Dentists are in the business of helping people. That means they want to do their best for every patient, day in and day out. But what if there was a way to have more patients? What if dentists could get so many new patients that they never had time for lunch or dinner? Perhaps there is a way! And Dr. Kami Hoss, a Dentist from San Diego, California, believes that it all starts with getting referrals from existing customers.

Customer referrals are one of the most important sources of new patients for your dental practice. Studies have shown that customers are five times more likely to visit a dentist if referred by a friend or family member. This is why it’s important to make sure that your customers are happy with their experience at your practice. You want them to be so satisfied that they will be eager to refer their friends and family members.

Here are a few reasons why customer referrals are important to your practice.

Creates an Expectation for the New Patient

When potential patients go online to search for a dentist, they are likely already expecting that the dentist will meet their dental needs. However, they might not expect to be treated like family.

Dr. Kami Hoss believes that customer referrals close this gap by giving new patients an idea of what to expect when they arrive at your practice. Since the new patient is probably looking forward to their appointment with their friend or family member, there is less chance of them canceling; therefore, saving you revenue and time!

Decreases Cost per Acquisition (CPA)

The cost per acquisition lexicon typically refers to how much money it costs a business owner to acquire a new client through various media channels, including radio, television, print advertising, digital marketing sources, and more.

However, it also includes the cost of marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, and website design in the dental industry. Dr. Kami Hoss understands that your CPA is lowered when you increase customer referrals because you no longer pay for advertisements! Instead, you are receiving a free referral from an existing patient.

Increases Revenue with Monthly Retainers

Some dentists offer new patients a discount on their first visit if they sign up for a monthly retainer plan. Dr. Kami Hoss feels that this is a great way to ensure that new patients become long-term clients; however, most practices do not require that patients join retainers before making an appointment.

Customer referrals can help change this negative practice. Ask your existing patients if you can add them to their monthly retainer fee in exchange for a referral.

Referrals Produce Referrals

It’s a simple concept, but it works! The more referrals you produce, the more you will get in return. Not only do referrals increase your patient base, but they also help to build trust with potential patients. When you make customer referrals a priority for your dental practice, you open the door to new patients and increase revenue.

Demonstrate Why Customers Do Business with You

Referral marketing is an effective way to show your customers why they should do business with you. It also helps to remind them of the great experience they had at your practice.

Ensure that you communicate to your customers the importance of referring their friends and family members. Thank them for their referrals, and let them know how much you appreciate their support!

Referrals Cost Practically Zero

Not only are referrals a great way to get new patients, but they also cost practically zero to implement! There are no advertisements to purchase or flyers to print. All you need to do is ask your patients for referrals and reward them for sending new business your way.

Appeals to Your Client’s Image of Themselves

When your patients refer their friends and family members to your practice, they also appeal to their image of themselves. They see themselves as people who care about their dental health and want the best for their loved ones.

This is a great way to build trust with potential patients and increase their chance of becoming long-term clients.

Referred Customers Remain Loyal

Referred customers are loyal customers. They already have a strong connection to your dental practice, so they are more likely to return for routine appointments and recommend your office to their friends and family.

Shows Your Company Is Doing It Right

Customer referrals are one of the best ways to prove that you are doing everything right. When new patients come into your practice because their friend or family member referred them, it shows potential clients that they can trust your dental office.

Recommends Your Practice Without Any Influence

When customers refer their friends and family members to your business without any influence, there is no bias on what routines or procedures would benefit them. This allows you to have a more accurate idea of what they need based on previous visits, completed exams, and thorough dental histories; therefore, allowing you to give the most accurate recommendations possible.

Final Thoughts

Customer referrals are one of a dentist’s best sources when getting new patients. Customers are five times more likely to visit a dentist if a friend or family member referred them. This is why it’s important to ensure that your customers are happy with their experience at your practice; you want them to be satisfied.