Social Media for Orthodontists: 39 Unique Ideas
It’s no secret that a social media presence is one of the most important marketing tools you have as an orthodontic practice.
But…generating the right ideas and getting them up on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok can seem daunting.
So without further ado…here’s our list of original social media ideas for orthodontists…enjoy!
For an incredible repository of 300+ social media marketing and post ideas, check out our Social Media Blueprint!
- Dance
‘Errbody get up… (and dance!)
Here’s a great example from the team at Collins Orthodontics:
This type of content takes time and effort, but to stand out today…you’ll need more than just a canned social post!
2. Dress Up Days
Dressing up isn’t just for Halloween! Check out Thompson Orthodontics website for more dress up day ideas to post on social media!
3. “Day of the Week” Days
Flannel Fridays anyone? How about Turtleneck Tuesdays or Twinning Thursdays? Whatever you choose, this is a great excuse to post something fun on social media.
4. Flat Doctor Contest
Challenge your patients to take a flat doctor with them on vacation, to school, or somewhere else fun. When they take a picture and post it, they get entered to win a prize!
5. Relatable Comedy Sketches
Check out this sketch by Dr. Grant Collins about wearing elastics for a good laugh!
6. Free Braces Giveaway
If you want to create some buzz around your practice, this is the way to do it.
Make sure to give a second place prize to everyone who doesn’t win. This makes the giveaway profitable for you, and makes everyone feel special!
7. Giveaway Something Completely Unrelated to Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes the best way to find new patients is to stop talking about orthodontics…Give away something anyone would want and you’ll find yourself in front of lots of new potential patients!
8. Memes
These simple pictures have swept the internet for a reason – consider making your own or posting funny ones you find on other pages!
9. GIFs
These posts are sure to make even your most serious followers laugh! Giphy even has a free GIF Maker so you can create some of your doctor or team.
Debond Pictures
This classic orthodontic social media post doesn’t have to be boring. Check these examples out!
10. Use a Sign
Get some signs printed and use them for debond days, this is a great way to make your patients feel more at ease.
11. Strike a Pose With the Doctor
Arguably the best social post on this list. From the data we’ve gathered, these types of posts are what prospective patients like to see most!
12. First Day in Braces
Who said debond was the only exciting day in a patient’s orthodontic journey? Not us! Pull a switcheroo and get the first day picture too.
13. Clinic Perks
Do you have a slushie machine? How about snacks, an entertainment center for siblings, or free coffee for adults? Make sure everyone knows what it’s like to come to your office!
14. Smile Reveals
Nothing paints the picture of what you can do for a patient’s smile like them seeing it for the first time after braces. Film these reactions and post them online!
15. Before and After Pictures
Show what your doc is made of with branded before and after photos on Facebook or Instagram.
16. Use a Cinemagraph
Our friends over at Ollerton Marketing use cinemagraphs to increase engagement on their social ads. This requires advanced editing, but ends with an amazing result! See more examples here.
17. Anniversary or Birthday Photos
Is your office manager having a birthday? Maybe your TC is celebrating an anniversary? Post about it! These types of posts make your followers feel like they know you personally.
Milestone Award Posts
18. Invisalign Awards
Being recognized for your expertise is a great way to show your office is worth doing business with! Check out this cool picture from Rucker Orthodontics:
19. Best of Awards
Does your local community have some sort of award they give out? Figure out how to win it, then post about it!
20. Business Anniversary
People love to feel like they are supporting other people’s dreams. Get vulnerable about what it was like to start your practice, and thank your followers for their support in a post like this one Dr. Courtney made:
20. Origin Story
Marketing isn’t about business–it’s about stories. Tell yours and you’ll be surprised how much it resonates with your future customers.
Share your Team’s Personal or Professional Life
21. What is your Family Like?
Like attracts like. Share family pictures to resonate with families in your area!
22. What did you do over the Weekend?
Keep things real by posting a weekend selfie or an amazing nature picture like this one!
23. Where did you go on vacation?
Showcase your personal life to seem approachable to your following.
24. Continuing Education
This picture is of students still in college, but steal like an artist and post pictures of your doctor at AAO, OrthoPreneurs or other similar meetings!
25. FAQ Videos
Dr. Greg Asatrian has demolished the YouTube arena for orthodontics – but you don’t need lots of views to make good FAQ videos for your future patients! If you do your job right, almost every view will be a start 😉
26. Stories From Staff Members
Let your social media followers get to know your staff with short introduction or storytelling clips like this one!
27. Infographics
These types of posts are a great way to educate anyone scrolling through your feed. When you get them custom designed and branded (it doesn’t have to be expensive!), you’ll look super legit.
Show a Different Side of Your Doctor
28. Fan Art
Maybe you don’t know how to create a picture like this, but one of your patients might! Run a contest to see who can come up with the best social media post of your doctor.
29. FaceApp Your Doctor
This one is sure to get some laughs! Download FaceApp from the Google Play or App Store and see what you can make!
30. Try the Dolly Parton Challenge
Another fan favorite that’s sure to get some shares and likes. Read more about this internet phenomenon here.
31. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Whether it’s a highly produced video like the one you see here, or a simple quote from a Google review, your potential patients deserve to know that you’re awesome!
32. Picture with a Local University or Sports Team
Show your pride! These pictures are amazing for social media ads because they show that your office is local (not corporate). Go all out!
Behind the Scenes
33. Invisalign Doctor Site BTS
Dr. Dovi Prero gave us this idea. He goes over what it’s like to send cases to Invisalign on his Instagram stories.
34. Virtual Consults BTS
One helpful rule when it comes to creating engaging social media content is “Document, don’t Create.” – little posts like this that show the doctor’s everyday life go a long way!
35. Daily team huddle BTS
Show what it’s like to work at your office by documenting your daily huddles or other initiatives!
36. Team lunch BTS
Behind-the-scenes posts help your followers feel like they are getting a VIP glimpse of your office. Plus, this simple post is a good excuse for some team bonding over lunch!
37. Mail BTS
What did your office get in the mail recently? If it’s something super cool, post about it!
38. Throw a Party!
You’re not ALL business, right? Prove it with a party 🎉 post!
39. Community Involvement BTS
What is your office doing to support the local community? Document the experience and show how awesome you are.