The best orthodontist marketing ideas to get an extra boost!

✔️ Technically Reviewed And Approved By Nomadic Team

Written By Jason Donegan, a seasoned and published writer on several websites. For many years Jason was also a radio producer and researcher, and it's this "leave no stone unturned" methodology that Jason now brings to all his writing - believing that deep analysis is key to a strong article. When he's not brushing up on the latest Digital Marketing news or feeding his entrepreneurial side, Jason loves to solo travel, geek out on SEO trends and get some exercise in with long walks

August 17, 2023

Are you struggling to find the perfect way to market your orthodontic practice? Picture a world where patients are lining up at your door, all thanks to some innovative and effective marketing strategies.

From crafting engaging social media posts to optimizing your website for search engines, the right marketing ideas can transform your dental practice. Whether you’re looking to enhance your online presence or create high-quality videos that resonate with potential patients, we’ve got you covered. Dental professionals, orthodontic consultants, and healthcare providers alike can benefit from these insights.

Let’s dive in.

Marketing ideas for orthodontists

Let’s begin our journey with orthodontic marketing. From traditional advertising to the latest digital strategies, there’s a whole lot to explore.

Orthodontic Advertising Ideas

Here’s how you can make your orthodontic practice stand out online:

  • Patients’ Feedback: Encourage satisfied patients to share their positive experiences on your website. Authentic feedback or even testimonials can build trust and attract new patients.
  • Create Engaging Videos: Produce short, informative videos that explain common orthodontic procedures. Share them on platforms like YouTube to reach a broader audience.

A great example of this is the hugely popular Dentalk channel on YouTube – with over a million subscribers.

Although Dentalk offers great advice, its ultimate marketing goal is to turn some of these viewers into patients at its Spanish clinic.

  • Offer Virtual Consultations: Provide potential patients with the option to schedule virtual consultations. This convenient service can set you apart from competitors.
  • Traditional Methods: Flyers, billboards, and local newspapers can still be somewhat effective – but it’s probably best to use them as a supporting method to your online strategies.

By focusing on education, convenience, and authenticity, you can create a compelling online presence that resonates with your target audience.

Orthodontic social media marketing

Social media marketing is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful tool that can help orthodontists reach new heights, build a brand and connect with their audience. Having a comprehensive social media strategy that encompasses the different platforms available will be the best way to reach your target audience.

What should you focus on?

  • Understanding Your Audience: Know who you’re targeting and what they want to see.
  • Choosing the Right Platforms: Not all social media channels are created equal. Find where your audience spends their time.
  • Engaging Content Strategy: Plan a content strategy that resonates with your audience without focusing on specific posts.
  • Monitoring and Analytics: Keep track of what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Offer orthodontic promotions

Orthodontic offices are always on the lookout for innovative ways to attract prospective patients. Consider these orthodontic marketing ideas:

  • Referral Discounts: Encourage current patients to refer friends with incentives, as seen here:

(source 1)

  • Seasonal Specials: Dental practices can create a buzz with limited-time offers during holidays, back-to-school seasons, or student specials.

(Source 2)

 

  • Caption Contests: Engage your audience with fun contests on social media. This is a great way to drive engagement and show that your practice has a lighter side.

(Source 3)

 

These strategies are part of a comprehensive orthodontic marketing strategy that not only attracts new patients but also encourages a sense of community.

Dental and orthodontic website content

Creating a compelling website for dental and orthodontic practices is also a vital part of attracting potential patients. If you’re building your website from scratch or are planning to optimize the one you already have, there are certain must-have elements you need: it’s crucial to make sure it is responsive, has a great and engaging design, properly presents all your services, introduces your team, and much more.

What exactly should you include to make your site stand out?

  • Engaging Imagery: High-quality photos of your orthodontic office and satisfied patients can create a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Informative Content: Include blog articles that educate about orthodontic care, oral hygiene, and the types of content that resonate with your target demographic.
  • User-Friendly Design: Ensure your site is accessible on mobile devices, and consider adding an online booking system for convenience.

These elements not only enhance your online presence but also reflect the quality of care you provide.

Pro tip: If you add SEO to the content of your website it will help boost your online presence and position your site among the top results in Google. In order for this to happen, however, you’ll need a solid SEO strategy.

Creating an orthodontics marketing strategy

Crafting an effective orthodontics marketing strategy is a lot like aligning teeth – targeted precision is key for both.

Let’s delve into the details.

Orthodontic Social Media Posts

What types of posts can truly make your practice shine?

