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Starting your own orthodontic practice is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. How can you budget for marketing? What strategies will help you bring in patients and stand out from other practices? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions with simple, practical advice to help you succeed right from the start.

Budgeting For Marketing And Growth

Opening a practice—whether it’s brand-new or one you’ve bought from someone else—can be expensive. On top of your student loans, you have to pay for equipment, rent, and other costs. But one area you can’t ignore is marketing. Without patients, your practice can’t grow.

A good rule of thumb is to spend about 10% of your yearly revenue goal on marketing. For example, if your goal is to make $1 million in your first year, you should plan to spend $100,000 on marketing. This investment might sound like a lot, but it’s crucial to attract new patients and grow your practice quickly.

Short-Term And Long-Term Marketing

Marketing is about balancing quick wins with long-term success. Here’s how to approach it:

  1. Build Your Brand: Your brand is how people see your practice. It’s more than just a logo; it includes your colors, fonts, and overall style. A strong, professional brand helps people remember you.
  2. Create a Great Website: Your website is often the first thing people see about your practice. Make sure it’s easy to use, has all the important information, and is optimized for search engines (SEO) so people can find you online.
  3. Use SEO and Reviews: SEO helps your practice show up on Google when people search for orthodontists in your area. Ask happy patients to leave reviews, and make sure to respond to all reviews in a professional way.
  4. Run Ads: Online ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google can bring in patients quickly. These ads should look professional and have a clear message that makes people want to contact your office.

Keys To Growing Your Practice

Your success depends on three important factors:

  1. Time: The more time you spend seeing patients, especially in the beginning, the faster your practice can grow.
  2. Money: Investing in your practice before it makes money is key to getting it off the ground. This means putting money into marketing, even if it feels like a risk.
  3. Belief: If you believe in your goals and work toward them, you’re more likely to succeed. Confidence is a powerful tool for achieving big things.

Real Stories Of Success

Here are examples of orthodontists who used these strategies to build successful practices:

  1. Dr. Sarah in the Hamptons: Dr. Sarah and her husband decided to focus on affordable services for working families in their area. By investing in marketing early, they quickly started seeing 25-30 patients a month and grew faster than expected.
  2. Drs. Wes and Kelsey Gass in Dawsonville: This couple was nervous about spending money on marketing before their practice even opened. But by following a strong plan, they brought in enough patients to make $135,000 in their fourth month of operation.
  3. Dr. Kristen Knecht in Houston: Dr. Knecht opened her practice during the pandemic and faced major challenges, including a competitor opening nearby. By focusing on marketing and believing in her ability to succeed, she made $1.4 million in her first year and kept growing from there.

The Role Of Your Team And Systems

Marketing can bring in patients, but it’s your team that will keep them coming back. A friendly, professional staff creates a great experience for your patients, just like brands like Chick-fil-A and Ritz Carlton are known for. Train your team to provide excellent customer service and make every patient feel welcome.

It’s also important to have strong systems in place for following up with new leads. Studies show that calling back a potential patient within five minutes of their first inquiry can increase your chances of booking them by 400%. If you don’t follow up at least six times, you might lose 70% of potential patients. Fast and consistent communication is key.

Final Thoughts

Starting your own orthodontic practice can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning and mindset, you can create a business that thrives. By budgeting for marketing, building a strong brand, training your team, and following up with patients, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

If you want to dive deeper into these topics and hear from experts, listen to the GrowOrtho Podcast. It’s packed with actionable advice to help you unlock your practice’s full potential.