Social media is mission-critical for dental practices. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of creating engaging and authentic social media content for your practice. We’ll outline the “90/10” rule for content creation, emphasizing the need for educational and entertaining posts over constant self-promotion. We’ll explore five types of content that can showcase the personality of your practice and build a loyal online following. Finally, we’ll outline actionable strategies to make this happen consistently in your practice.
Why Social Media Content Matters for Your Dental Practice
Educate and Entertain, Don’t Just Sell
People are on social media not just for entertainment but also for education. They want to follow pages that offer valuable information and fun insights rather than constant advertisements. For dental practices, this means creating social media content that educates your audience about dental health while also providing a glimpse into the friendly, approachable side of your practice.
Follow the “90/10” Rule
A great guideline for social media content is the “90/10” rule. Make sure you’re posting:
- 90% Valuable Content: Focus on creating informative, entertaining, and engaging content.
- 10% Promotional Content: Reserve a small portion of your posts to directly promote your services.
This balance helps keep your audience engaged and interested without feeling like they’re being sold to all the time. Remember, most folks aren’t going on social media to find a dentist — but there’s still plenty of opportunity to connect, build trust, and keep your practice top-of-mind.
Authenticity Matters
People connect with authenticity — and social media is no exception. Showing the human side of your practice can build trust and loyalty among your audience. Authentic content reflects the genuine personality and culture of your practice, making potential patients feel more comfortable and connected.
Keep this in mind as you strive to develop the following types of social media content for your dental practice:
5 Types of Social Media Content Your Dental Practice Needs to Create
1. Celebrating Patient Milestones
Sharing patient milestones, with their consent, is a fantastic way to show the positive impact of your dental care. This type of content can include:
- Before and After Photos: Showcase transformations from cosmetic treatments, orthodontic treatments, teeth whitening, and more.
- Patient Testimonials: Share stories of how your dental services have improved patients’ lives.
- Celebration Posts: Highlight special moments like a patient’s first visit without cavities, a child’s first lost tooth, or the completion of a long-term treatment plan.
IMPORTANT: Remember, before sharing any patient names, photos, or videos on social media, be sure to obtain written consent.
2. Celebrating Staff Milestones
Your team is the heart of your practice, and celebrating their achievements can humanize your practice and build a stronger connection with potential and current patients alike. Consider posting about:
- Staff Anniversaries: Recognize the hard work and dedication of your team members by celebrating their years of service to your practice and patients.
- Professional Achievements: Share staff certifications, continuing education accomplishments, and other professional milestones.
- Personal Milestones: Celebrate personal events like birthdays, weddings, or new additions to the family.
3. Fun Happenings Around the Office
Showcasing the lighter side of your practice can make your social media presence more relatable and engaging. Ideas for fun office content include:
- Themed Days: Highlight special events like “Crazy Sock Day” or holiday celebrations.
- Behind-the-Scenes Looks: Give a peek into the daily operations and interactions within your practice. Spotlight a “day in the life” of each member of the dental team.
- Office Pets: If your office has a mascot or therapy animal, share their adventures and interactions with staff and patients.
4. After-Hours Look at Dentist and Staff Activities
Giving a glimpse into the lives of your team outside of work can foster a deeper connection with your audience. This content can include:
- Team Outings: Share photos and stories from team-building activities or community events.
- Hobbies and Interests: Highlight the personal hobbies and interests of your staff members. Encourage the dental team to share photos and videos from their latest adventures.
- Community Involvement: Showcase your practice’s involvement in local events, charities, and volunteer work.
5. Dentist Explainer Videos
Educational content is highly valued on social media, and explainer videos are a great way to provide this. Ideas for explainer videos include:
- Dental Procedures: Break down common procedures like cleanings, fillings, or orthodontic treatments. Be sure to address the questions that your patients most frequently ask.
- Oral Health Tips: Offer advice on topics like proper brushing techniques, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet for dental health.
- Product Reviews: Share your professional opinions on dental products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
Remember, you don’t have to “overproduce” your social media videos — part of social media’s appeal is its authenticity. Shooting a quick video on your iPhone is just fine and, in most cases, in-depth editing isn’t necessary.
Ready to conquer social media for your dental practice?
Ready to take your dental practice’s social media game to the next level? Schedule a free strategy call with DentalScapes today! Our expert team can help you leverage social media to raise awareness, generate engagement, and drive new appointments. Contact us today to book your FREE strategy call and start your journey to social media success!