If you’re a dentist or DSO executive looking to grow your practice, the right marketing agency is key. Referrals help, but real growth needs a system that consistently attracts and converts new patients. Since dental marketing has unique challenges, choosing a proven, strategic partner is essential.
Define Your Goals
Start by identifying what success looks like for your practice. Are you looking to bring in 30 new patients each month? Are you focused on expanding into services like implants or Invisalign? Leveraging dental social media marketing services can support these goals by reaching the right audience with the right message. Knowing your specific targets and why they matter will keep your strategy focused and purposeful, rather than chasing marketing fads that don’t pay off.
Look Inward First
Before hiring outside help, assess what’s already holding your growth back. In many practices, the issue isn’t marketing itself, it’s lead handling. Missed calls or untrained staff can waste up to 70% of leads. Make sure your internal systems are ready before you ramp up external efforts.
Decide Between Agency or In-House
Hiring an agency can give you access to expert knowledge quickly, while building an in-house team allows for more control and long-term value. If you’re new to marketing or want fast results, a well-chosen agency may be the smarter move.
Know the Types of Agencies
Some agencies focus on completing tasks like building websites and running ads. Others act more like strategic partners, committed to helping you grow patient numbers over time. If you want measurable results, go with a performance-driven partner, not just a task-based vendor.
Also, choose based on specialty. Lead generation agencies are best for bringing in patients. Branding-focused firms are more about how your practice looks and feels. For most dental offices, lead gen should be the priority.
Dental Experience Matters
The dental industry has its own challenges, regulations, and patient behavior patterns. Look for agencies with proven experience in dental marketing, especially if you’re focusing on specialty services like full-arch implants or orthodontics.
Match the Strategy to the Patient Journey
Understand whether your patients are making quick decisions (like routine cleanings) or slower ones (like choosing an implant provider). Your agency should align marketing strategies to these cycles using appropriate tools from simple landing pages to long-term nurturing campaigns.
Focus on the Right Metrics
Track data that truly reflects success, cost per lead, cost per new patient, and your team’s ability to convert calls to bookings. A good agency will report on these regularly and use them to optimize campaigns.
Ask Around
Have conversations with colleagues or industry peers to learn from their experiences. Honest feedback is often more revealing than online reviews.
Interview and Compare
Meet a few agencies and ask how they define success, handle lead quality, support your team, and drive down costs. Their answers will show if they truly understand your needs.
Choose Confidently
Once you’ve gathered information, compare pricing, case studies, and gut feeling. Then take the first step, make the call, and prepare for growth.
