In the United States, more than one quarter of the US population is millennials. A millennial is anyone born between 1982-2000. According to a 2015 report from the United States Census Bureau, there are 83.1 million people in the US born between 1982-2000. This group now is higher than the baby boomers and represent a huge buying demographic.
To open up a new dental patient base with a high lifetime value it makes sense to engage towards millennials. To do this correctly, you will need to know where to divert your attention. Where this bracket hangs out online, how to connect, and how to ensure they keep coming back to your practice.
Make Yourself Known Online
According to the American Press Institute, 51% of millennials are “mostly or almost always online and connected.” Whether via desktop, laptop, or mobile device, this generation grew up on the internet and is used to getting the information they want, when they want it, online. They want up-to-date information, they expect business hours, address, and photos, and a practice that stands out in the internet’s information overload.
Do you have a well-designed, easy-to-use, quick site? This age bracket won’t accept less, so ensure that your website is bright, beautiful, and easy to navigate. While it doesn’t have to look flashy, an outdated website doesn’t communicate that you’re a high-tech, modern practice, even if it is. Pay close attention to your pages on online review sites such as Yelp and Zocdoc, and respond in a reasonable manner to any negative reviews about your practice while keeping your patients’ privacy in mind.
Be Mobile-Friendly
While the stereotype of millennials walking around with their eyes glued to their phones is not flattering, the fact of the matter is that 97% of millennials use smartphones, and 20% of them have become mobile only! While that’s a huge reason to make sure your practice website is mobile-friendly, another is that part of Google’s criteria to determine your site’s search engine ranking is based on its mobile friendliness.
Keep it Simple
Millennials grew up in the age of Amazon, and they expect all online consumer interactions to be just as convenient. To earn their loyalty, offer a modern, efficient, and easy patient experience. Online booking is a must. This enables millennials to immediately request an appointment and do so at any time. Rather than having them spend as long as an hour filling out paperwork when they come to your office, provide an online portal where they can register from the comfort of their home.
Provide tablets at the office that patients can use to update their information, provide feedback, and even pay their co-pays so they can do things at their own pace. Just make sure to have systems in place that make sure that patient information remains secure.
Engage Responsibly in Social Media
More than two-thirds of millennials (69%) are on Facebook, five out of six millennials connect with businesses, including medical practices, via social media networks. Make sure that your social media pages include contact information, as well as photos of your practice and team. If current patients have good experiences, encourage them to leave positive reviews on social media and review sites.
Use social media channels to interact with patients. Assign one staff member to respond to questions on your social media platforms. Having a dedicated person can help ensure that all questions are answered in a timely manner.
Offer Alternatives with Insurance
Dental insurance is expensive, and a lot of people nowadays don’t have it. This can also effect your clientele base and how often they come in for appointments if they don’t have it. Consider offering in in-house dental membership plan to patients such as BoomCloud. Patients can pay a monthly or yearly fee to gain access to better treatment options that they can afford. Contact BoomCloud today to see how your practice can benefit.
They’re Still Just Regular People
When it all comes down to it, millennials aren’t that different from other patients. While it’s important to keep their preferences in mind, don’t oversell or you might seem like you’re trying too hard.
Determine how you want to be treated when you go into another dentist’s office, and give them the same courtesy you would want for yourself or your family.
