Today more than ever, people are turning to search engines such as Google, along with other trustworthy review sources to find everything from local restaurants and florists to hair stylists and auto repair shops. The internet is the new phone book, and that means even a person’s choice of a dentist or dental sleep medicine specialist is highly influenced by where your practice ranks on search engines and what other patients are saying about your practice.
While you can’t prevent patients from reviewing your practice, you can increase the number of positive reviews you acquire through proper online reputation management.
Patients use reviews
By the time a patient begins looking at reviews online, they have already decided they need or want a service related to your practice. From looking at reviews, patients are attempting to see if your practice will fit into what they are in search of.
According to a survey conducted by BrightLocal, about 85% of consumers report reading online reviews. But how many do they read before making a decision? Well, the survey also pointed out that about 67% of consumers will read six reviews or less before forming an opinion and making a decision.
And in another survey, about 90% said they made a decision based on good reviews, while 85% made their decision based on negative reviews. So, while you might think positive reviews are the deciding factor, think again. For this reason it is important to respond to negative reviews offline to provide a better experience for that patient.
Start asking patients for reviews
If you haven’t begun to ask your patients to review your practice, what is holding you back? All you need to do is ask your patients. It is important to get your front desk staff on the same page with what they are saying to patients as they check out.
Try asking your staff to share a review card or directing patients to the right area for finding further information about your practice. By asking your patients for reviews, you are generating loyalty, which not only looks good for potential patients, it helps keep patients too.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and begin your online reputation management to further advance your reach for your dental sleep medicine and craniofacial pain practice.
