Our best tips for reputation management
In the old days, there was (only) word of mouth. Now every patient has a very public podium from which to share their experience with your practice—the internet. It’s like word of mouth but on a much grander and more public scale. Through online reviews, social media channels and forums—patients’ opinions will be publicized—and your prospective patients will be reading these reviews and taking them to heart in their decision-making process.
Why? Because 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation*
Customers are defining your business through real-time feedback. Are you paying attention? Are you involved in this process—or just letting it happen? At VCG, we want you to leverage your online reputation to differentiate your practice and get more patients!
Our number one rule in encouraging online reviews is…
To ask! Simply ask a patient to tell their story. Let them know they will feel listened-to by saying: “I can’t wait to read what you have to say.”
Who’s responsible for asking? Everyone! This isn’t just something that happens at the front desk. The doctors, the nurses, and all staff members should empower patients to write reviews. Make reputation-building a culture in your office.
Ask in person:
- Your loyal patients
- The patients who’ve just completed a big case (They got a new smile? It’s time to ask!)
- The high-fear patients who now feel comfortable
- Whenever a patient compliments you or the practice
- Different types of patients to show the broad scope of your practice and abilities
Then automate as a reminder:
- Send an email or text as a reminder to review your practice and tell their story. We’re fans of BirdEye for lots of reasons!
7 out of 10 consumers will leave a review for a business if they’re asked to*—so by using the simple approach of asking, you’re well on the way to developing a strong online reputation!
Still not convinced about how important online reputation management is? Here are Truths about Online Reviews.
Is your reputation a priority? We can help make sure it is.