Having a great website, an active blog and a strong social media presence is one way to achieve brand awareness and attract new patients. However, nothing has more impact than participating in a local meet and greet in your neighborhood. Here is how you can put together a strategy to be physically present and active in your community.
The first step is to keep track of the events that are happening in your town and neighborhood. Visit the local online news websites regularly and pay attention to event announcements in the free press and on street fliers.
The second step is to carefully select the events you would like to attend. The form of participation can widely vary between the different types of events as well as the overall cost. The cost of attending a neighborhood gathering will likely to not be significant while getting a booth at a health or charity event can cost anywhere from $200 to $1200.
The second step is to prepare well in advance: What is your marketing budget? How much can you spend for each event? Where can you register for the events? What material and decor will you need? What is your budget for promotional items? How much will you be able to pay the staff? Will the cost be a tax write off?
Marketing and promotional items include business cards, special discounts/ coupons, promotional, printed shirts for the team and banners with the practice logo and info, printed toothbrushes and dental kits. Other promotional items can include: credit card floss, water bottles, sunglasses, suntan lotion = everything that has your practice name and/ or logo on it!
The third step is to invite your actual patients to join you at the event through social media announcements (Facebook, twitter, google+), your website and newsletter as well as fliers.
Once at the event, take pictures and spread the news on social media!
List of local events
Neighborhood gathering
Barbecues
Church events
Outdoor concerts
Sport events
Charities
School events
Health fairs
Conferences/ Tradeshows
Bridal shows: brides want to achieve that perfect grim for their special day, whether their teeth need whitening, Invisalign, or braces. Most towns hold bridal shows several times a year! Get a booth or ask where to leave fliers and coupons.
