and gentle
- Does good work
- Honest
- Good communication skills and great at listening
- Preventative care
- Sense of humor
Craft questions that cover these topics.
Stay active on Facebook and highlight positive reviews
Building a strong Facebook presence and following takes time but the dividends are well worth the effort. Encourage followers to share positive reviews left on your page.
Fill holes with targeted reviewers
You can choose specific patients who have undergone procedures that are under-represented in your online reviews. For example, if you have plenty feedback for extractions and root canals but very few for dentures, then focus on denture patient reviews and so on until all your bases are covered.
