Are Patients Shopping For Their Dentist As They Would For A Commodity?
Article for Dentists. How patients choose a dentist ? How online presence is important for dental practices.
Are Patients shopping for their Dentist as they would for a commodity?
In today’s world your new patients are shopping, yes rightly said they are shopping for their Dentist. They are going through a buying process which is a combination of psychological, financial and a personal experience. Let’s breakdown the process into detail and see how in today’ world your new patient is shopping for you.
First and foremost people change Dentist’s &why?
Moved into a new area (17.84% of the population move every year)
Quality of care, clinical and office visit experience (Perceived 3% of your existing patient base )
Convenience (Office timings, driving distance, parking availability, access for the challenged etc.)
Health Exchange and Insurance change(30% of the population in 2014 changed and 42% are expected to change in 2015)
What it means?
~20% of patients is lost every year
Your sustenance goals costs you 5% of your collection in advertisements
Your growth goals costs you 4% for every 10% aspired
Where are they shopping? (Data is based on a research new patient pool)
Online and Search Engines - 70% of all new patients
Insurance member portals - 28% of all new patients
Google, Bing and FB reviews - 70% of all new patients
Groupon & Amazon Local - 12% of all new patients
Your website - 82% of all new patients
Your social presence - 67% of all new patients
Traditional word of mouth - 27% of all new patients
Coupon and mail - 23% of all new patients
Friends, Families & Neighbors - 48% of all new patients
How are they shopping?
Online Search:Just like you would search for a nice hotel, nail salon, or a gym.
Insurance Portals: Indicative cost of procedures, distance and office timings.
Google, Bing & FB reviews: Patient reviews, SEO, Ad words and FB likes &impressions.
Groupon & Amazon Local: All zip codes have a minimum of 12 Dentists offering coupons
Website & Social Presence: This is your virtual practice, patients evaluate their experience
Word of mouth: People talk to their neighbors, friends and families but through digital mediums too
Coupon and mail: Everybody likes a bit of saving, it’s a win to start with.
DO YOU AGREE?
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