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How to Increase Patient Referrals: 12 Proven Strategies

February 05, 2025
Written by: Jordon Comstock

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Let’s talk about how to increase patient referrals!

Patient referrals are like gold for your dental practice. They’re not just cost-effective—they’re trust-fueled and loyalty-driven. So, how can you get your happy patients to spread the word and bring in their friends and family?

Here are 12 killer strategies to supercharge your referral program, improve patient experiences, and make your practice the talk of the town.


1. Create an Irresistible Referral Program

The cornerstone of any referral strategy is a program that rewards patients for recommending your practice.

How It Works:

  • Offer incentives like free cleanings, whitening discounts, credits or gift cards for each referral.
  • Make it easy: Provide referral cards or links to share online.

2. Introduce a Membership Plan

Membership plans aren’t just great for recurring revenue—they’re also referral magnets. Patients love sharing the benefits of affordable, accessible care with their friends.

How BoomCloud™ Helps:

  • Automates billing and membership tracking.
  • Makes it simple to include referral incentives for members.

3. Offer Group Memberships

Partner with local businesses to offer group memberships for employees. When one employee loves your practice, word spreads fast across the office.


4. Enhance the Patient Experience

A stellar patient experience leads to glowing recommendations. Focus on:

  • Friendly, attentive staff.
  • On-time appointments.
  • Personalized care and follow-ups.

Pro Tip:

Send a handwritten thank-you note after major treatments—it’s a small gesture that goes a long way.


5. Ask for Referrals Directly (Yes, It’s That Simple)

Sometimes, all you need to do is ask. Train your team to casually mention your referral program during visits.

Example Script:

“We love having you as a patient! If you know anyone who could use great dental care, we’d appreciate a referral. And don’t forget about our rewards program!”


6. Incentivize Your Team

Your staff plays a huge role in encouraging referrals. Reward them for promoting your referral program and delivering top-notch patient experiences.

Ideas:

  • Monthly bonuses for the most referrals.
  • Team outings for hitting referral milestones.

7. Build an Online Presence That WOWs

Your website and social media channels are key to attracting referrals. Patients are more likely to refer you if they’re proud to show off your digital presence.

Must-Have Features:

  • Online scheduling.
  • Patient testimonials.
  • A blog with helpful dental tips.

8. Leverage Social Media to Spread the Word

Encourage patients to share their experiences online. Offer incentives for posting a review or tagging your practice in a social media post.

Content Ideas:

  • Before-and-after photos (with patient permission).
  • Testimonials featuring loyal patients.
  • Fun giveaways that tie into your referral program.

9. Host Community Events and Free Care Days

Be visible in your local community to build trust and encourage referrals.

Ideas:

  • Sponsor a local sports team or school event.
  • Host free dental care days to showcase your practice and create goodwill.

10. Send Personalized Thank-You Gifts

When patients refer someone, send a thoughtful thank-you gift. It could be as simple as a gift card or a branded swag bag.


11. Use Digital Marketing to Highlight Your Referral Program

Promote your program with targeted ads and emails. Make sure potential patients know that your practice is referral-worthy.

Key Channels:

  • Google Ads: Target searches like “best dentist near me.”
  • Email Marketing: Share referral success stories and special promotions.

12. Track and Celebrate Your Success

Use tools like BoomCloud™ or CRM software to track referrals and measure the program’s impact. Celebrate milestones with your team and patients to keep the momentum going.


Case Study: How BoomCloud™ Powers Referrals

At 7 to 7 Dental, Dr. Justin Coke implemented a referral program powered by BoomCloud™.

The Strategy:

  • Promoted membership plans with built-in referral incentives.
  • Used social media to spread the word.

The Results:

  • Active Members: 2,200 patients.
  • MRR: $85,000.
  • ARR: Over $1 million.
  • Case Acceptance: Increased by 50%.

FAQs

What’s the best way to encourage patient referrals?
Create a compelling referral program, enhance the patient experience, and use digital tools like BoomCloud™ to track and reward referrals.

How do membership plans boost referrals?
Patients love sharing the benefits of predictable, affordable care with friends and family, making referrals effortless.

How does BoomCloud™ help with referrals?
BoomCloud™ automates membership and referral tracking, making it easy to reward patients and grow your practice.


Final Call to Action: Supercharge Referrals with BoomCloud™

Ready to implement these strategies and watch your referrals skyrocket? BoomCloud™ simplifies membership plans, automates billing, and makes tracking referrals a breeze.

Click HERE to schedule your free demo and see how BoomCloud™ can transform your referral program today!


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Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. This helps practice & clinic owners to create recurring revenue & improve loyalty via membership programs. Jordon is passionate about Music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas. Schedule a demo of BoomCloud™ and learn how membership programs can improve your business. Here are more dental books to improve your practice

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