Orthotown October 2023 - 56

" family " into various aspects of
your practice. Clearly defi ne your
family care program, including
discounts for siblings and parents
of active patients, free consultations
and extended payment
plans. Promote this program
through brochures, your website,
email marketing and social
media. Emphasize the convenience
and care your practice
extends to entire families. Most
practices have a discount program
but never promote it. Make
sure your community knows how
family-focused your practice is.
3. Write thoughtful, handwritten
notes. In today's digital age,
handwritten notes hold a unique
charm. A heartfelt message sent
via mail has a lasting impact and
prompts referrals by keeping your
practice top of mind. Unlike emails
or texts, handwritten notes resonate
deeply with recipients. Th ey
often fi nd a place on the fridge
or countertop, acting as a visual
reminder of their positive experience.
Th is tangible connection can
spark conversations and referrals
when friends and family visit.
Revolutionizing referrals through
positive online reviews
While the strategies above are essential,
modern orthodontic practices can
harness the power of online reviews
to supercharge their referral engine.
A potent approach is to send personalized
emails to patients who leave
fi ve-star reviews on platforms such as
Google or Yelp. Express genuine gratitude
for their positive feedback and
ask if they would consider referring
their friends or family for orthodontic
treatment.
An example email:
Hello, [Patient's Name],
I wanted to personally reach out
and express my heartfelt gratitude
for your fantastic review of your
recent orthodontic treatment at
[Orthodontic Practice Name]. Your
kind words truly make our day!
Your positive feedback is a
driving force behind our dedication
to delivering top-notch experiences.
We're so appreciative of your trust
in [Orthodontic Practice Name].
Exciting news! We've launched
a Patient Referral Program as a
way to say thank you. If you know
anyone who could benefi t from
our services, please refer them
our way. In return, you'll receive
[special incentive]. Interested? Let's
chat-I'd love to share the details.
Your recommendation holds
immense value, and we promise the
same exceptional care to anyone
you refer.
Th ank you again for your review
and for being an amazing advocate
for [Orthodontic Practice Name].
We look forward to the chance to
bring more smiles through your
referrals.
To execute this strategy eff ectively,
craft personalized emails that convey
gratitude and genuine interest. Ensure
the language is warm, relatable and
sincere. Mention the positive impact
their review has on others seeking
quality orthodontic care. Stress the
role referrals play in expanding your
practice's reach and helping more individuals
achieve healthy smiles.
OCTOBER 2023 | 56 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
Casey Bull, the global director of
content and community at The Invisible
Orthodontist (TIO), drives TIO's eff orts
to provide member practices with
marketing and business management
expertise. Bull began her career in the
orthodontic industry in 2014 working for
Dr. Alexander Waldman in Beverly Hills,
where she developed a range of practice
management processes encompassing
tracking and reporting, management
systems and templates, treatment plans,
marketing programs and more.
Conclusion
Th e foundation of an eff ective
patient-referral strategy lies in maintaining
a balance between referral
sources while consistently delivering
exceptional customer service. Family
discounts serve as a potent incentive,
and handwritten notes provide a tangible
reminder of positive experiences.
Th e modern twist to this approach
involves harnessing the power of
online reviews: Expressing gratitude
to satisfi ed patients who leave glowing
reviews and gently encouraging them
to refer friends and family can amplify
your referral network.
Patient referrals are the lifeblood of
any thriving orthodontic practice. By
combining time-tested strategies with
innovative approaches such as leveraging
online reviews, you can foster a
community of loyal patient advocates
who drive sustained growth. A strategic
focus on delivering exceptional
care, personalized interactions and
genuine gratitude can set your practice
on a trajectory of success built on
the power of referrals. OT
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Orthotown October 2023

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