This original article was featured in the October 2023 issue of The American Chiropractor

Welcome, health gurus, and spinal aligners! It’s 2023, and we’re not in Kansas anymore. The winds of change are howling louder than ever. To keep your clinic thriving in this whirlwind of a marketplace, your practice must sway like a supple spine. 

Today, we’re going to have a heart-to-heart on the hippest ways to market your chiropractic practice and retain patients. We’re all about making ’em feel like they’ve hit the jackpot every time they walk into your clinic. Fun times ahead, let’s roll!

Tell a Good Story

Let’s kick off with the power of storytelling. You see, in this age of TikToks, Reels, and short, sharp content, everyone’s on the hunt for a riveting story. And boy, do you have some stories to tell!

You’re not just a chiropractor; you’re making a difference in the lives of those in your community!! The magic you create in your clinic each day needs a stage, a spotlight. 

Share patient success stories, (with their consent, of course), your journey to becoming a chiropractor, the difference you’ve made in people’s lives, or the down-to-earth tale of a day in your life. 

Heck, you could even explain common misalignments in a fun, entertaining way. Remember, it’s all about building a connection with your audience. Show them your personality and let it shine!

Master Social Media Magic

If you’ve been playing hard to get with social media, it’s high time you got into the game. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even Twitter are like all-you-can-eat buffets for health-related content. Your practice should be on that plate, piping hot and ready to serve!

Post videos of your adjustments (amplify those satisfying sound effects!), share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your practice, or live-stream a Q&A session. These are all great ways to interact with your audience and show them the real, human side of your business.

And don’t forget about LinkedIn. It’s not just suits, ties, and corporate jargon! As a hub for professionals from all walks of life, it’s a brilliant place to share your expertise, offer advice, and build your brand reputation. Share articles, research studies, tips on maintaining spinal health, even debunk popular myths. You’re the expert—own it!

Leverage Local SEO

SEO might sound like a character from a Star Wars spin-off, but it’s actually your secret weapon in local marketing. Think of it as being the coolest kid in your neighborhood. When someone searches “chiropractor near me,” you want to be the one that pops up with a welcoming digital smile. 

To achieve this, make sure your clinic’s address, phone number, and operating hours are consistent across all platforms. Encourage your happy patients to leave Google reviews, and respond to each one of them—good, bad, or ugly. A thoughtful response shows you care about your patients’ experiences and are eager to improve.

Create a Stellar Patient Experience

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about patient retention. This is all about making your clinic feel like a haven of healing. Start with a warm, welcoming environment. Soothing colors, comfortable furniture, clean surroundings, a smiling team—all these make your clinic feel inviting. But it doesn’t end with aesthetics.

The secret sauce is ensuring each patient feels seen, heard, and cared for. Remember their names, inquire about their day, send them handwritten cards when they share news with you, follow up on their progress, and above all, make them feel like a valued part of your practice. Building relationships with your patients will make them want to stick around.

On this same topic, you want to make sure you make your policies and procedures frictionless. Do your patients have to stop at the front desk to pay every single time? Do they have no idea on the progress they are making in care? Do they have no idea how long care will take until they are ready for wellness? 

Empower Your Patients

Power to the people, my friends! Educate your patients about their conditions and how they can maintain their health outside of your clinic. This could be in the form of informational blog posts, home exercise videos, or healthy lifestyle tips on your social media. When patients feel empowered and in control of their health, they’re more likely to stay loyal to your practice.

Reward Loyalty

Loyalty is a two-way street. If your patients stick with you, stick with them! Consider setting up a loyalty program. Perks like discounted services, free posture assessment, or priority bookings can make your patients feel appreciated. It’s like throwing a surprise party for your patients—they’ll love you for it!

Stay in Touch

Remember your old buddy from high school? The one you never hear from but suddenly sends a Christmas card each year? Don’t be that guy. Stay in your patients’ lives, be a constant source of positivity and health inspiration.

A monthly newsletter filled with useful health tips, clinic news, personal updates, and a sprinkle of fun can keep you connected with your patients. It’s like sending them a warm, friendly hug in their inbox! 

Chiropractic marketing in this day and age is all about being real, being present, and being there for your patients. It’s time to take the plunge! Start weaving your magic in the digital realm. You’ve got this! And remember, the more fun you have with your marketing, the more your patients will respond. 

P.S. If a patient ever asks whether they can do their own spinal adjustment, hit them with, “DIY is great for home decor, not for chiropractic care.” It’s a fun reminder that they need your expert hands to keep their spines happy and healthy!