In today’s world, online reviews can make or break any business, and your dental practice is no exception. Potential patients no longer rely solely on word-of-mouth recommendations from family and friends. Instead, they turn to online platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook to assess a practice before ever picking up the phone to book an appointment. As a result, the impact of patient reviews on your dental practice’s reputation can be significant.
Why Do Patient Reviews Matter?
The impact of patient reviews on your dental practice’s reputation cannot be overstated. Why do they matter so much?
1. First Impressions Matter
For many prospective patients, online reviews make up the first impression they get of your dental practice. A strong variety of positive reviews can build credibility and encourage new patients to schedule an appointment. On the other hand, negative reviews, especially ones that are not replied to, can push potential patients to your competitors.
2. SEO and Online Visibility
Search engines prioritize businesses with high engagement, and reviews play a role in their internal ranking system. The impact of patient reviews on your dental practice’s reputation includes how easy it is for potential patients to find you online. More positive reviews can boost your visibility in search results, making it easier for patients to find your practice.
3. Trust and Credibility
Patients trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. In fact, 54% of consumers look to them first. If your practice consistently receives positive feedback, potential patients are more likely to trust your expertise and care.
4. Constructive Feedback for Improvement
Negative reviews, while sometimes discouraging, can provide your team with valuable insights into areas where your practice can improve. Addressing patient concerns and making changes is one way to positively harness the impact of patient reviews on your dental practice’s reputation.
How Can You Encourage Patients to Leave Positive Reviews?
Because the impact of patient reviews on your dental practice’s reputation can be so substantial, it’s important to proactively encourage satisfied patients to leave feedback. By encouraging your satisfied patients to leave positive reviews, you can also even out negative reviews, as unhappy patients are normally more likely to leave a review than happy ones. How can you increase your review count?
1. Ask for Reviews at the Right Time
The best time to request a review is immediately after a positive patient experience. If a patient expresses satisfaction after their appointment, politely ask them to share their thoughts online. Some dentists even have a tablet available at the front desk so that patients can leave reviews before leaving the office.
2. Make It Easy for Patients to Leave Reviews
Provide patients with direct links to review platforms via text messages, emails, or on your website. The easier the process is, the more likely patients are to leave a review.
3. Use Automated Review Requests
Many dental practice management systems allow for automated follow-up messages that encourage patients to leave a review. This can significantly increase your review volume over time and get the happy patients you’ve seen for many years to leave you reviews.
4. Showcase Reviews on Your Website and Social Media
Highlighting positive feedback on your website and social media platforms reinforces the impact of patient reviews on your dental practice’s reputation by showing that you appreciate patient feedback.
Keep Your Patients Happy with APEX Reimbursement Specialists
If you are ready to upgrade your patient experience this year, APEX Reimbursement Specialists is here to help. Contact our team today by calling (410) 710-6005. We look forward to working with you to make your practice a more profitable place.