In the modern age, digital marketing is perhaps the most effective way to reach prospective clients – and keep old ones coming back for more. We increasingly come to rely on the internet to help us find and research local businesses.
More than half of consumers use online reviews and other content to form opinions of a business. In a growing field like plastic surgery, staying on top of current trends is vital to sustained growth. That’s why adopting new digital marketing ideas for plastic surgery can make the difference between thriving or falling behind the competition.
As a plastic surgeon, you might need a little help to make plastic surgery marketing ideas come to life. We’ve put together a few ideas to get you started to aid you in your mission to grow your client base.
Idea #1: Design a Website
Your website is the single most valuable resource for any client. It’s where they can learn who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. For a plastic surgery practice, a good website is vital for earning your clients’ trust – and their business.
Few people walk into a plastic surgeon’s office without having done at least a little research. Your site can be a hub for those in search of information. Using clear, simple language, clients can learn about your services and why you’re the best. They can read testimonials, learn how to schedule an appointment, and find out how you can fulfill their needs.
While website content can be informative, your site’s design also says a lot to your audience. As a plastic surgeon, your clients trust you to put thought into the details and help them achieve their aesthetic goals. A beautiful, well-done website sends the message that you do care about those details and aesthetics.
But not just anyone can create a website, let alone a good one. Whether you’re looking to build a brand new site or redesign an existing one, we can help as a digital marketing agency. We’ll work with you to construct a beautiful, user-friendly site that’s unique to your brand. From planning to final testing, our team will be with you every step of the way.
Idea #2: Become an Expert in Your Niche
As a plastic surgeon, you completed over a decade of intense training. You passed the licensing exam, completed your residencies, and maybe even chose a subspecialty. Unfortunately, many ordinary people have no idea which certifications matter and don’t when it comes to plastic surgeons. That’s why it’s important to prove your expertise to the general public – beyond listing off your credentials.
But how do you convince people of your authority beyond displaying your degrees and licenses on the wall? For a plastic surgeon, it’s all about providing information and having a good portfolio.
Just as you would answer basic questions during a consultation, you can educate potential clients via your blog or YouTube channel. Display a gallery of before-and-after photos of your work on your site. Don’t just tell, but show that you know your stuff.
Going to a good medical school is important. So is your ability to connect with clients and show off all the skills and knowledge you’ve picked up. Demonstrating your expertise outside of the office will build your brand and distinguish you from competitors.
Idea #3: Use Local Citations
Using local citations is like having your business card appear when people use a search engine. When a potential client Googles “plastic surgeon near me,” having accurate local citations means your company info will pop up in front of them. This is hugely beneficial to your Google ranking because Google can identify your business as relevant to local searchers.
Local citations usually include:
- Business name and description
- Location(s)
- Hours of operation
- Contact info (phone number, email, etc.)
- Website link
That way, people in your area will easily be able to find you when they use Google or Yelp.
Idea #4: Send Your Potential and Current Clients Emails
Email is one of the best ways to stay in touch with your current client base and build relationships with new people. There are tons of email marketing strategies at your disposal. Most of these strategies are lower cost and faster compared to alternatives.
Emails are great for informing people about your services. You can keep people up-to-date with what procedures you offer, the latest news at your practice, and any important announcements. This is great for keeping your business present in the minds of current clients.
You can also use email to reach out to potential clients too. Email is a lot more personal than a billboard, so it’s more effective at building new connections.
Our team can work with you to write effective emails and send them out on a regular schedule. Email is a great way to build relationships even when people aren’t in for their appointment.
Idea #5: Show Off Your Customers’ Feedback
What if having one happy customer meant you could draw in hundreds more?
People place a lot of trust in good reviews from friends and past clients. In fact, 72% of people trust online reviews and personal recommendations equally.
Testimonials add a human element to your brand. By featuring real clients’ reviews across your website and social media, prospective clients often feel more comfortable placing trust in your practice. When that review is in the form of a video interview, that trust skyrockets. Sharing client feedback is an excellent way to show proof of your skills.
It’s important to note that good testimonials can’t be faked. It’s easy to spot fabricated reviews, so they should always be genuine.
Idea #6: Utilize a Pay-Per-Click Campaign
A pay-per-click (PPC) campaign involves bidding on keywords and appearing as an ad on the search engine results page for those keywords. So, when someone Googles “best plastic surgeon,” they’ll immediately see a link to your website. The more you bid, the more likely you’ll be displayed compared to your competitors.
The best thing? The pay-per-click part is literal. You only have to pay if someone clicks on your ad link. That means you can be certain someone is visiting your site for every bid you pay. Plus, PPC campaigns can be implemented right away. Just pick keywords, set your maximum bid, and you’re golden. It’s fast and simple.
There’s an art to crafting a good PPC campaign, which is where Instinct Marketing comes in. We can conduct keyword research, work with your budget, and quickly reach your audience. When that potential client searches “best plastic surgeon,” you’re the very first name they see. If they don’t click on you, you don’t have to pay.
Idea #7: Create Helpful Content for Clients
A blog can be a powerful resource for your audience. Having well-written educational content on your site can establish you as an authority among those looking for plastic surgery information. A good blog will draw people in – and make you look good in the eyes of search engine ranking algorithms.
There are tons of content marketing ideas for plastic surgery. You can publish Q&A sections, case studies, and educational posts to introduce different procedures to your audience. When someone wants to know what the rhinoplasty process is like, you’ll be there as an authority on the subject.
Producing content can take a lot of time and effort, though. That’s why we offer content marketing services to help populate your blog with accurate content all about plastic surgery.
Idea #8: Dominate Google Rankings with SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the biggest online key to success. When a potential client uses a search engine like Google, the search engine uses an algorithm to scan the internet. The algorithm finds websites that fit certain criteria and ranks them. Searchers see only the most relevant and trustworthy sites.
But how do you make sure it’s your business that shows up when people look for local plastic surgeons? It may sound difficult – but with a little work, we can get your website seen. While pay-per-click campaigns involve bidding on keywords, SEO is all about organically finding your way to the top of the results.
The vast majority of people today turn to the web to gather info about products and services. Your competitors are undoubtedly doing their best to be on the first page of search results. Don’t let your place of business fall behind; especially in competitive niches like Plastic Surgery, hire a good SEO company that uses the current best practices.
Idea #9: Market YouTube Videos
If there’s one thing that’s true about the internet, it’s that videos get views. For most, videos are easier to engage with and consume than text. After all, YouTube is one of the most popular sites on the web for a reason.
Written testimonials and blogs are great – but having videos of real people is the single best way to build trust in your practice. Interview real clients, tour the office and educate people on your procedures. Videos let people put a friendly face to the name.
Of course, videos are a lot of work. But when done well, they can be used all over your website, in other marketing materials, and across social media.
Conclusion: Win with Internet Marketing
The internet is a powerful tool – especially direct digital marketing. Make sure you’re using it effectively to stand out in your field.
To draw in clients, you’ll need a good web presence which typically consists of a good search engine strategy and being active on your social media channels. To keep them, you’ll need an email campaign and a plan to continually deliver new, relevant content.
It’s internet marketing in a nutshell. It’s tough work, but it’ll pay off with better and more plentiful client connections. If you need help with implementing these strategies, let’s talk! We’re a Sacramento digital marketing and SEO company that can help.