words of wonder

6 Guerilla Dental Marketing Strategies You Should Try

We’re all about digital marketing at Wonderist Agency, but sometimes some old fashioned marketing can really help a business out.

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We’re all about digital dental marketing at Wonderist Agency, but sometimes some old fashioned marketing can really help a business out. Pounding the pavement and getting out in your community can make a big impact. Word of mouth is the most powerful tool (and cheapest!) for growing your business! Here are some dental marketing ideas you can try:

Strategy #1: Drop Off Business Cards at Local Businesses

Get some referral cards or business cards printed. Pop into a local store and be conversational. The point is to take your time and get to know people. Depending on the situation, you can say something like, “I’m new to town, I’m looking to meet some more of the community and support local business.” Once the initial banter is set, ask them if you can leave some business cards there. “I know it’s a bit of an ask, but I’d love it if I could leave a stack of referral cards here. Write your name and email on the back and if you send someone our way, we’ll show you a little love”. You can later follow through with a small gift like a gift card to a coffee shop. Or ask them who their dentist in town is and let them know you’re seeing new patients. If you have additional selling points, mention those – perhaps the office is updated or you have great new technology and have fair prices. As you’re wrapping it up, ask them if they want to leave a stack of cards in your office and tell them you’d love it if they stopped by to say hi and check out the place whenever so you can show them around. The most important part is that you get their name and email. Then, when you walk back to the car, bring a notepad and take notes on the details of the conversation. Remember something about everyone and follow up with an email in a day or two to say “thanks, nice to meet you” and extend a new patient offer and welcome them to stop by and say hi to check out the office.

Strategy #2: Drop Off Business Cards at Apartment Communities

This is the easiest one on the list folks! Just moved to town = needs a dentist. If you notice any new housing going up in your neighborhood, take note. Call up the leasing office or the HOA president and ask if you can leave some new patient special cards or toothbrush packets for new residents.

Strategy #3: Attend Community Events & Health Fairs

Another great way to show yourself and your practice off. You’ll meet neighbors/professionals in a relaxed, fun environment. Check out your city’s website or the local Chamber of Commerce’s website to see what events are coming up. Let us know and we can do the legwork for you! We’ll research local businesses and reach out to them to have your practice included in their next health fair or farmer’s market. Then put up a booth and get to socializing. To make conversation flow more easily you can set up games, like tooth cornhole pictured below, or hold a raffle. You can give away tickets to a local event or even a discounted or free procedure, such as whitening. This will get someone new into your practice! For both of these types of events, bring a copy of your schedule or a computer/iPad so you can make appointments right there on the spot.

Strategy #4: Volunteer Events

Do something great for your business while giving back to the community. You can volunteer at an existing event or hold your own. Dentistry From The Heart is a great place to start because they make it easy to have your own event. We will be with you every step of the way. We’ll help order banners, T-shirts, etc. We’ll write a press release and send it out to local TV stations, magazines, and newspapers. Your current patients will feel a sense of pride that their dentist gives back to the community.

Strategy #5: YARD SIGNS

Yard signs are a simple and cost effective way to increase visibility. They are very helpful if your practice is not easily visible from the street. Before you post up your sign make sure you get it approved with the property management team if needed.