As a dental content writer, I’m obviously a huge advocate of dental content marketing, but the fact is, if you’re not utilising content properly in 2023 and beyond, your competition will, and that’s not good, particularly in such a competitive industry.
In truth, the success of any dental practice relies heavily on its online presence and engagement with patients. Dental content marketing plays a huge part in that and has emerged as a powerful tool connecting both existing and potential patients.
The trouble is, not all content is created equal. To make the most of your efforts, it’s crucial to understand the various types of dental content that you need to target. So that’s exactly what we’re going to do in this post.
Let’s dive into some key dental content marketing types and strategies that will set your practice up for success.
#1 - Educational Blog Posts
In the world of dental content marketing, informative blog posts are your best friend. The more you blog, the more of an online presence your business has as your efforts gain traction over time.
Look to write articles that address common dental concerns, oral hygiene tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. Use clear language and visuals to explain complex dental procedures, ensuring that your content is accessible to a wide range of readers.
By establishing your practice as a reliable source of information, you’ll build trust and credibility among your audience.
If you’re stuck for ideas, don’t worry because I’ve got your back. Here’s a post I wrote several years ago detailing 27 blogging ideas that engage readers. And, if you’re wondering, then yes, it’s still applicable today.
Just remember to blog consistently and frequently.
#2 - Video content
Okay, so not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera but video content has become a powerful medium for dental marketing.
Video behemoth YouTube, for example, is the second-largest online platform in the world growing 254% since 2017. To put this growth into perspective, in India alone, YouTube has nearly as many active subscribers (325 million) as there are US citizens, and every minute of every day, at least 500 hours of video content are uploaded to the platform.
Now that’s huge!
So, what do you vlog about?
Here are some ideas:
- Videos explaining popular treatments
- Demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques,
- Introducing your team.
- Creating your own versions of trending videos
- Addressing popular questions and answers
- Repurposing existing blog posts
The key point here is to make your content engaging.
Great visuals and quality content will position you as the go-to clinic in your area, but also, friendly faces help to alleviate patients’ anxieties, making them more comfortable with the idea of visiting you in the first place.
So, if you haven’t already, you really do need to be vlogging.
#3 - Testimonials and Case Studies
When it comes to dental content marketing, there’s no more powerful form of advertising than word of mouth. it’s a trusted and cheap way to project your brand to the masses and one way to do that is through case studies.
Real stories from real patients can be incredibly persuasive. So, look to feature testimonials and case studies on all your advertising channels showcasing successful treatments and patient satisfaction.
You can find a great example of that here.
In addition, don’t forget to include before-and-after photos to visually demonstrate the positive outcomes of your services.
The bottom line is that testimonials and case studies serve as social proof, showing potential patients that your practice does exactly what it says on the tin while delivering on its promises.
You can’t get a more powerful form of advertising than that!
#4 - Social Media Engagement
Social media platforms aren’t just for fun and friendship, they’re also treasure troves for dental content marketing.
After all, 4.88 billion people use social media, that’s over 60% of the world’s population, so it pays to position yourself where your potential patients are likely to hang out.
So what should you post?
How about;
- Sharing visually appealing posts about dental care tips
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your practice, and
- Patient success stories.
Or,
- Make use of interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions, and live videos to foster engagement and interaction with your audience.
Social media gives you the chance to present a warm, friendly and approachable side to your business which potential patients might not get from visiting your website or reading a blog post.
As a top tip – Pick one platform to start. It’s better to master one platform and grow your audience rather than spread yourself thin amongst multiple channels.
Do these things properly and you’ll start to build a following who might look to visit your practice when they need a local dentist.
#5 - Infographics and Visual Guides
Let’s face it, complex dental procedures can be overwhelming for patients. So why not simplify them through visually engaging infographics and step-by-step guides?
Besides, evidence suggests that 65% of the world’s population are visual learners, so it’s well worth investing time in this type of dental content marketing.
Break down treatment processes, recovery periods, and aftercare instructions using clear visuals and concise text. This approach helps patients better understand what to expect, making them more comfortable with moving forward.
As a top tip – if you need some ideas, Pinterest is always a good place to start. For example, I Googled the term, “Best examples of dental infographics” and got this.
#6 - Email Newsletters
Last but not least, we have what is arguably the most overlooked form of dental content marketing and that’s email newsletters.
Regular newsletters give dentists a direct and personal way to communicate with patients. But not only that, frequent communication builds trust and loyalty and as a dentist, these are fundamental cornerstones of your business.
So, what do you put in a newsletter?
Look to share practice updates, oral hygiene tips, and don’t forget to include exclusive offers. People love the feeling of exclusivity. It makes them feel special and envelops a real sense of belonging.
As a top tip – Look to personalise your content based on patient preferences and history to make the emails relevant and valuable. The more relevant the emails, the more engaged the reader will be.
The bottom line is that consistent communication keeps your practice at the forefront of patients’ minds, so, avoid email newsletters at your peril.
Dental content marketing strategies – A summary
In the dynamic world of dental content marketing, targeting specific types of content is essential for building a strong online presence and fostering patient engagement.
Whether it’s through educational blog posts, engaging videos, social media interaction, or other creative approaches, each strategy plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining patients.
By providing varied, valuable, relevant, and visually appealing content, your dental practice will establish itself as a trusted resource while making a positive impact on your community’s oral health.
If you want to know more about how to improve your content or are looking to ramp up your existing efforts, give the team at Dental Writers a call. We’re an experienced team of industry-specific content creators who have a good understanding of what your potential patients need.
Want to know more? Get in touch.
