Matter of fact, over the last couple of years Google has moved aggressively toward integrating all of their online platforms into one seamless giant. But it’ll only benefit you as a chiropractor if you actual participate.

To get started, go to https://plus.google.com and sign up. Then come back and watch the following 8 Google+ Videos for Beginners.

Welcome to Google+

A Quick Look at Google+

Exploring Google+ Settings

Exploring Google+ Circles

Exploring Google+ Hangouts

Exploring Google+ Messenger

Exploring Google+ Sparks

Just Hanging Out

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of Google+, make sure you add me to your circle. You can find me HERE.

The Google+ page for Next Generation Chiropractor is found HERE.

Question: Are you on Google+ yet? If so, how are you using it to attract new patients into your chiropractic practice?

Share your thoughts in the {comments} section below.

8 Google+ Videos for Beginners is a post from: Dr. Patrick MacNamara of Next Generation Chiropractor which is protected by a Creative Commons License

Take Time To Set Up an Account

It is essential to go through the setup process completely in order to get started with using Pinterest for business marketing purposes. Individuals and businesses set up their accounts differently, so any chiropractic business that is working on getting on to Pinterest should choose to make a business account.

A business account allows a practice to link to a business website and include keywords in the profile. Other Pinterest users who are searching for profiles related to those keywords will be directed to the business account, and website linking enables an increase in traffic flow.

Make the Connection

Pinterest users will need to be able to easily share interesting information found on a chiropractor’s website with other users, so making sure that pinning is quick and easy is a must.

Buttons that facilitate pinning are available to be embedded on a business website whenever there is information that may lend itself to being pinned.

For example, practices may maintain a blog that contains useful tips, facts and statistics that readers may want to share with others via Pinterest. Content on any page that could potentially be shared with others can include a button.

Using a button to allow website visitors to follow a practice’s Pinterest activity is also a must. This lets people who may be too busy to learn more about the practice when they visit the website remember their interest in the future. “Follow Me” buttons can be added to the business website and emails.

Pin Wisely

It’s easy for a practice to get caught up in pinning when any small tip or bit of information is found that may help patients, but it is important to be careful when deciding to pin anything.

Always be sure to comply with copyright laws when pinning anything. Cite the appropriate sources to avoid trouble in the future. Verify that these sources are reliable before passing on any information about personal health to protect both the practice and patients.

Repinning is quick and easy, but not all links that are pinned are valid. It is not uncommon for malicious websites or sites with false information to be pinned, so click on a link before repinning to validate the authenticity of the link itself.

Pack a Visual Punch

People who browse through Pinterest to find interesting pins may read the description of links, but visual appeal is what is most likely to entice a person to actually follow through with visiting the link.

If pins are associated with blog posts or the website content of a chiropractor, a strong visual representation of the content should be included on the page to facilitate pinning. Since Pinterest users are so accustomed to judging the usefulness of a pin by its picture, packing a visual punch is an absolute must.

Focusing on links with strong visuals can be done by creating or repinning infographics and videos.

While the picture related to a pin is important, including text is also a must. Use a short paragraph or even a single sentence to get the idea of the link across, and be sure to utilize keywords.

Pinterest is a social media outlet that many chiropractors fail to use, but creating an account and staying active can help chiropractors grow their practices. Understand the function of Pinterest prior to pinning, and be sure to set up a business account for the best results.

Question: Are you on Pinterest?

If so, I’d love to connect with you! You can find me HERE.

How Chiropractors Can Use Pinterest To Grow Their Practices is a post from: Dr. Patrick MacNamara of Next Generation Chiropractor which is protected by a Creative Commons License

It’s essential to provide each person with accurate, reliable information that can help to shape his or her decision. Whether you’re just starting your blog or looking for a way to revitalize your website, chiropractors can use these five writing tips to increase traffic and build relationships with their patients.

1. Treat Your Blog as a Resource

Many chiropractors abandon their blogs early in the game because they don’t receive many comments or visitors. They falsely assume that they don’t need to blog if no one is reading.

However, you should view your blog as a resource for clients and potential patients. Even if your traffic figures aren’t as high as you expect, remember that each post contributes to your larger goals.

Once you’ve been blogging for several months and have amassed a series of informative posts, patients will be impressed and happy to find the incredible resources you’ve made available.

2. Keep Your Writing Clear

If you’re not an experienced writer, it’s all too easy to let your writing be weighed down by technical terms and complex explanations.

Make sure to keep your writing clear so that it is understandable to all potential patients. People are more likely to read and share your blog posts and to participate in discussions when you provide clear, simple and interesting information.

3. Write Regularly

Though your primary responsibilities still exist within the office, it’s also important to make time for your blog and online marketing efforts.

Find a regular posting schedule that works for your business. Avoid excessive posting because many people ignore companies that post too often. Instead, try to post regularly to the blog at least once per week in order to keep your company’s name on customers’ minds.

