Dos and don'ts for internal marketing

Your patients are your best referral source

When strategizing marketing techniques to promote your practice, look no further than your own patients. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing available. Think about the impact of a friend's referral versus an ad in the Yellow Pages. Therefore ...

Actively promote your appreciation of patient referrals. In high-traffic areas of the office (reception area and treatment rooms), hang signs or posters reminding patients how much your practice appreciates referrals. Make this language consistent in patient letters, e-mails, and the practice's Web site as well.

Don't be afraid to ask patients for referrals. Patients will refer your practice -- many times they simply need to be asked. Staff members should be trained and prepared to ask patients for referrals. With the right scripting, this process will be easy and successful, and satisfied patients will be happy to refer your practice. Don't miss these vital opportunities!