If you are studying to be a registered holistic nutritionist, wellness marketing & consulting may not be the first thing on your mind.
But no matter whether you are just starting out or looking to grow an existing business, marketing your holistic nutritionist practice is important every step of the way.
There are many factors to consider when establishing a practice that continues to grow.
As an institute of registered holistic nutrition, the Edison Institute of Nutrition provides you with the training required to complete your diploma in holistic nutrition and become a registered holistic nutritionist.
So then what’s the next step?
Let’s take a look at some factors to consider to run a successful practice.
1. Follow Up With Your Clients
As you focus on growing your business, a big part of your nutrition business plan includes seeking out and marketing to new clients.
But it’s just as important not to forget about your existing clients.
Retaining a client you already have saves you time, energy, and money as you have already established that connection.
You can rely on existing customers for testimonials, referrals, and the customer base for your established practice.
Follow up with clients after their appointments, reminding them that you are available to answer any of their questions.
Send email reminders about appointments to your clients, and schedule a follow up email between visits.
Check in with clients you have not seen in a while, to tell them that you are still available if they need your services.
2. Build A Referral Network With Other Practitioners
Seek out neighbourhood practices that complement your own.
Fostering relationships with other doctors by referring clients their way will mean they will be more open to referring people to you.
If you are new to the area, this is a great way to take advantage of pre-existing local clientele.
Often, other allied practitioners like naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, homeopaths, acupuncturists, and others can be great sources of referrals.
Let the local clinics know that there is a registered holistic nutritionist in the area in case they have requests.
A local referral is far more likely to become a repeat client.
3. Take Your Clients Seriously
A client reaching out in an emergency is an opportunity to build a relationship by being there for them when you’re most needed.
If you don’t take the opportunity, the client will likely seek help elsewhere, and may never return to you again.
Take the time to be available to your clients in their hour of need.
A client who sees you going above and beyond is much more likely to share their positive experience with friends.
4. Build A High Quality Website
Your website is often the first point of contact for a new client, so make it a good one.
It pays to have the most up to date design features on your website, suggesting to your clients that your practice is cutting edge and relevant.
Your website should be easy to use, on any device, and should be a source of information for both current clients and new visitors.
If you have an online booking system, it should be compatible with the most recent technology and hassle free.
5. Write Blog Articles
On the topic of staying relevant, be sure to keep your blog up to date by posting articles at least once per month.
Nothing says out of date like a website with articles that haven’t been updated since 2016.
Blogging also helps with SEO, which boosts your online presence, making you more visible to new clients.
Another way to grow your holistic nutritionist practice is to become a source for new developments in your industry for your readers.
Your online presence helps you connect to the community in which your practice is located.
Share local events, engage with community pages, and use social media to promote your blog posts or make announcements about your practice.
Monitor your online presence, engaging with clients who leave you a review or ask questions through your sites.
Your efforts will reward you by showing the community that you are available, listening to their questions and concerns, and a vital source of information for them in your field.
6. Build A New Client Pipeline
When it comes to finding new clients, you have a great resource that can help: your current clientele.
Examine trends in the clients you already service: age, demographic, gender, or profession can suggest to you whom to target.
The area in which you’re located may have a lot to do with who your clients are.
So when it comes to marketing, build a network in the community where you have built your business.
You could host workshops or seminars for the community in efforts to find new clients.
Look for listing opportunities in local directories, especially online, and join local groups on social media.
Don’t miss any opportunity for media exposure, whether it’s a story about your new practice opening, offering advice as a registered holistic nutritionist for a news story, or simply doing your research into the media outlets available to you.
Print material is a more expensive advertising media these days but if you focus your efforts, you may see good results.
Create an informative flyer, introducing your practice to the reader, and target areas to whom you may not be visible: new builds in the neighbourhood, local businesses that have large numbers of employees in your demographic, or wider areas that you may service on their way into the city, for example.
Print business cards to give to existing clients so that they can promote you to their friends.
7. Ask Clients For Referrals & Reviews
On that last point, one of the best ways to find new clients and keep them is by having a personal recommendation to your business.
Let existing clients know that you are accepting new clientele, and encourage referrals with a rewards program.
If a client thanks you for your service, encourage them to write an online review.
Dedicate a section of your website to customer reviews and check them regularly, responding if needed.
Run a contest on social media in which you ask your clients to share a review or a post with their friends.
8. Have A Flexible Schedule
Be available for appointments when your clients want them, so a nine to five day may not work for you.
Offer appointment times that cater to those who need to visit after business hours.
This may involve building your staff to cover a longer workday, or coming in on the weekend to service appointments.
If you are not available when your clients need you, they will go elsewhere.
9. Above All, Deliver Excellent Service
A friendly and inviting practice will garner more interest and attract more clients.
Post pictures of your staff on your website, so that your clients see the faces of the practitioners they will be meeting.
Personalize your website with actual photos from your office rather than stock photography.
Train your team to be friendly and inviting, as they will often be the first point of contact a new client has with your business.
And finally, show your clients that you are the top choice by keeping up to date in your industry through the Edison Institute of Nutrition.
Contact The Edison Institute Of Nutrition Today
Graduates of the Edison Institute go on to become certified holistic nutritionists in private practice, corporate environments, or clinical settings.
Our programs combine the latest scientific research with traditional practices to provide you a wide ranging perspective on nutrition.
We also provide continuing education courses for existing practitioners.
Contact us today to explore the program that works best for you.
