In today’s digital world, attracting local patients to your dental practice takes more than just a good location or great service. With most people searching online before visiting a clinic, you need a strong digital presence. The good news? There are many simple and effective ways to get more local patients through your online efforts. Let’s walk through the best ways to do that.
Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile is a must-have for getting noticed in local searches and Google Maps. Here’s what to do:
- Add your correct business name, address, phone number, website, and working hours.
- Choose the right categories like “Dentist” or “Cosmetic Dentist.”
- Write a clear description using keywords like “family dentist in Melbourne.”
- Add real photos of your clinic and team.
- Ask happy patients to leave reviews, and always respond to them.
This helps your clinic show up when people nearby search for dental services.
Make Your Website Local SEO Friendly
Your website is your online home. It should be easy to use and full of useful, local information.
- Make sure it works well on mobile phones.
- Add local keywords like “emergency dental clinic in Penrith.”
- Include pages for each service or location you offer.
- Add your location in the title tags, headings, and image descriptions.
- Include a strong call-to-action (CTA), like “Book an Appointment Now.”
Also, include testimonials from local patients and showcase your awards or recognitions. Highlight what makes your clinic unique in your suburb.
Use Local Keywords Everywhere
Using local keywords helps search engines understand what services you offer and where.
- Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms.
- Include long-tail keywords like “affordable braces in Blacktown.”
- Add keywords naturally in your web content, blogs, titles, and even image alt text.
You can also add keywords to your FAQ section, service descriptions, and blog headlines. Local keywords give your clinic a better chance to appear on top when someone in your area searches for dental help.
Create Helpful Local Content
Google loves useful content. You can write about:
- Dental care tips for your local weather (e.g., “Protect Your Teeth During Winter in Canberra”).
- What to expect on your first visit to your dental clinic.
- Fun facts or dental myths in your region.
Helpful blogs not only attract local traffic but also build trust.
Additionally, share success stories of your local patients (with permission), introduce your team, and provide updates on local dental health trends.
Be Active on Social Media
Social media is great for reaching local audiences. Here’s how:
- Share updates, tips, and photos from your clinic.
- Use local hashtags like #SydneySmiles.
- Run location-targeted Facebook and Instagram ads.
- Encourage check-ins and photo tags from patients.
Don’t just post about offers. Share behind-the-scenes moments, patient journeys, and even staff birthdays. People love real, relatable content.
Try Google Ads and Facebook Ads
Ads can help you appear right at the top when someone searches for a dentist near them.
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Set ads to target your city or local area.
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Use words like “near me” or your suburb in your ad copy.
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Try Local Services Ads if available in your area.
Make sure your ads have a strong call-to-action like “Call Now” or “Book Online Today.”
Collect and Display Reviews
Reviews matter a lot. People trust what others say.
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Ask every happy patient to leave a Google review.
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Add reviews to your website.
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Use emails or SMS to make it easy for patients to share feedback.
More good reviews mean better local rankings.
Respond to all reviews — even the not-so-great ones — with empathy and professionalism. It shows you care.
List Your Clinic on Local Directories
Make sure your business is listed in places like:
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True Local
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Yelp Australia
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Hotfrog
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Yellow Pages
Always check that your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are exactly the same everywhere.
These listings also create valuable backlinks to your website.
Offer Referral Rewards
Word-of-mouth is still powerful — even online!
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Offer a small discount or gift card for successful referrals.
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Promote your referral program on social media and emails.
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Make it easy to refer someone with an online form.
Track your referrals and reward patients promptly. A happy patient is your best brand ambassador.
Retarget Website Visitors
Many people visit a website but don’t book right away. You can remind them!
Use Google or Facebook retargeting ads.
Show your ads again to people who visited but didn’t take action.
Include reminders, offers, or patient testimonials in the ads.
These gentle nudges can turn interest into appointments.
Get Involved in the Community
People love supporting local businesses that give back.
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Sponsor school events or sports teams.
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Volunteer at health camps.
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Share your community work on social media and your website.
Being active in your neighborhood builds trust and loyalty.
Start a Simple Blog
Blogging is a great way to show up in search results.
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Write about dental care tips.
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Answer common patient questions.
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Use simple words and add a friendly tone.
Consistency is key. Posting once or twice a month is better than none at all.
Connect With Local Influencers
You don’t need a celebrity. Even a local teacher, fitness coach, or mommy blogger can help.
- Offer a free dental check-up in exchange for a post or story.
- Ask them to talk about their experience.
- Focus on Instagram Reels or Facebook stories to grab attention.
Send Emails to Stay in Touch
Emails are perfect for keeping in touch with current and potential patients.
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Send helpful tips, reminders, or offers.
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Use friendly subject lines.
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Include links to book an appointment online.
Email marketing also helps you reactivate old patients who haven’t visited in a while.
Make Booking Easy
The easier it is to book, the more likely someone will do it.
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Add an online booking form on your homepage.
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Allow patients to choose dates and times.
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Send booking confirmation and reminders by SMS or email.
You can also offer instant chat or WhatsApp booking options to attract busy patients.
Include a Virtual Tour
Let people explore your clinic online!
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Add a 360-degree tour of your practice to your Google Business Profile.
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Share a video walkthrough on your website.
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Highlight your cleanliness, technology, and patient-friendly spaces.
It helps ease patient anxiety and builds confidence before they even step in.
Transform Your Dental Practice with More Patients Today!
Ready to grow your dental clinic effortlessly? Our expert marketing solutions attract high-quality patients, boost your online presence, and drive consistent appointments. Let us handle the marketing while you focus on delivering top-notch care!
Conclusion: Start Small, Grow Smart
Attracting local patients online doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with one step at a time — update your Google profile, post regularly on social media, or write a helpful blog post. Over time, your online presence will grow, and so will your patient list.
When done right, online marketing can be your most cost-effective and consistent patient generator.
Want expert help that brings real results? ClickBiz Dental Marketing can manage everything from SEO to ads and reviews. Contact us today and let’s bring more patients to your door!
