Let’s face it. Google runs the world. It’s accessible from any device connected to the internet, and these days, we all have either a tablet or phone within arm’s reach 24/7. Google also is the bread and butter of online reviews. You can cherry-pick patient reviews to highlight on your website, but patients are more interested in authentic reviews like what you get on Google. People rely on Google reviews for just about everything business-related these days. From choosing restaurants, local repair technicians, or even vacations, so naturally, they even use it to find the best dentist in town. If you’ve been a practicing dentist for decades, you probably remember (and maybe even miss) the days when sweet patients told all of their church buddies, soccer mom crew, or co-workers about how great of a dentist you are and recommended your practice. While word of mouth still has a lot of weight in gaining new patients, it only gets you so far. So, today on the blog, our dental practice consultants share how to get your patients to leave Google reviews before leaving their appointment.
Asking for patients to leave you reviews seems to be a challenging task for many dental practice professionals. Many dentists tell us that they just simply don’t like asking for anything in return, like a review, from their patients. But in actuality, patients that love your practice actually do want to share that good news with others and may even have the intention of leaving you an online review, but unfortunately, they never get around to doing it. Now, you can make it easy for your patients to leave you a review while they’re still in your practice because the chance of them remembering to put in a good word about you online drops significantly the moment they walk out of your doors.
Many dental practices already utilize an automated texting software or email system that sends notifications to their patients. You should take advantage of these communication methods by sending a direct link to your Google business page for patients to immediately click and leave a review. It’s been ages since we’ve come across someone without a smartphone. So, whether you send a text or an email, most patients should have the capabilities to click right on your link while in your office to leave their review.
Incorporate this step as part of the patient’s check-out process. It doesn’t have to feel awkward. Instead, make it as customary as scheduling their next appointment. Most front office staff make small talk with patients during the check-in and out process. Have them ask the patient how their visit was, and usually just asking one simple question opens the door to much more information that you didn’t even ask for! This is actually a good thing because the office assistant can respond by saying, “We are so glad to hear about your wonderful experience today. Could you help us extend that same great service to others by leaving us a review online? I can send you the link now, and it only takes a few seconds. We would appreciate it more than you know!” The front desk employee could also offer assistance in accessing the link if the patient seems timid about the process.
Make the process of asking for Google reviews unique to you and your practice. You don’t necessarily have to use that exact verbiage, but the idea is to take a temperature check to see how their visit was and then let them know how much you’d appreciate it if they shared their experience online. Remember to let them know how simple and easy it is and be willing to help them if they require technical assistance. Last, be sure to thank them once they submit their review. If for some reason the patient is in a hurry or says that they don’t have time, then you could still offer to send them the link, let them know that you value their time and that they could submit the review at their convenience. There’s a good chance they might forget, but you definitely don’t want to pressure patients to submit reviews or make them feel rushed or late to their next engagement. That might not garner the supportive review you’re hoping for!
Dental Practice Consultants
Asking for online reviews is one of the best ways to market your practice. Don’t complicate it. Keep it simple. Just ask! It will only be as awkward as you let it. So, ask the question confidently, without any sense of embarrassment. If you’d like to learn more dental practice marketing tips or how our consultants can help you grow your practice, contact Bryant Consultants today by calling (877) 768-4799. Are you on social? We are too! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for our latest updates.
