As we kick off the new year, everyone seems to be publishing predictions for 2019, but ProSites – we’re looking a bit further ahead. In our whitepaper, Seven Predictions and Recommendations for Dentistry and Marketing by 2020, we outline current trends to help us predict what the future of dentistry and marketing will look like by the next decade.
We’ve included snippets of three of the seven predicted trends below, but make sure to download your full copy of the whitepaper here to learn how you can stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving marketplace.
Predicted Trend: Lowered Trust of Facts Requires Building a Trustworthy Persona
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll be saying goodbye to “fake news” or the associated decrease in trust of authority anytime soon. In fact, reliance on social media seems to have increased our general skepticism. While warranted in some situations, an overall rise in distrust of experts means businesses, dental practices included, need to work harder to gain confidence from potential customers (patients).
Enter your dental practice’s online reputation, as this is where prospective patients are likely to form their first impression of you. You must encourage current patients to share positive feedback on review sites and social media channels as both play important roles in attracting new patients.
Predicted Trend: Digital Content Consumption Will Be Constant and Led by Video
Think our dependence on digital content has reached the point of saturation? Alexa, weigh in. Given that we’re always connected, our consumption of content is ever increasing. To compete and gain valuable mindshare, your online presence must be dynamic.
A website alone is no longer enough; patients want more. Try creating a library of how-to videos that address common concerns like “how to floss with braces.” Easy-to-read articles and posts are also great ways to share content. But remember, consistency is key – as even an engaged audience is fickle and will quickly go elsewhere if you stop meeting their needs.
Predicted Trend: A Digital Front Will Be Expected
From grocery shopping to ordering lattes, your patients are doing everything online, and it’s most likely from a mobile device. Short of a real-time root canal request (crazy, we know – who would request a root canal?) what can you enable patients to do online? Probably more than you think.
Patients will soon expect to have the ability to book visits, confirm or cancel appointments, or complete forms online – dental text reminders are becoming increasing popular. Regardless of how fast your website loads, if you fall below patient expectations (which are higher than ever) your practice is sure to lag behind the competition. The answer is not to invest in more staff, but rather integrated systems that can manage dental appointment reminders, scheduling, and recall campaigns – all of which are designed to keep patients engaged while delivering the level of customer service and convenience they want.
In conclusion, technology is greatly impacting how we do business in the future. And, if you don’t soon embrace where the industry is headed, you won’t be able to make up the ground. Fill out the form below to get your free copy of the complete whitepaper, or call an Internet Marketing Advisor at (888) 932-3644 to see how we can meet you where you are today and help you get to where you want to be in the future.
