Claire, Manager at a Birmingham Practice Explains How She Grew New Patients by 47% [Interview!]
Interview with Claire Walker, Practice Manager at a busy Central Birmingham Dental Practice
Conducted by Susan Phillips
Susan Phillips:
Claire, thank you for sitting down with me today. Let’s start from the beginning. What made you rethink your practice’s approach to digital marketing?
Claire Walker:
Honestly, outsourcing our digital marketing always felt like something we were meant to do rather than something that was actually working for us. We’d been using an agency for a while, but the results just weren’t obvious. It became one of those “tick box” things you keep paying for because you think you should.
When they announced they were increasing our fees from £750 to £1,100 a month, I was tasked with finding a more cost-effective solution. We didn’t just want to save money, we wanted something that actually gave us control and results.
Susan Phillips:
So how did you go about looking for alternatives?
Claire Walker:
A friend of mine who works at a nearby practice recommended Dental Training College’s Digital Marketing Mastery for Dental Practices course. I took a look at the course content and, honestly, the penny dropped.
It wasn’t just theory. The course taught me exactly how to manage our digital marketing in-house, from social media to Google Ads to website optimisation. I suddenly realised: I can do this myself once I complete the training.
And the icing on the cake? The course included an Independent Digital Marketing Audit & Advice. That was invaluable. It gave me a crystal-clear view of where we stood, what we were doing right, what needed improving, and, most importantly, how to maintain a strong digital presence moving forward.
Susan Phillips:
That’s brilliant. What’s changed since you took over the digital marketing yourself?
Claire Walker:
In just six months, our new patient registrations have increased by 47%. That’s not just numbers on a screen, that’s real people walking through our doors.
We’ve run targeted campaigns, improved our online presence, and we’re far more responsive to opportunities. Instead of waiting weeks for an agency to slot us into their schedule, we can now launch campaigns whenever we need to.
Susan Phillips:
That must have had a big impact financially as well.
Claire Walker:
Absolutely. By bringing our marketing in-house, we’ve saved over £6,500 in agency fees in just the last six months. But more than that, we’ve gained complete control over our digital presence.
We can ramp things up when needed, test new strategies instantly, and adapt quickly without having to pay extra or negotiate with anyone. The flexibility has been a total game-changer.
Susan Phillips:
What would you say to other practice managers or principals who are thinking about taking the same step?
Claire Walker:
I’d say it’s a no-brainer. The Digital Marketing Mastery for Dental Practices course doesn’t just save you money, it gives you confidence, control, and measurable results.
Outsourcing felt like throwing money into a black hole. Now, we’re driving growth ourselves, we understand what’s working, and we’re re-investing those savings back into the practice.
If you want to boost new patient numbers, cut costs, and take charge of your digital marketing without relying on external agencies, I couldn’t recommend this course highly enough.
👉 Get started with “Digital Marketing Mastery for Dental Practices” today.
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