Do Dentists Need Reputation Management?

Do Dentists Need Reputation Management?

The short answer is, yes, dentists need reputation management. What patients say about your practice online is a critical component of generating new patients. Long gone are the days when “real-world” recommendations were the only way to grow your practice. Your reputation, both online and off, is one of your most prized assets. But it can also be your biggest downfall if not managed properly.

Getting 5-star reviews on websites like Yelp and Google will not only boost traffic to your website, it will help turn digital visitors into real-life patients. In terms of traffic, positive Google reviews can improve your Google Maps rankings. This is a profound benefit, as the top three map listings give you prime real estate on page one for people searching for a dentist in your area.

Almost 90% of consumers trust an online review as much as they trust a personal recommendation.

How Smile Marketing Improves Your Online Reputation

Our goal is to monitor and improve your digital reputation. One way we do this is through our New Patient Survey, included with our online reputation management. When you add a new patient as a subscriber to your site, we send them a simple survey on your behalf.

We identify your most delighted patients, and encourage them to share their experiences on public review sites. This slight nudge helps promote a consistent stream of 5-star reviews. You’ll also get a regular Reputation Report that shows all of your online feedback, highlighting any new reviews you obtained in the previous month.

The game plan for maintaining your online reputation is simple: actively add and manage your reviews – both positive and negative. This means acknowledging any positive feedback and countering negative feedback with a nurturing response.

Managing your online reputation is important to build trust in prospective patients and protect the integrity of your practice.