Millennials and Gen Zers. These patients are the present and the future of healthcare and the future of your dental practice.
But what does that mean for dentists specifically? How can you make sure your marketing reaches and connects with these demographics?
If you haven’t focused on marketing for millennials and Gen Z, it’s probably time you started. Millennials are rapidly replacing Baby Boomers as the largest adult generation, and Gen Zers are beginning to hit the workforce, which means that health care will soon become a priority for them if it hasn’t already.
Understanding your target market is essential, so here are few tips to consider for reaching these patients when planning your marketing strategy.
Millennials are categorized as those born from around 1980 to 1995.
Most millennials lived in an analog era before the internet during their early years, and digital technology took hold in 1995. Then, during adolescence, digital connection became a priority for this group, making them very tech-savvy.
Because millennials appreciate technology, focus on your dental office technology. This includes your marketing (think website and social media), and your in-office technology (think modern equipment and an updated office appearance).
But be careful! Having a modern website and an updated dental office aren’t the only things millennials are looking for. They also want an exceptional experience filled with personal touches and a focus on comfort with a dentist they feel they can trust. Also, a dental practice that gives back and is active in its local community will appeal more to millennials than a dental office that is part of a glossy “big-box” chain.
Since they came of age during a recession, the cost of dental treatment is also a primary concern for millennials. However, it can be challenging for dental practices to show pricing on their websites since each patient’s needs are unique and treatment plans vary greatly.
For this reason, it is essential to build value with this demographic by providing education and information about how consistent dentistry protects dental health and overall health and how service procedures can benefit them.
Creative financing options or dental membership plans may also be appealing to millennials. Dentists might also consider offering special pricing or a discount on the first preventive appointment to grab their attention.
Those who were born between 1995 and 2012 are considered part of Generation Z.
Gen Zers are often referred to as “digital natives” because this generation is the first that hasn’t lived without the internet or technology. Because of this, digital connectivity is vital for Gen Z patients, as it’s one of the main ways they connect and interact with the world.
Patients in the Gen Z demographic are likely to have high expectations of the businesses and health care providers they choose, as they’re used to having everything at their fingertips. In addition, things move fast in their world due to digital connectivity, and this demographic can multitask unlike any other.
Businesses with a solid digital and online presence are appealing to this group. A website that focuses on user experience and provides convenient options like a digital chatbot or online scheduling will help you reach Gen Zers.
With many Gen Z’ers opting to enter the workforce instead of pursuing the traditional college and higher education route, another way to connect with this generation is for dentists to bring them into their practices as employees. You’ll find that Gen Z employees work hard and strive to do their best when they feel they’re receiving the best incentives in return.
So, what are some of the critical things you can focus on when you’re looking to attract millennial and Gen Z patients to your dental practice?
Keeping up with digital marketing can be a full-time job. Posting relevant and engaging content to build a community with your target markets takes time.
Some dentists might have an employee specifically in charge of posting content on social media or the office website. In contrast, others enlist the services of an outside agency to help them reach their goals.
If you need help or have questions about your marketing strategies, your team at Great Dental Websites is happy to help!