5 Tips for Marketing Dental Care to Millennials

January 18, 2017 - David Hall
Category: Marketing,Social Media Marketing

While dental health and tech-savvy millennials don’t seem to go hand in hand, this age range is one that dental practices should pay attention to. The generation born between approximately 1982-2012 now outnumbers the famous Baby Boomer generation, and with that comes spending power. A large majority of this generation are making their own income and picking out their own insurance. Are you ready to cater to this new stream of patients?

Market for their issues

While this generation is called myriad of names, it’s not all bad. There is some truth to be had in Gen Y being vain and more health conscious than the generation before them. Because of this, a dentist can focus on offering preventative and cosmetic procedures. Many people in this age bracket have had or currently have braces, and almost all of them will do anything not to have more dental issues. While older adults will be more interested in ‘smile makeovers,’ the chances are that a millennial will be more concerned with keeping their young teeth in tip top shape. An offer of ‘smile insurance’ will be more up their alley.

Procedures to pitch to a millennial patient:

• Zoom whitening
• Veneers/Lumineers
• Free Consults
• Invisalign

Rock your mobile marketing

If your site is not truly mobile friendly, then you are wasting your time and money. IDW designs are always mobile friendly—and for good reason. More and more consumers are searching via a cell phone for services. So if you don’t already have enough loyal patients, your mobile site is your chance to nab more.

Don’t Ignore Social

You didn’t think you could get through a millennial-themed post without us mentioning social media could you? 20 and 30 somethings are turning to social media to get two major things. 1. A true representation of the brand. And 2. Faster service.

By responding to mentions on the web in a timely manner, you are gaining confidence. Couple this with showing off what makes your practice and staff unique, and you have a recipe for success. Millennials love to share whatever experience they are having, so your practice had better make sure they’re having a good one. Respond to negative reviews quickly, and with an apology. While the initial review may be angry, many people will change their opinions about a practice by how a situation is resolved. Always reciprocate any good publicity online, because an unsolicited tweet or share can expose you to a large new following of potential patients.

Get serious with your targeting

Millennials are set to spend approximately $200 billion dollars in 2017.  And, according to time.com the annual salary of millennials coming out of a university is actually increasing each year. What does that mean? It’s time to hone in on your ad targeting. Facebook Ads are perfect for this because it allows you to hone in on a variety of things. (age, gender, education, interests etc.) Pairing a procedure that this age range needs with a targeted ad will get you not only new patients—but lifelong patients.

Be upfront about payment plans

While many millennials are making more each year, they also have big bills to worry about. Student debt and the expenses of starting a family often plague their minds. We know that every dental case is different, but estimates can help your patients. Be upfront about price and what payment plans you offer, and you’ll gain their confidence.  No matter the age, people are consumers, and millennials are willing to pay whatever price as long as you’ll work with them.

No matter your target demographic, millennials will be taking it over in the coming years. Their unique style of living will dictate how patients and dentists interact—both online and in person. Make the effort to go to them via ads, and provide them with outstanding customer service and you’ll be well on your way to boosting the next generation of patients for your dental practice.