  • Educational Content: Share short-form Tik Tok, Facebook, or Instagram videos or even Linkedin blog posts about oral health, orthodontic care, and the latest treatments. Engage your audience with valuable insights.
  • Patient Testimonials: Highlight positive patient reviews and video testimonials to build trust and showcase your quality of care.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Peek: Offer sneak peek videos into your orthodontist office culture, team activities, or even a fun day at the practice.

These specific strategies not only enhance your social media presence but also reflect your commitment to patient engagement and satisfaction.

Orthodontic ads

Orthodontic advertising is more than just a catchy slogan—it’s about connecting with potential patients on a personal level.

Knowing your audience is crucial, and tools like Google Analytics can help you identify specific demographics, such as families with children needing braces or adults seeking alignment corrections.

  • Choose the Right Platforms for Orthodontics: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are popular for orthodontic advertising because of how visually friendly they are. Research the platforms that resonate with your target audience.

We believe Facebook’s demographics are a good place to start, as the platform is aging up every year.

(Source 4)

 

  • Craft Engaging Orthodontic Copy: Once you select the advertising platform that best suits your needs, make sure to speak to potential orthodontic patients with compelling language. Share success stories, before-and-after photos, or educational content about orthodontic care.
  • Utilize Analytics Tools: Tools like Meta’s Business Suite can help you understand your audience’s behavior and preferences, guiding your advertising strategy.
  • Be an active member of Dental Facebook groups: Using your company’s Facebook profile you can start answering questions in large groups like this:

Look into PPC advertising: another great way to reach your target audience is through PPC ads, which allow you to precisely target a specific group or area, precisely promote your desired services and position yourself in Google. Our guide to creating a dental PPC strategy offers insights tailored to dental professionals.

SEO for Orthodontists

Navigating the world of SEO for orthodontists is like piecing together a puzzle—each component must fit precisely to create a clear picture of your practice online and guarantee the best results.

Here’s how to assemble an SEO strategy that puts your orthodontic practice front and center:

1 – Keyword Research and Optimization:

Utilize tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to find specific terms related to orthodontic services. Then, incorporate the keywords into your site. Embed these keywords into your homepage, service pages, and blog posts, ensuring they appear in title tags, meta descriptions, and headings. This is also one of the ways in which you can implement your SEO strategy when building or optimizing your website.

2 – Service Pages Creation:

Develop specific pages for your services. Create individual pages for each service you offer, such as traditional braces, clear aligners, or early orthodontic treatment. Then, write engaging descriptions on each one. Detail the process, benefits, and cost of each service, using targeted keywords in a way that seems natural.

3 – Quality Backlinks Building:

A good strategy is to collaborate with dental blogs. Write guest posts for reputable and authoritative dental sites that will then link back to your orthodontic services. However, keep in mind that although this service is definitely advantageous it can also be time-consuming and in some cases could be costly.

You can also engage in community health fairs. Participating in local health events can help you directly meet some of your colleagues as well as potential new leads, then encourage local media to link to your site in their coverage.

4 – Monitor Performance:

Utilize Google Analytics to regularly check your site’s performance, track metrics like organic traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate. This can also be a time-consuming task but it is the best way to gain some crucial information about whether or not your efforts are paying off.

Respond to Patient Online Reviews. Engage with both positive and negative reviews on platforms like Google My Business, that way you will influence your search rankings positively and boost your online reputation.

5 – Content Marketing Strategies:

Create Educational Blog Posts. Write specific posts answering common orthodontic questions, such as “What’s the difference between braces and Invisalign?” or “How to care for braces?” This will help you to connect with your audience and find potential leads that are organically searching for services or information you can provide.

Then, promote them through your social media channels. Share these posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, using relevant hashtags like #OrthodonticCare or #BracesJourney.

By meticulously crafting each aspect of your SEO strategy, you can create a robust online presence that reflects the precision and care you put into every patient’s smile. The right SEO strategy can help your orthodontic practice stand out in the crowded digital landscape, attracting more patients to your practice. To ensure it is covering all the possible bases and staying within certain strict online guidelines, hiring professional help could be very helpful and save you a considerable amount of time.

Local SEO for Orthodontists

Local SEO is the digital handshake that introduces your orthodontic practice to your neighbors. It’s not just about being visible online, it’s about being the go-to orthodontist in your community.

