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Influencing is an art, and mastering it can be a game-changer for dental practice marketing. It's all about understanding the psychology behind your customers—what they think and want and how they can be influenced. By tapping into these psychological principles, you can effectively communicate your value proposition and inspire people to choose your practice.

Here are some persuasive strategies rooted in psychology that you can include in your dental practice marketing:

The Principle of Reciprocity:

When you do something nice for someone, they feel kind of obligated to do something nice for you in return. This is called the Principle of Reciprocity. For dentists, this means doing things like offering free educational talks about oral health or giving a little extra like teeth cleaning for new patients. By giving first, sets up a sort of unspoken agreement where patients are more likely to stick with your dental practice.

Show Off Happy Patients:

People like to do what others do. That's social proof in action. For doctors, this means showing off happy patients with pictures or good reviews. When new patients see others are happy with your service, they're more likely to trust you.

Be the Expert:

People like to know they're in good hands, especially when it comes to their health. That's where authority comes in. For dentists, this means sharing helpful info about dental stuff, like new treatments or tips for keeping your teeth healthy. It shows that you know your stuff and helps patients feel confident in choosing your practice.

Act Fast:

Have you ever noticed that when something is limited or time-sensitive, you feel more urgency to get it? That's the sense of urgency at work. For dentists, this could mean offering discounts for certain treatments during special months or having limited-time offers on things like teeth-straightening technology. It encourages patients to make decisions more quickly.

Be Friendly:

It's easier to say yes to someone you like, right? That's why being likable is important. For dentists, this means getting to know your patients and showing you care about them, not just their teeth. Host community events or participate in local charities to show that your practice cares about more than just dental work.

Start Small:

Sometimes, getting people to agree to something small can lead to bigger commitments later on. For dentists, this could mean offering free oral health check-ups. Once patients see how great your service is, they're more likely to come back for bigger treatments. Follow-up calls or emails can remind them of their commitment to oral health and your practice.

Focus on the Good Stuff:

Nobody likes to feel scared or anxious, especially about their health. That's where the framing effect comes in. Instead of focusing on the negative consequences of neglecting dental care, focus on the positive outcomes of regular dental visits, like feeling good about your smile and overall health.

Share Stories:

Stories have a way of sticking with people and making them feel connected. For dentists, this could mean sharing stories about patients who've had big smile makeovers or fun stories about your practice. It helps patients connect with you on a personal level and feel good about coming to you for dental care.

Using these strategies can create a more persuasive and patient-centered approach to marketing your dental practice. And remember, the ultimate goal is to genuinely care about your patients' dental health and help them make the best choices for themselves.

Want to improve your patient experience and level up your dental practice?

Book a consultation call today!

DR PRANAV AGALE

FOUNDER & CEO

Pranav is a practice marketing consultant on a mission to help doctors streamline their practices and grow ethically. In 2013, he bootstrapped and founded Praxis360 to fuel his mission.