
MARKETING+STRATEGY+PLANNING=GROWTH
How to increase referrals through existing patients in your dental office. Increasing referrals through existing patients can be very expensive, time consuming, and frustrating. The key is to have a strong marketing strategy as well as patience… Never expect over night results. One of the best ways to increase referrals is through your existing patients, so always make certain your current/existing patients are satisfied. If your patients are satisfied with your services, then they are very likely to refer family, friends, and co-workers to your office. It’s extremely important to offer some sort of discount or incentive to your existing patient that made the referral to you. Let your patient know how much you appreciate them marketing your dental practice. The discount doesn’t need to be over the top, you could do something as simple as giving a Starbucks gift card simply saying “Thank You” and personally addressing a letter extending your gratitude. It’s important to advertise to your existing patients that you will offer a discount or small gift if they refer their family, friends, or co-workers to your office. Designate a page on your website explaining how your patients can refer other patients to your office and explain what’s in it for them in return. This website page would also be a great place to display patient testimonials describing their experience with you dental office and staff. Patients love reading what other patients have experienced at your office. Another way to market your referrals is to explain verbally to your existing patient at the time of check out how much you appreciate patient referrals. The marketing doesn’t stop there, always send a follow up “Thank You” card/letter thanking your patient for their continued business. Remind the patient again by mentioning in the card/letter that you always appreciate patient referrals and provide an explanation on how to refer. Following this marketing strategy is sure to help increase your patient referrals and increase your office growth.