It's common to experience challenges when starting a new dental practice, especially in attracting new patients. The initial frustration with slow marketing results can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that building a patient base often takes time. You might find that refining your approach and exploring different marketing avenues can gradually improve your situation. Patience and persistence are crucial as you continue to develop your practice and connect with potential patients.

In this episode, Benjamin Suggs addresses common problems faced by startup dentists. He shares the story of a dentist in Maryland who is experiencing a lack of online traffic and patient bookings despite spending $12,000 on a website and SEO package from a well-known marketing company. However, the company failed to implement critical tactics like running Google ads that could have driven immediate results. Benjamin asks - how can you expect to succeed in those crucial first months without a strategy to get patients in the door right away?

He also highlights the importance of paid digital advertising over solely relying on organic search engine optimization for new practices.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
0:46 Are SEO and ads both needed for dental startups?
1:16 Importance of running Google ads specifically for dental startups
1:37Common issues with dental marketing
3:09 What are the differences between SEO and paid ads?
06:01 Differences between organic SEO and PPC ads
10:03 Should other platforms beyond Google also be used to advertise?

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

CONNECT WITH US

Learn more about improving dental practice marketing on Flow.

Benjamin Suggs on LinkedIn

Client Spotlight: Dentistry in Redfern Website and Google Business Profile

For 12+ years, Flow New Patient Marketing has had a simple mission… to bring you as many quality new patients as possible. We believe in ensuring that when a potential patient needs a provider, you are the one they find, choose, and set an appointment with. We Get You More *Profitable* New Patients!

• No long-term contracts.
• We are a family-owned, husband-and-wife team.
• Our clients average an 8X return on investment.
• 5-star reviewed.

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Google Business Profile

As ChatGPT diverts traffic away from dental websites, how will Google's new AI overview further challenge dental practices' search visibility? Google's shift towards prioritizing ads over organic search results in its AI overview means dental marketers must ask - will traditional SEO strategies still drive new patients, or will a laser focus on local SEO and Google ads become the new priority? With over 70% of Google's revenue from ads, and its moves to stuff search results with more ads, how can dental practices ensure they aren't left out in the cold as Google protects this revenue at the expense of organic search rankings?

In this episode, Benjamin Suggs highlights several significant shifts in the digital landscape, particularly affecting dental marketing. Google's new AI overview feature now appears above organic search results, providing users with an expanded, immediate summary. This change mirrors the way ChatGPT has diverted traffic from dental websites by answering user queries directly, thus reducing the visibility of these practices in search results.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

0:05 - Google's new AI overview feature

1:30 - Chatbot diversion from dental websites

4:14 - Testing AI in search results

5:14 - Official rollout

6:29 - New search results layout with AI overview

7:55 - Ad revenue protection: impact on organic results

9:49 - Testing ads in AI overview section

11:09 - Focus on local SEO and ads for dental practices

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

CONNECT WITH US

Learn more about improving dental practice marketing on Flow.

Benjamin Suggs on LinkedIn

Client Spotlight: Rivermont Dental Website and Google Business Profile

For 12+ years, Flow New Patient Marketing has had a simple mission… to bring you as many quality new patients as possible. We believe in ensuring that when a potential patient needs a provider, you are the one they find, choose, and set an appointment with. We Get You More *Profitable* New Patients!

• No long-term contracts.
• We are a family-owned, husband-and-wife team.
• Our clients average an 8X return on investment.
• 5-star reviewed.

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Google Business Profile

Based on statistics, dental practices miss a lot of potential new patients. You might scratch your head If you are one of those who miss their chance to get patients from calls. But with the right training, you could book 10 extra patients each month. By focusing on enthusiasm, understanding others' perspectives, sharing helpful information, and empowering choices, your practice can develop trust with community members and better serve their oral health needs.

In this episode, Benjamin Suggs discussed strategies for enhancing new patient phone call handling and conversion rates in dental practices. He emphasized the 3Es: the enthusiasm of the front desk staff, empathy, education, and empowerment to close appointments.

Benjamin Suggs also highlights the potential benefits of aligning marketing messaging and offering appointment times during calls. This can lead to a significant increase in conversion rates and a higher return on investment from your marketing efforts, giving you a reason to be optimistic about the future of your practice.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
1:06 Statistics About Call Handling
6:44 Have The Right Mindset
9:40 Empathy
12:08 Educating The Caller
16:16 Empowerment
19:04 Never Disagree With Somebody On The Phone
20:27 Law Of Reciprocation
23:09 Never End A Call Without Offering Appointment Time

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

Learn more about improving dental practice marketing on Flow.

Benjamin Suggs on LinkedIn

Client Spotlight: MHR Orthodontics Website and Google Business Profile

For 12+ years, Flow New Patient Marketing has had a simple mission… to bring you as many quality new patients as possible. We believe in ensuring that when a potential patient needs a provider, you are the one they find, choose, and set an appointment with. We Get You More *Profitable* New Patients!

• No long-term contracts.
• We are a family-owned, husband-and-wife team.
• Our clients average an 8X return on investment.
• 5-star reviewed.

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Google Business Profile