Put yourself in your patient’s shoe. You live in a community with a number of dentists available to see you. So, you hit up Google and then start visiting websites. You find one with a nice website, they promise excellent service and personalized care, but one thing is missing: reviews. You can’ find any for them, not even negative ones. Would you go to them? Odds are, you wouldn’t! You need reviews, but how do you get them?
Reviews and SEO
In addition to letting potential patients find out what others think of your services, reviews can also offer a search engine optimization advantage. When Google ranks websites for a search query, websites with reviews and active social media pages often reach higher spots, with the algorithm assuming this means greater client interaction and satisfaction.
Ask and You May Very Well Receive
Often, the simplest way is best. You can ask satisfied patients if they would mind leaving their thoughts on your Google My Business page or on Facebook. Many will be glad to help. Should you receive negative one, don’t panic. Instead, just respond to it politely and calmly, inviting the persons to contact you to find a solution to his/her complaint or problem. Appearing mature is very important and responding to negative testimonials this way can prevent you from scaring off potential patients by seeming petty or easily irritated.
Have a Cup of Coffee on Us
We’ve also had great success with our “Have a Cup of Coffee on Us” campaign. A dental practice offers a Starbucks gift card for $5 in exchange for taking the time to place your thoughts online. People tend to prefer smaller immediate awards to being entered in a drawing for a chance at a larger one.
Do NOT Fake It Until You Make It
You may be tempted, but never give in. Do not have you or your staff write and post fake reviews. Google can tell and this can lead to penalization.
Do you have questions about earning positive online reviews on your social media or Google My Business page? Looking for new ways to help your practice grow? Then contact us today and let us help! Send an email to MDPM Consulting at info@mdpmconsulting.com, or give us a call at 972-781-8861!