5 steps for managing your reputation online

By | May 4, 2017

Do you want patients to be able to post reviews of you and your practice online? We have some news. They’re probably already doing it. In fact, Yelp, the primary vehicle for online reviews, recently produced an advertisement about a dental practice.

Screen Shot 2017-05-03 at 11.12.19 AMAfter accepting that reviews are a part of operating any kind of business in the 21st century, what can you do? With some help from the ADA Practical Guide to Internet Marketing, here are five steps for managing your reputation online:

Step 1 – Review Your Online Reputation

The first step in online reputation management is finding out what’s been said about your dental practice. Go ahead and do a Google search of your name and practice, and note any reviews listed on the first three pages. And to make sure you’re up to date on anything posted about you, set up email alerts about your name and practice name at Google.com/Alerts.

Step 2 – Claim and Complete Your Business Profiles

According to Yelp, the best way to manage your practice on the site is by claiming your Yelp Business Page and creating a business login. Learn more about why you should claim your business page at Biz.Yelp.com. And claim your business on Google, too.

Step 3 – Develop a Plan for Responding to Negative Reviews

While it may seem difficult, with a little creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, you can have a positive impact on your online reputation. But what about those negative reviews? Usually these situations call for a less is more strategy. If you choose to respond, be sympathetic and courteous and thank the reviewer for their feedback. You can also offer a phone number for them to call your practice directly. Responding to negative reviews is an opportunity to rebuild trust with the reviewer, as well as cement your reputation as a reasonable and caring professional to others who may read the review.

When commenting, remember that you are legally obligated to protect your patient’s information, and the patient’s posting does not waive their privacy-related rights.

Step 4 – Create a Strategy for Gaining New, Positive Reviews

More people will take time to complain than to compliment, so as part of managing your online reputation, you should consider asking your patients to post online reviews about their experience in your practice. Saying something like, “I just want to thank you for letting me be your dentist. If you like being my patient, leave me a review online” can go a long way.

Step 5 – Manage Your Staff

The most proactive way to manage your online reputation is by managing how your team interacts with patients offline. Train your team members to identify the signs of unhappy, frustrated or scared patients. Teach your staff how to diplomatically deal with those uncomfortable situations so patients feel respected and content. Oftentimes, discontented patients present a great opportunity. Going above and beyond to please an unhappy patient can result in the best word of mouth—or online—testimonials.

For more information, see the ADA Practical Guide to Internet Marketing.

Find additional marketing resources at ADA.org/marketing.

In addition, land at the top of an online search for dentists in your area by completing your Find-a-Dentist profile. To update your Find-a-Dentist profile, log in to your MyADA page, ADA.org/MyADA, using your member ID number and password. For more information or assistance, contact the ADA Member Service Center.

21 thoughts on “5 steps for managing your reputation online

  1. Michael Mabry DDS, MAGD

    Good advice for looking after your professional reputation online. One needs to look after this and should do some regular monitoring in some form for feedback.

    Reply
  2. Douglas

    Hey,
    I must agree with the other guys commenting here, that, the 3 and 4 points are the crucial ones.
    Excellent article for the ones just starting out also.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  3. GeneHayon

    Excellent Article, One can start their online reputation by doing nothing just promote your business and get traffic as much you want.

    Reply
  4. Vijay Kumar

    This is a really good article that everyone should read. Nowadays, online reputation means a lot to everyone. It is not just about the businesses, it affects even local people also.

    So, following these steps that you shared in this article will be very helpful for managing the reputation in the online world.

    Reply
  5. Ajay Prasad

    Some basics yet great advice for stellar online reputation. Although I would like to add that professional social media presence should give edge over others. Writing blogs is another way to boost your online reputation, because when you provide info not just about your service but to spread public awareness. This makes major impact on patients mind.

    Reply

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