Dear Graduates,

Congratulations on completing your studies and stepping into a new phase of your professional journey! Whether you plan to start your own clinic or join an existing practice, one of the most important (yet often overlooked) questions is: How can people find you—and trust you?

This guide provides practical, actionable marketing strategies to help you take the first steps in building your practice.

I. Online Promotion System: Build Your Digital Presence

1. Google Business Profile – Step-by-Step Guide

✅ Why It Matters

Google is the top entry point for patients seeking local acupuncture clinics. Over 90% of clinic visits originate from Google Search or Maps. A verified Google Business Profile (GBP) makes your clinic discoverable when someone searches “acupuncture near me” or “Chinese medicine + city name.”

🧭 Step-by-Step Registration and Setup

1. Go to the official page
   Open your browser and visit: https://www.google.com/business/
2. Click “Get Started”
   Sign in using the Google account you want to use for your clinic (recommended: use a professional or clinic-based email).
3. Enter Your Clinic Name
   • If similar names appear, you can select or create a new business.
   • Example: “My Acupuncture Clinic”
4. Choose a Business Category
   • Suggested: “Acupuncturist”
   • You may also add a secondary category: “Chinese Medicine Practitioner”
5. Enter Your Clinic Address
   • This will appear on Google Maps and is required for address verification.
   • Choose “Yes” when asked if you serve customers at this location.
6. Service Area (Optional)
   • If you offer mobile or home visits, specify the service area. Otherwise, skip.
7. Add Contact Info
   • Business phone number
   • Website URL (optional but highly recommended)
8. Verify Your Business
   • Google typically sends a postcard with a 5-digit verification code to your clinic address.
   • Once received (within 5–7 business days), log in to your dashboard and enter the code to complete verification.

✨ Optimization Tips (With Where-to-Click Instructions)

1. Upload High-Quality Photos
   • Go to your profile → “Photos”
   • Upload images of: exterior, reception, treatment rooms, equipment, team
   • Suggested: JPEG/PNG, minimum width 1200px for clarity
2. Set Detailed Business Info
   • In the “Info” section:
     • Operating hours (each day of the week)
     • Holiday hours (e.g., Lunar New Year, Christmas)
     • Booking options (phone, website, booking app)
3. Add Services Offered
   • Go to “Services” in the menu
   • List offerings like “Menstrual Regulation Acupuncture,” “Allergy Support,” “Herbal Consultations”
   • You can add a price range and a description for each
4. Manage and Respond to Reviews
   • Go to “Reviews” from the left menu
   • Encourage happy patients to leave a 5-star review
     ✅ You can send them your review link:
     Format: https://g.page/YOUR-BUSINESS-SHORTNAME/review\n
   • Respond to all reviews — thank positive ones, and handle negative ones with professionalism
5. Add a Booking Link
   • In the “Info” section, add a direct booking URL from your preferred tool (e.g., Google Calendar, Square Calendar, IntakeQ, etc. )
   • This makes it easy for patients to schedule appointments directly from Google

📌 Important Tips

• Keep your profile up-to-date with any changes in hours, services, or contact info
• Download the Google Business Profile App to manage your listing on the go
• The more reviews and updates you post, the better your search ranking

📹 Recommended Video Tutorials

1. Google Business Profile Set Up: 2025 Step-by-Step Tutorial This video provides a detailed walkthrough of setting up your Google Business Profile, including verification and ranking tips. YouTube​
2. Google Business Profile Set Up: 2025 Step-By-Step Tutorial (Incl Verification & Ranking Tips) Another in-depth guide focusing on the setup process and strategies to enhance your profile’s visibility. YouTube​
3. Google Business Profile Tutorial – Get Listed on Google This tutorial demonstrates how to list your business on Google, ensuring it appears in search results and on Google Maps. YouTube​
4. How to Set Up Google My Business: Easy Step-by-Step Guide A user-friendly guide that simplifies the process of setting up your Google Business Profile. YouTube​

2. Official Website – Step-by-Step Guide

A clear, professional website builds trust and allows patients to quickly understand who you are, what you do, and how to contact you.

✅ Why You Need a Website

• A website is your 24/7 digital storefront.
• It adds credibility, allows for SEO optimization, and serves as a hub to link your Google Business Profile, social media, and booking tools.

🧭 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Website Platform

Two beginner-friendly options are:

If you want to fully own your website and domain, you may also consider WordPress.org + a hosting service (like Bluehost or SiteGround).

