Gone are the days when a chiropractor could just hang out his sign and expect tons of traffic through his door. In the United States, there is a chiropractor on every corner in most major cities and suburbs. But there are still many ways to market your practice that are not being used by the majority.



At a time when medicine is associated with hospitals, prescription and big pharmaceutical companies, you certainly want everyone to know that you have a better option. This is the right opportunity for a chiropractic marketing plan that encompasses all the available resources that you have. Here are five steps to ensure your chiropractic marketing plan is successful in the 21st century.

1. Use Pay Per Click. Use major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN to help bring you patients. This is done by using their pay per click advertising. Basically, you run ads that direct people to your website. These ads will show when someone searches for related keywords you have previously chosen. For example, someone may search for ?chiropractor in YourTown?, and your ad would come up on the right side (in Google).

2. Use Blogs. One of the fastest ways to rank high in the search engines is to set up a blog. A blog stands for a ?web log?. It is very simple to use. If you can send an email, you can post to a blog. Setting it up can also be easy if you have the right web hosting company. Google particulary loves blogs because you are adding fresh content regularly. And they want to provide their users with the best content search. My favorite blog setup is with Wordpress.com.

3. Use Email Autoresponders. Most of the people who visit your website for the first time will not schedule an appointment. So why wouldn't you want to ?capture? their information and send them emails to educate them about your products and services? This can be done by an email opt-in form where you simply ask for their name and email, in exchange for some valuable information. Maybe you offer them a free article on back pain, or fibromyalgia. Then, using an email autoresponder, you can send out prewritten emails in a series every few days to educate them on how you could help with their problem.

4. Use video and audio on your website. Today, most people have high speed internet connections. You can take advantage of this technology by posting videos or audios to your website or blog. All you need is a handheld digital camera and you can upload a quick video to your site. I recommend educational type videos on specific problems or symptoms the patients are interested in. You should also get a few patient testimonials on video so you have proof of your results. Occasional fun videos of you and your family also work well to build positive relationships with your patients.

By using these four advanced strategies in your chiropractic marketing plan, you will definitely be in the Top 3% of successful chiropractors. Many of these technologies have been around for 4-5 years, but very few small businesses are taking advantage of them.