3 Simple Ways To Increase Your Online Reviews

Most dental offices identify the importance of positive online reviews... but how do you motivate your patients to take time out of their busy lives to write about how great you are?

The advice I hear from most experts on getting more reviews is to ask for them. I don't disagree with this tactic but it does require a little more thought and guidance. You probably have some team members who are comfortable asking for the reviews and can make the "ask" seem genuine and not weird... I am also willing to bet you have people on your team who unintentionally will make this feel so awkward that what was a great appointment will end with an uncomfortable vibe.

The worst thing you can do is overshadow a good appointment in the final moments trying to get a review. Identifying when to NOT ask for a review is as important as getting new reviews.

Here are 3 rules I follow when deciding to ask/ or not ask a patient to leave a review:

Rule #1- if you can't execute the "ask" comfortably,  don't do it!

Rule #2- if the appointment wasn't exceptional don't ask
if you want someone to take the time to leave positive feedback you better give them something worth commenting on

Rule #3- if the patient doesn't own a smart phone don't ask
there are patients who can navigate the internet... and patients who can't. For the sanity of all involved don't confuse the two.  

These are my 3 easy ways to increase your online reviews:

1st

Don't forget to be awesome

The reviews that feel the best are the ones that patients leave without any prompting

Their experience with you was so great that they want to tell the world- the more of these the better

2nd

Automatic Patient Communication Software

If you don't already use a software program for patient reminders and recall you are missing out! 

Go sign up now, seriously.... right NOW!

Programs such as Lighthouse 360 and Doctible can drastically help increase your patient reviews by automatically emailing patients after their appointments asking for their feedback. These systems help to direct patients to the easiest place for them to leave reviews based on their email address.

SIDE NOTE: Although positive reviews are the goal- don't ignore the negative. Often times they can help identify issues that you have yet to notice.

3rd

Motivate your team to provide 5 star treatment and "ask" for reviews

⬆️Example of a prize being raffled off ⬆️
 for the month of March

• Set  a goal of how many new reviews you want to achieve by a certain date- once you hit your goal raffle off a prize. The prize should be visible in the office while working towards that goal, this keeps 5 star treatment and reviews front of mind for everyone. 
• I  like the idea of everyone who played a part in the patients great experience earning 1 entry into the drawing. Did you schedule the appointment? Seat the patient? Clean the room? Every part of the appointment from beginning to end factors into a good experience. This emphasizes and rewards teamwork and adds an element of fun to a regular day
• If your team is motivated and successful with this method I would recommend to continue to increase the goal and value of the prize

THE BEST ADVERTISING YOU CAN HAVE IS A LOYAL CUSTOMER SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT HOW INCREDIBLE YOUR BUSINESS IS   -SHEP HYKEN