Step 2: Set Up Hosting and Domain

• Wix: Hosting is included. Simply sign up and start building.
• WordPress.com: Choose a paid plan for full features.
• WordPress.org (Self-Hosted):
  1. Register a domain name (e.g., myclinic.com) via Namecheap or your host
  2. Choose hosting: Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger
  3. One-click install WordPress from hosting dashboard

Step 3: Select a Template or Theme

Choose a healthcare or wellness template that is:

• Clean and mobile-friendly
• Easy to navigate
• Includes sections for About, Services, Contact, and Booking

Wix users: Use “Health & Wellness > Acupuncture” category
WordPress users: Choose from free themes

Step 4: Build Your Website Structure

Recommended Pages:

1. Home – Clear welcome message + value proposition (e.g., “Empowering Natural Healing Through Acupuncture & Herbs”)
2. About – Bio, credentials, philosophy, photo
3. Services – List treatments + price reference
4. Booking – Link to Google Calendar, Square Calendar, IntakeQ, etc.
5. Contact – Phone, email, address, Google Map, etc.
6. (Optional) Blog or FAQ – Educational articles help boost SEO

Step 5: Connect to Google and Analytics

• Submit your website to Google Search Console
• Connect Google Analytics to track visitors
• Use SEO plugins (e.g., Yoast SEO for WordPress) or built-in SEO tools in Wix

Step 6: Make It Live and Test Everything

• Preview your site on desktop and mobile
• Test every button, form, and booking link
• Ask 1–2 friends to try using the site and give feedback

🪄 Tips for Success

• Use professional, warm imagery (your clinic, treatment rooms, practitioner photo)
• Keep text short, readable, and clear
• Add testimonials or success stories for trust-building
• Keep branding consistent with colors and fonts

📹 Recommended YouTube Tutorials

1. How to Build your Website in 2024 | Wix Tutorial. YouTube​
2. Create A Professional Website Easily – Wix Tutorial 2024. YouTube​
3. How To Make a Website With WordPress (Beginners Tutorial). YouTube​
4. Bluehost WordPress Tutorial 2024 For Beginners [The EASY Way]. YouTube​

3. Basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – Beginner’s Guide

SEO helps increase your website’s visibility in search engines like Google, allowing more potential patients to find you without paying for ads.

✅ What is SEO and Why Does It Matter?

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) involves optimizing your website’s structure and content so that it ranks higher on Google and other search engines.
• For acupuncture clinics, strong SEO helps your website appear in local search results when patients search for relevant treatments or services.

🔑 Three Core SEO Strategies

1. Use Relevant Keywords

Identify the words your potential patients are searching for, such as:

• “Denver acupuncture”
• “Chinese medicine for insomnia”
• “natural fertility support”

How to apply them:

• Naturally include keywords in:
  • Website titles and page headers
  • Meta descriptions
  • Body text on service and homepage
  • Alt text for images (e.g., “clinic interior photo”)
• Avoid keyword stuffing—keep the language readable and natural

📌 Tool Tip: Use Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms in your area

2. Describe Your Services in Text (Not Just Images)

Search engines can’t interpret images the way humans can. So:

• Make sure all services are explained using clear, readable text
• For each treatment, write a short intro, what it addresses, and expected outcomes

📝 Example:
Acupuncture for Menstrual Regulation

This treatment supports hormonal balance and improves cycle regularity using traditional Chinese medicine approaches.

3. Link Your Website and Google Business Profile

Creating mutual links builds credibility and authority in Google’s eyes:

• Add your website link to your Google Business Profile
• On your website (e.g., footer or Contact page), add a button or text link directing users to your Google Business page (including the review link)

Example review link format:
https://g.page/[your-profile-name]/review

📈 Other SEO Tips to Boost Visibility

• Use SEO tools:
  • Wix: Go to Page Settings → SEO tab to customize page titles and meta descriptions
  • WordPress: Install SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or RankMath
• Update content regularly:
  • Share educational blog posts, seasonal health tips, or common condition insights
• Optimize images:
  • Every image should have descriptive alt text (e.g., “acupuncture treatment room”)

📹 Recommended YouTube Tutorials for Beginners

1. SEO Basics for Beginners 2024
   Introduction to SEO concepts and beginner-friendly implementation tips.
2. Complete Wix SEO Tutorial (Part 1)
   A full tutorial for Wix users on how to set up and optimize SEO settings.
3. WordPress SEO Tutorial for Beginners
   Covers SEO strategies and plugin use for WordPress-based websites.
4. SEO for Beginners: Learn to Rank #1 In Google (2024)
   Explains how to use content, keyword strategy, and tools to reach top Google results.

4. Online Booking Systems – Tools for Scheduling & Patient Flow

An efficient booking system not only saves time and reduces no-shows, but also enhances patient trust and streamlines clinic operations.

✅ Why Use an Online Booking System?

• Patients can schedule appointments anytime, even outside of clinic hours
• Automated reminders help reduce no-shows
• Modern systems help gather pre-visit forms, notes, and payments in one place

🧭 Category 1: Free or Simple Booking Tools (for startups or solo practice)

Tips for Free Tools:

• Link directly from your website and Google Business Profile
• Include appointment length, cancellation policy, and intake form links if applicable

🧭 Category 2: Professional EHR Systems (Electronic Health Record Systems)

These platforms go beyond scheduling—they integrate medical documentation, billing, telehealth, patient communication, and insurance management.

Bonus: Most of these systems provide mobile apps, online patient portals, and exportable reports for tax and compliance purposes.

🔐 Key Features to Look for in an EHR/Booking System:

• HIPAA compliance
• Superbill generation (for insurance billing or patient reimbursement)
• Custom intake & consent forms
• Integration with Zoom or telehealth platforms
• Secure patient messaging or portal

📹 Recommended YouTube Tutorials

• How to Use Appointment Schedule in Google Calendar (Tutorial).​YouTube
• How to Use Square Appointments.​YouTube
• Calendly Tutorial 2023: A Complete Beginners Guide (Step-by-step).​YouTube

5. Social Media Platforms – Build Your Online Voice

For a new clinic, social media is not about “going viral.” It’s about being visible, building trust, and staying consistent. Choose 1–2 platforms and post regularly—even once a week makes a difference.

✅ Why Social Media Matters

• Provides free exposure in your local area
• Humanizes your clinic by sharing who you are and what you do
• Helps build trust and familiarity with potential patients before they ever book

📱 Recommended Platforms & Their Focus

💡 Content Ideas (Works Across All Platforms)

1. Seasonal Health Tips
   • Example: “Health Tips: Don’t skip breakfast!”
   • Can be 1 image + 2 lines of text + a short video
2. Treatment Process Walkthrough
   • Show the treatment room, explain how a visit works (blur patient face)
   • Build comfort for first-time patients
3. Q&A Reels or Clips
   • “Why can’t I sleep well?”
   • “Can acupuncture regulate periods?”
   • “What’s that popping sound during cupping?”
4. Behind the Scenes
   • Preparing herbs, cleaning cups, setting up the moxa table
   • Adds authenticity
5. Testimonials (With Permission)
   • Patient quotes with background music or simple design
   • Can also be written in posts or graphics

📅 Posting Schedule Tips

🛠️ Helpful Free Tools

• Canva: Design posts and infographics
• Meta Business Suite: Manage Facebook + Instagram from one place
• TikTok Business Center: Analytics and content scheduling

📹 Suggested YouTube Tutorials

1. Instagram for Business Tutorial: How to Create an Instagram Business Account 2024​
2. Facebook Business Page Tutorial: Facebook Business Page Tutorial (Updated for 2024 Changes!)​
3. TikTok for Business Tutorial: TikTok For Business: Beginner’s Guide To TikTok Marketing!​Y

🎯 Final Tips

• Don’t chase perfection—start small, be real, be helpful
• Reuse content: one idea can become a reel, a post, and a story
• Make yourself easy to remember: same logo, color theme, name across platforms

6. Email Marketing – Stay in Touch with Your Community

Email marketing is a simple yet powerful way to maintain connection, educate patients, promote services, and build long-term trust.

✅ Why Use Email Marketing?

• Make new patients feel welcomed
• Send seasonal health care tips regularly to strengthen professionalism and build trust
• Promote workshops, classes, or special offers to increase return visits
• Build a “private traffic channel” that doesn’t rely on social media or paid advertising

🧰 Recommended Tools: Mailchimp vs Constant Contact

📌 Overall Recommendation:

• Mailchimp is excellent for solo acupuncturists or first-time email marketers.
• Constant Contact is better if you want phone support, run events often, or plan to grow your campaign scope quickly.

✉️ Suggested Email Campaigns for Acupuncture Clinics

1. Welcome Email for New Patients
   → Include: clinic philosophy, what to expect, how to prepare, contact info
2. Seasonal Health Tips
   → e.g., “Spring Liver Qi: Warming Foods to Start Your Day”
   → Add: links to blog posts or appointment buttons
3. Promotion or Class Invitation
   → e.g., “Refer a Friend in April and Both Get 10% Off”
   → Or: “Join Our Free Zoom Workshop: Better Sleep With Acupuncture”
4. Educational Series
   → Short emails every 2 weeks about TCM concepts (yin-yang, meridians, herbs)

🔧 Pro Tips

• Start simple: 1 newsletter per month is enough at first
• Use your Google Form, Intake form, or in-clinic sign-up sheet to build your list
• Always get explicit consent (no adding without permission)
• Include unsubscribe and privacy policy link to stay compliant

📹 Recommended YouTube Tutorials

1. Mailchimp Tutorial 2024 (For Beginners)
2. Mailchimp Tutorial for Beginners 2024 (in 5 minutes)
3. Constant Contact Tutorial For Beginners 2024
4. Getting Started with Constant Contact

II. Offline Marketing: Get Seen in the Real World

1. Opening Events & Community Engagement

Local in-person interactions are still one of the most effective ways to build trust and attract your first group of loyal patients.

🎉 What You Can Host

• Free Constitution Assessment Day
  Invite local residents to complete a brief questionnaire and receive a personalized Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution analysis. This introduces your diagnostic approach and opens the door to follow-up consultations.
• Seasonal Health Experience Day
  Focus on current seasonal transitions (e.g., spring liver cleansing, winter kidney nourishment). Offer short talks, free samples, and lifestyle advice rooted in TCM principles.

🤝 Community Partnerships

• Collaborate with local community centers, libraries, or language schools
  Offer short lectures like:
  • “How Acupuncture Improves Sleep”
  • “What Is Your Body Constitution According to Chinese Medicine?”
  • “Stress and Digestive Health: TCM’s Perspective”
• These are not sales events — they are education-focused and trust-building, which leads to natural interest and bookings.

🎁 Offer Take-Home Incentives

• Health Questionnaires
  Use simple body-type or symptom-based surveys (with explanations) to get people thinking about their health.
• Free Moxa Packs
  Provide samples of moxa or herbal sachets as seasonal health boosters, with usage instructions.
• One-on-One Consultation Vouchers
  Offer a limited number of complimentary 20-minute one-on-one consultations — a perfect opportunity to build personal rapport and introduce services.

🧰 Pro Tips for Success

• Set up a simple table and signage at local markets or community events
• Have flyers, QR codes, and a sign-up form ready for email collection
• Bring your tools: tongue charts, pulse cards, models of acupuncture points — make it visual and engaging
• Take photos (with permission) for use in future online marketing

2. Cross-Industry Collaborations

When you’re starting out, relationships are more powerful than advertisements. Partnering with complementary professionals helps you expand your reach and build credibility in the community.

🧩 Recommended Partner Types & Collaboration Ideas

🤝 How to Build Authentic Collaborations

• Begin with those you know and trust, or whose services you’ve personally used
• Offer them something of value — a free treatment, a mini health check-in, or a mention in your newsletter
• Focus on long-term synergy, not just quick lead generation

🎯 Why This Works

• You tap into warm audiences who already trust the referring business
• You position yourself as part of a care network rather than a solo provider
• You create mutually beneficial visibility, especially in tight-knit or culturally specific communities

3. Referral Incentives – Turn Satisfaction into Sharing

Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool in healthcare. Happy patients are often glad to refer others—if they’re reminded and rewarded. A thoughtful referral program turns personal trust into clinic growth.

🎁 Referral Program Ideas for Your Clinic

1. $10 Cash Back or Discount for Referrals
   • When an existing patient refers a friend who books and completes a treatment, they receive either:
     • $10 cash back
     • OR a $10 discount on their next visit
   • Easy to track using referral cards or clinic software
2. “3 Referrals = 1 Free Session” Reward
   • Once a patient refers 3 new clients (who complete their first visit), they earn:
     • One free wellness session (e.g., acupuncture, cupping, or herbal consultation)
   • Display a simple referral tracker on their file or in your system
3. Wellness Gift Cards
   • Create shareable gift cards that patients can give to friends or family, such as: “Enjoy your first acupuncture visit at $20 off — a gift of wellness from someone who cares.”
4. First-Time Visit Coupons
   • Offer digital or printed coupons with a QR code that new patients can scan to redeem a discounted first session or free consultation

📌 Best Practices for Referral Programs

• Mention the referral offer during visits and in your email newsletter
• Place flyers or cards with clear instructions at your front desk
• Make it easy to share online (images for WeChat/Instagram, QR codes, etc.)
• Track referrals clearly and reward promptly to build trust

💡 Design Tip

Use platforms like Canva to design branded referral cards or coupons. Include:

• Your clinic name & logo
• Short message (e.g., “A gift of wellness awaits you”)
• Expiration date
• QR code or booking instructions

✅ Action Checklist

• Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile + at least one social media account
• Set up website and SEO
• Prepare 3 types of offline marketing materials (flyers, referral cards, assessment booklets)
• Reach out to 2–3 local potential partners to initiate collaborations
• Write one seasonal health article for social media or public lectures

Key Takeaway: Focus only on promotional methods you can consistently maintain. Even the smallest exposure, if steady and sincere, will build lasting patient trust.

Wishing you a thriving practice and a fulfilling path of healing and growth.