Do you know what your ideal client looks like?

When I visit practices I often ask: "What does your ideal client look like?"

Unfortunately it's not a question that the majority of dentists have ever considered. I guess that many dentists think that if a patient has a pulse and can walk in the front door then they are "ideal".

I think that it's a question that is well worth considering because if you find an answer then it will change how you act.

Let's say that, for example, because of the demographics in your area you realise your best clients are young families. That means that parents in the age range 30-50 are ideal and in particular women because they often make health decisions for the family.

Then, you can think to yourself: "How do I make my practice more attractive to the people I particularly want to appeal to?" If you can solve that question then you can build a large and reliable following of ideal patients very quickly. When designing my practice I pictured my ideal client then designed the environment to feel comfortable to them.

I wanted to do adult comprehensive dentistry. Therefore I did not have boxes of toys in the waiting room. Instead I had an espresso machine. I'm sure you get the idea.

Like many things in marketing the answer takes thought and effort but for those of you who take the time it is well worth it.