4 Ways to Generate a Wave of Positive Online Reviews for Your Dental Practice

Positive online reviews can have a huge impact on whether customers choose your dental practice. Find out how you can generate and use online feedback.

Online reviews are the new word-of-mouth. According to a recent survey, a whopping 93% of consumers read online reviews that had an impact their buying decision . For dental practices, this translates to potential patients researching your services, staff and overall experience before booking an appointment.

Positive reviews not only build trust and credibility, but they also significantly impact your search engine ranking. Studies show that businesses with higher review volumes and star ratings tend to rank higher in local searches. Think of it as a digital thumbs-up that tells search engines (and potential patients) you're a dentist worth visiting.

So, how do you encourage a steady stream of glowing reviews for your practice? Here are four effective strategies to get you started:

1. Make the Review Process Easy and Accessible

Imagine a patient leaving your office feeling fantastic after a successful appointment. They're eager to share their positive experience, but then get bogged down trying to find where to leave a review. Don't let this be the case! Here's how to streamline the process:

Create a dedicated review page on your website: Make it easy for patients to find a page outlining the importance of reviews to your practice and providing links to popular review platforms like Google My Business, Yelp and Facebook.
Provide a custom review link: Shorten the distance between intention and action by creating a custom review link for your Google My Business profile. Tools like Google Shortener can help you create a user-friendly URL that takes patients directly to your review section. You can even include this link in your email signature or print it on appointment reminder cards.
Send automated post-appointment review requests: Leverage your dental practice management software to send automated emails or text messages shortly after a patient's visit. These messages can politely request feedback and include a direct link to the review platform of your choice.

2. Identify Your "Review Champions" and Ask Strategically

Not all patients are created equal when it comes to leaving reviews. Identify your most satisfied patients, the ones who consistently express appreciation for your services. These are your "review champions," and a well-timed review request from you can go a long way.

Target happy patients after successful procedures: Following a pain-free root canal or a flawless set of veneers, a patient is likely to be feeling particularly positive. This is a good time to politely request a review, either verbally after the appointment or through a follow-up email highlighting the successful outcome.
Train your front desk staff to identify potential reviewers: Empower your front desk team to recognize patients who seem especially happy with their experience. A simple question like, "Would you be willing to share your positive experience with others by leaving a review online?" can be a great conversation starter.
Offer incentives (with caution): While offering discounts or rewards for leaving reviews can be tempting, be aware of platform guidelines. Some review sites like Google My Business strictly prohibit incentivized reviews. Instead, consider focusing on the intrinsic value of a positive review in helping others find a great dentist.

3. Deliver an Unforgettable Patient Experience

Positive reviews are a byproduct of exceptional service. Make sure every touchpoint in your patient journey fosters a positive and memorable experience:

Prioritize patient comfort: Create a welcoming and relaxing environment in your waiting room. Offer amenities like water, coffee and Wi-Fi. Consider offering headphones or calming music to help patients manage any anxiety.
Emphasize clear communication: Ensure clear communication with patients throughout their experience. Explain procedures thoroughly, answer questions patiently and provide detailed post-procedure instructions.
Invest in a friendly and helpful staff: Train your staff to be courteous, empathetic, and efficient. A positive interaction with a hygienist or receptionist can go a long way in shaping a patient's overall impression.

4. Respond to All Reviews, Positive and Negative

Taking the time to respond to reviews shows patients you value their feedback, both positive and negative.

Celebrate positive reviews: Thank patients for their kind words and highlight the aspects of your practice they appreciated.
Address negative reviews professionally: Don't shy away from negative reviews. Respond promptly, acknowledge the patient's concerns and express a willingness to discuss the issue further offline. This demonstrates your commitment to resolving issues and continuously improving your services.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these 4 strategies, you can cultivate a steady stream of positive online reviews, build trust with potential patients and ultimately attract more people to your dental practice.

Want to make sure you’re choosing the most effective review marketing strategy for your dental practice? You can check out RevLocal’s review marketing services for dental practices or reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our digital marketing experts.