Here’s how you can make that happen:

Local SEO Keyword Optimization:

  • Research and Incorporate Local Keywords into Your Website: Research and then embed local keywords into your homepage, service pages, meta descriptions, and headings. For example, if you offer clear aligners in Chicago, use phrases like “Chicago’s top Invisalign provider” in your content. Better yet, name the specific area you service to become relevant within your immediate community, such as “Streeterville’s Orthodontist” or “Chicagoland’s emergency dentist”.  This strategy helps search engines recognize your relevance to local searches.
  • Create Location-Specific Service Pages: If your orthodontic practice serves multiple locations, create individual pages for each area, using targeted local keywords. For instance, have separate pages for “Orthodontic Services in Manhattan” and “Orthodontic Services in Brooklyn,” each optimized with relevant local keywords. It’s like having a personalized online welcome mat for each neighborhood.
  • Research and Utilize Local Keywords in Content Marketing: Write blog posts and social media updates using local keywords. For example, create a blog post titled “How to Choose an Orthodontist in [City Name]” to engage with local readers seeking guidance.

Optimize Your Google My Business Profile:

Ensure that your Google My Business listing is claimed, verified, and filled with accurate information, including your practice’s name, address, phone number, and website. This is a cornerstone of your local online presence.

Dental and Orthodontic Website SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Optimizing a dental and orthodontic website is a meticulous yet very necessary process. It entails:

1 – Making Sure Google Can Easily Crawl and Index Your Site.

  • Ensuring that Google can easily crawl and index your orthodontic site is vital for your online visibility.
  • Implementing a clean URL structure, using descriptive alt tags for images, and creating a comprehensive XML sitemap can guide search engines through your site’s content.
  • These practices not only make your site more accessible to Google’s bots but also enhance the user experience, helping potential patients find the information they need about your orthodontic services.

2 – Implementing User Experience (UX) Design.

  • Create an intuitive navigation structure that guides patients to essential information like treatment options, staff bios, and appointment scheduling.
  • Use high-quality images of orthodontic procedures and a color scheme that reflects a clean and professional environment.

3 –  Showcasing Patient Testimonials.

Dedicate a section to highlight patient success stories, complete with before-and-after photos, video testimonials, and quotes. This builds trust and showcases the real-life impact of your orthodontic treatments.

4 – Quality Content Creation.

Develop engaging content that explains orthodontic procedures like palate expanders or retainers, using targeted keywords naturally. Make sure to do it in an easy way that’s digestible to non-Orthodontics.

5 – Prioritizing Mobile-Friendly Design. 

Ensure that your site’s layout is responsive and fast to provide a seamless experience for potential patients on smartphones and other devices.

6 – Using High-Quality Images.

Include clear photos of your team, office, and patient success stories, optimizing them with relevant alt tags.

7 – Highlighting Team Members.

Post profiles and pictures of your dental staff, showcasing their credentials and expertise.


💡Our final pro tip:

8 – Emphasizing EAT Signals.

By displaying qualifications and professional affiliations, you send Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EAT) signals to Google, this is a must-do for medical niches like dental care.

We cannot emphasize this last part enough. As an orthodontist your practice’s website will come under Google’s Your Money Your Life (YMYL) rules.

These are guidelines that are far stricter than non-YMYL content and sites – so make sure you’re familiar with and follow them on your company’s website.

Looking for an Orthodontist Marketing Company?

With the right online marketing strategies, your dental business can connect with patients in ways that resonate. At Nomadic Advertising, we understand the nuances of crafting a marketing campaign tailored to orthodontists. From SEO to engaging content, we’ll help you navigate the digital landscape with an entirely customized strategy to meet your specific goals, reach your immediate audience, and boost your online presence.

Ready to elevate your practice? Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your orthodontist marketing needs, and let’s create a strategy that smiles back at you.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Orthodontic Advertising: Utilize videos, testimonials, and virtual consultations.
  • Orthodontic Social Media Marketing: Target the right audience and platforms, and monitor engagement.
  • Orthodontic Promotions: Offer referral discounts, seasonal specials, and contests.
  • Website Essentials for Orthodontics: Include engaging imagery, informative content, and user-friendly design.
  • Local SEO for Orthodontics: Optimize with local keywords and Google My Business profile.
  • Dental Website SEO: Focus on UX design, patient testimonials, mobile-friendly layout, and EAT signals.

 

 

 

Sources:

1 – https://www.diamondbraces.com/refer-a-friend/

2 – https://www.altimadental.com/special-offers/

3 – https://www.facebook.com/MoosoOrthodontics

4 – https://www.statista.com/statistics/187549/facebook-distribution-of-users-age-group-usa/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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