Blog Hero

5 Traditional Marketing Tactics That Drive Patients to Your Dental Practice

Book a Consultation
A 3D rendering of a computer screen, video camera, megaphone, and image icon displaying the connection needed in an effective marketing strategy

In a world saturated with digital noise, it’s easy to overlook the marketing methods that built successful practices for decades. While a strong online presence is non-negotiable, a comprehensive marketing plan recognizes the power of connection within your local community. These tried-and-true tactics can work alongside your digital efforts to create a robust patient pipeline.

The most effective traditional marketing tactics involve leveraging your existing patient base and embedding your practice firmly within your local community. This approach builds trust and awareness in ways that digital channels alone sometimes can’t. It’s about creating a recognized, respected brand right in your own neighbourhood.

Build a Powerful Patient Referral Program

Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful tools in any dental marketing strategy. A formal referral program encourages your happiest patients to become advocates for your practice. This builds immediate trust with potential new patients before they even walk through your door.

Ask Satisfied Patients for Referrals

You can make it a standard practice to ask patients about referrals. Your front desk team can play a key role by mentioning the program during checkout. A simple, friendly question after a positive experience is often all it takes.

Offer a Simple Incentive

A small token of appreciation can go a long way in showing you value your patients’ support. Consider offering a modest reward, such as a gift card or a credit toward a future service. This gesture acknowledges both the existing patient and the new patient they refer.

A network of people represented by icons connected by lines

Engage with Your Local Community

For a local service like a dental or orthodontic practice, your community presence is invaluable. An effective marketing plan for dentists involves becoming a recognized and trusted name. You want to be the first practice people think of when they need care.

Sponsor Local Teams & Events

You can increase your practice’s visibility by sponsoring a local youth sports team or a community festival. This action puts your name in front of local families. It also shows your genuine commitment to the community you serve.

Use Strategic Placement for Flyers & Brochures

Well-designed informational materials still have their place in a modern marketing plan. You can distribute professional flyers or brochures at community centres, libraries, and gyms. Place them in non-competing local businesses where potential patients spend their time.

Form Strategic Local Partnerships

Collaborating with other local businesses and professionals can extend your reach and generate new patients. This approach to marketing for orthodontists and dentists builds credibility through association. It’s about growing your network to grow your practice.

Connect with Complementary Health Professionals

Build relationships with other healthcare providers in your area, such as family doctors and pediatricians. These professionals can become a valuable source of patient referrals. A strong professional network benefits everyone, especially the patients.

Partner with Non-Medical Local Businesses

You can also create co-promotional offers with local businesses that serve a similar clientele. For example, you could partner with a nearby daycare or a family-focused retail store. A joint marketing initiative helps introduce your practice to new audiences.

A stack of newspapers

Use Local Print & Broadcast Advertising

While digital gets much of the attention, traditional advertising channels remain effective for reaching specific local demographics. Many dental marketing companies suggest a mix of traditional and digital tactics. This creates a complete and balanced strategy.

Advertise in Community Publications

Place advertisements in local newspapers or neighbourhood newsletters. These publications are often read by long-term residents. These are people who value and seek out local service providers.

Consider Radio Spots or Billboards

If your budget allows, local radio commercials can be very effective. A strategically placed billboard in a high-traffic area can also boost brand awareness. These methods keep your practice top of mind for commuters and residents.

Develop a Patient Loyalty Program

A great dental marketing strategy isn’t just about attracting new patients; it’s also about retaining the ones you have. A loyalty program rewards patients for their continued trust and encourages them to remain with your practice for the long term.

Give Patients a Reason to Return

A loyalty program can help overcome patient hesitation by offering tangible benefits for regular visits. You can offer exclusive perks, such as discounts on cosmetic treatments or priority appointment scheduling. These rewards show your appreciation for their commitment to their oral health.

Make Marketing a Team Effort

Your entire staff is part of marketing your dental practice. Train your team to inform patients about the benefits of your loyalty and referral programs. Their authentic enthusiasm can make a significant impact on patient participation.

Measure Your Marketing Success

To determine your most effective efforts, you need to track where new patients come from. Ask your staff to consistently inquire how new callers heard about your practice. This data shows which tactics—digital or traditional—provide the best return and helps a marketing agency for dentists refine their plan.

Work with Marketing Professionals

At SmileShop Dental Marketing, we understand that you show up every day to help your patients smile. We show up to make you smile. We partner with you to build a comprehensive plan that combines the right tactics for your unique goals. 

Let’s work together to turn your vision for your practice into a reality. Book a consultation today!

What We Do.

Your practice deserves a marketing partner that understands your unique challenges and goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate an established practice, our tailored strategies—from websites and SEO to social media and digital ads—are designed to attract more patients and drive growth. Explore how we can help your practice thrive.

What We Do.

Just like no two patients are the same, no two practices are the same.

At SmileShop Dental Marketing, we understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we create customized marketing strategies that work for you and your business. We’ll help you choose the tools you need to connect with your audience, grow your practice(s), and achieve your goals. 

Branding

+

Branding

We can help with everything from brand refinements & logo designs to all-in-one brand packages for multi-practice organizations.

Digital Awareness Ads

+

Digital Awareness Ads

Get in front of the right audience. As a Google Premier Partner, our team offers unique insight into optimizing your digital awareness strategy.

Social Media Marketing

+

Social Media Marketing

Earn your audience’s attention with an elevated online presence. We use social media to tell your story, connect with your audience, promote engagement, & build loyalty.

Email Marketing

+

Email Marketing

Promote your offerings & stay top of mind with targeted content & unparalleled design. Our email experts send impactful content directly to your patient’s inboxes.

Search Engine Optimization

+

Search Engine Optimization

You show up for your patients every day—you should show up in search results too. Our adaptive SEO specialists help increase your visibility with the right audience.

Website Development & Strategy

+

Website Development & Strategy

Let’s turn visits to your website into visits to your practice. We’ll work with you to build a customized plan that represents your unique practice & helps you achieve your goals.

We can help with everything from brand refinements & logo designs to all-in-one brand packages for multi-practice organizations.

let us show you how

Get in front of the right audience. As a Google Premier Partner, our team offers unique insight into optimizing your digital awareness strategy.

let us show you how

Earn your audience’s attention with an elevated online presence. We use social media to tell your story, connect with your audience, promote engagement, & build loyalty.

let us show you how

Promote your offerings & stay top of mind with targeted content & unparalleled design. Our email experts send impactful content directly to your patient’s inboxes.

let us show you how

You show up for your patients every day—you should show up in search results too. Our adaptive SEO specialists help increase your visibility with the right audience.

let us show you how

Let’s turn visits to your website into visits to your practice. We’ll work with you to build a customized plan that represents your unique practice & helps you achieve your goals.

let us show you how

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax