In this episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast I talk about three parts of practice that will completely change your business over time. These are not quick fixes. They are not instant wins. They will not solve your new patient problem this month. But if you make them a priority now, you will look back years from today and feel genuinely grateful that you started.
Why Chiropractors Fixate on New Patients
I start by talking about the profession's obsession with new patients. Every marketer, coach, and guru leads with new patient promises. You know the messages. They claim they can get you forty new patients a month or grow your practice instantly.
New patients feel exciting. They create cash flow. They inflate your numbers. And they can cover up bad systems. Even a poorly run practice can survive if there is a constant stream of fresh bodies coming through the door.
The problem is that running a practice this way is extremely stressful. If you ever have a slow month, the weaknesses in your systems show immediately. You never feel stable because the entire practice sits on top of a shaky foundation. You are always looking for the next new patient hit.
The Purpose of This Episode
I created this episode to help you shift your focus toward three long-term levers that make your practice healthier, steadier, and easier to run. These are not urgent. They do not give you a dopamine hit. But they are the building blocks of a business that does not fall apart when the new patient flow slows down.
The three long-term levers are reviews, relationships, and retention.
Why Reviews Matter More Than You Think
Reviews are one of the easiest and most powerful things you can invest in. They help your local SEO. They help your conversion. They help Google understand what you are known for. They even help AI tools understand what people think about you.
One of the biggest advantages reviews provide is the keywords hidden inside them. If your patients mention migraines, sciatica, pregnancy, sports injuries, or anything else, Google takes note. Those words help determine which searches you show up for.
I tell the story of a client who asked me if they had too many reviews because they had several times more than every chiropractor in their area. My answer was simple. I would keep going. If I could have ten times more reviews than my competitors, I would not slow down for a second. Being the obvious choice in your community is never a disadvantage.
The Power of Building Real Relationships
Next I shift into the value of relationships. As an introvert this one has always been a challenge for me. I would rather sit at my computer than go out and meet new people. But chiropractic is a relationship business. We work with human beings. We serve a community. We depend on trust.
Relationships with patients matter. Relationships with business owners matter. Relationships with coaches, trainers, teachers, community leaders, and other professionals matter.
When people know you and have something good to say about you, everything becomes easier. New patients come more naturally. Opportunities show up. Referrals increase. Sometimes your relationship with a respected person in the community even creates a little bit of authority or credibility transfer.
These relationships take time. They take intention. And they are absolutely worth it.
Short Term Retention and Why It Affects Results
Then I talk about short-term retention. This is not about long-term wellness care. This is simply helping someone stay consistent during their initial care. When you have a clear plan, patients get better results. They feel more connected to you. They are more likely to think of you as their chiropractor.
Without a plan you swing between two extremes. You either forget to follow up with people and they slip away, or you accidentally harass them without realizing how many times you have reached out. A system keeps you in the middle where you are caring, consistent, and helpful without being annoying.
Long Term Retention and Why It Stabilizes Your Practice
Long-term retention does not blow up your numbers overnight, but it is one of the key stability builders in a mature practice. This is where you check in with people who have not been in for three months or six months or a year. You are not trying to guilt them. You are not trying to pressure them. You are simply serving as a reminder for people who actually need your help but have been busy or distracted.
These occasional visits do not seem like much in the moment. But over the course of five or ten years, they create steady, predictable support for your practice. They also reinforce that you are their chiropractor even if they do not come in very often.
A Reminder for the New Year
I wrap up by reminding chiropractors that the best time to start these habits was years ago, but the next best time is right now. As we head into a new year, commit to being better in these three areas. You do not have to be perfect, but you do have to be intentional.
Make reviews a priority. Build more relationships. Put a plan in place for both short-term and long-term retention.
If you do that, your practice will be radically healthier five years from now.
Resources Mentioned
Free Website/SEO Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites
