In today’s digital age, having an online brand identity and a strong social media following is essential for any business, including dental practices.
With the rise of social media, patients have become more savvy and often research dental practices online before booking an appointment. Having a strong online presence helps to establish trust and credibility with potential patients and can lead to increased business.
In the case of Dr. Melanie Silvestrini, establishing an online brand identity has given her a strong foundation to start her own practice. She says, “I think digital dentistry is a huge asset and, if you are able to utilize it in your practice, it can really really help you get a number of patients to your office.”
When asked how she got into dentistry, she replied with a short anecdote that began with watching her mom get veneers. “Ever since then, I saw dentistry as a rewarding and magical profession, one that truly changes lives. I always wanted to be in the medical field, and I realized that dentistry was an amazing combination of art and science.” she mentions.
Dr. Melanie’s passion for dentistry started at a young age, and she went on to study at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. After completing her studies, Dr. Melanie started quickly made a name for herself online through her social media platforms. As a result, she not only garnered attention, but built herself a formidable following.
How it started
Dr. Melanie’s journey to building her brand began during her third year in college, when she was getting her dual degree in Biochemistry and Chemical Biotechnology. Apart from studying, Dr. Melanie was also starting a business as a makeup artist, while juggling tutoring and being a server.
The stress of balancing all these activities led her to discover meditation, health and wellness, which she soon became passionate about. All of these experiences shaped her to be who she is today.
And when she entered her first year in dental school, she started a blog and has since become a full website that incorporates her career and other passions.
She found it rewarding to improve someone’s self-confidence and used all her interests to aim for that. Her focus on holistic patient care and wellness made her stand out from other dentists in her area, and word of mouth about her expertise quickly spread.
Since then, Dr. Melanie’s never let go of her online presence and built on the brand identity that she started. She refined her website, set up social media accounts, and started to engage with her followers.
On her social media accounts, she shares her knowledge and experience through blog posts, videos, and updates, which helped to further establish her brand and increase her following.
Why It’s Important to Have a Brand Identity and Social Media Following
Having a strong brand identity sets a dental practice apart from the competition.
By developing a unique brand personality, tone, and aesthetic, a practice can differentiate itself and stand out in a crowded marketplace. This can help to attract new patients and retain existing ones, leading to a more successful and profitable business.
“I find the most joy and reciprocation from providing educational content, especially in dentistry and health and wellness. Becoming an influencer is about showcasing oneself in a classy and sophisticated way while providing value.” She mentions when asked about what kind of content she decides to put on her page.
How To Build an Online Brand Identity and Following
Building an online brand identity and following requires effort and dedication, but the payoff can be significant. Here are some steps to get started:
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Develop a clear brand message: Start by identifying what sets your dental practice apart from others and what makes you unique. Use this to develop a clear and concise brand message that will form the foundation of your online presence.
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Create a professional website: Your website should be a reflection of your brand and provide potential patients with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their dental care. Ensure that your website is professional, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly.
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Establish a social media presence: Choose the social media platforms that are most relevant to your target audience and establish a presence on those platforms. Share interesting and informative content, engage with your followers, and respond to any questions or comments.
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Consistency is key: To build a strong online brand identity and following, it is important to be consistent in your messaging, tone, and visual aesthetic. This will help to establish a recognizable brand that people will come to associate with your dental practice.
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Engage with your audience: Building a strong online following requires engagement with your audience. Respond to comments and questions, share patient testimonials, and create content that resonates with your target audience.
It’s also important to note the motivation behind creating content for your online brand.
Dr. Melanie shares, “I never thought of it as going on social media with the sole purpose of getting 100,000 followers. When you have that mentality, it will hold you back a bit. But when you start to authentically provide value content for a particular audience, the following will come with it.”
What An Online Brand Identity Can Mean for Your Practice
Building a strong online brand identity and social media following is can be highly beneficial for any dental practice, especially in today’s digital age. By providing exceptional dental services, creating a professional website, establishing a social media presence, being consistent in your messaging and engaging with your audience, you can differentiate your practice from others and attract new patients.
She says, “I highly recommend everyone to start posting more video content. This not only aligns with the Instagram algorithm, but it also provides more authentic content, allowing people to form an interpersonal relationship with you through social media.”
By following Dr. Melanie’s footsteps, you can manage to grow your practice and establish a following that gives credibility to your experience and expertise.
To get more in-depth with the conversation, listen to the full webinar here. When it comes to going digital, you can count on Evident to be your companion in digital dentistry. Evident provides complete digital dentistry solutions, including digital designs, software, equipment and personalized support.
Let us help you achieve business growth by providing customized digital solutions that fit your unique needs and allow you to scale at your own pace.