4. Think Outside the Box

You’ll most likely run out of new blog ideas at some point in the future. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you need to stop blogging. It’s actually an opportunity to get creative with new topics and information.

If you normally blog about chiropractic techniques and procedures, try writing a blog about ways to avoid back injuries or a post about new alternative health treatments. When your blog features more creative and interesting ideas, you’ll see higher traffic and you’ll develop more loyal customers.

5. Engage Your Users

Finally, be sure you’re encouraging users to interact with your blog through comments, shared posts or social media. Ask readers to share your blog through Facebook or Twitter and engage your patients in conversations.

Blogs provide a powerful networking opportunity and a great way to connect with other chiropractors and potential clients. Through your chiropractic blog, you can dramatically increase the number of visitors to your website and ultimately develop a more loyal customer base.

Question: Are you struggling with keeping your blog updated with fresh and relevant content?

If so, you may be interested in my Blog Writing Services for chiropractors. It’ll totally remove the burden from this much needed Internet marketing strategy.

5 Blog Writing Tips for Chiropractors is a post from: Dr. Patrick MacNamara of Next Generation Chiropractor which is protected by a Creative Commons License

1. You Stay Visible

With everyone and their brother currently using social media to promote their brand, it’s important for any business to take advantage of the visibility social media allows you to have. By constantly updating your social media accounts you stay visible, connect with potential customers and remain in the forefront of someone’s mind when you’re constantly working on creating a visible brand.

With that being said, you need to think of ways to connect to your customer base in order to remain a visible brand. For example, you can share your company’s story in order to help other social media users feel connected to you and invested in your success. You can also highlight a product or service that you offer in a casual way, getting the word out about your company and what they offer without being too “promotional.” There are numerous ways to stay visible as a business using social media; it’s simply a matter of getting out there and connecting with people.

2. It Helps with Customer Retention

Any business will benefit from customer retention, and social media allows you to do just that. You can direct consumers to your Facebook page and Twitter account via your regular business website or blog, giving customers an easy way to follow your business and stay updated on the latest company news, product offerings and the like.

Additionally, social media allows you to connect with your customers in a way that makes them already feel like they know you, especially if you share your personal stories and anecdotes about your business. In this way, they are more likely to make a purchase via social media without a lot of sales pitches needed.

3. Customer Service is Easier and Quicker

So many people use social media that many of them choose to engage with businesses regularly in this way. Not only is it easier than being put on hold for hours via a telephone, but it’s a lot quicker as well. Any time a customer has a question, a problem or simply wants to compliment your business on a job well done, they can do so quickly and efficiently using social media. In turn, your company can respond to all customer inquiries just as fast.

By using social media to improve your customer service, this also helps with customer retention. As you can see, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t be using social media to help connect with your customer base!

4. It Can Increase Search Engine Rankings

Facebook and Twitter rank among the highest when it comes to social media sites, so make sure to update those frequently if you want to increase your search engine rankings for your business. Will this happen overnight? Likely not, but with frequent updates and staying on top of your customer base, you will be directing targeted traffic back to your website and helping your business rank higher in search engines.

You can also ask your current customers to post reviews about your business on popular review sites such as Yelp; the more reviews your business has, the more people are talking about it and getting the word out. Of course, it’s important to search frequently for what is being said about you, so you can also stay on top of any negative reviews that may be posted that you need to address.

5. By Golly… It’s Free

As far as a cost-effective form of advertising goes, using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are your best bet – because they are all free! By signing up for accounts with these social media sites, you can begin advertising and promoting your brand and products/services right away, without spending a dime on other online advertising methods.

There really isn’t a reason you shouldn’t be using social media for your business, especially when it allows you to connect with customers on a deeper level and help you grow your brand quickly, efficiently and cheaply. Within a few moments, your brand can have a visible presence in social media and will only continue to grow if you stay on top of it for the long-term.

Question: Are you using social media to help grow your chiropractic practice?

If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’re doing it. Please leave your comment in the {comments} section below.

5 Reasons Why Chiropractors Should Be Using Social Media is a post from: Dr. Patrick MacNamara of Next Generation Chiropractor which is protected by a Creative Commons License

1. It Builds Traffic

If setup correctly, there will always be a correlation between traffic and new leads. The more traffic you have coming to your website, the more likely it is you’ll convert a lead into a new patient. With that said, having a blog you update frequently will allow you to direct targeted traffic to your business website, thereby increasing the chances you’ll have at capturing leads and converting them into new patients.

By linking your blog to other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, you’ll also be building traffic and connecting with your customer base. Whenever you publish a new blog post, make sure to post a link to it on your social media accounts to attract more prospective patients and build your brand.

2. It Increases your Credibility

People are more likely to purchase products or services from businesses they feel like they already “know,” and having a blog that you regularly update can help foster a community and allow your readers to feel like they know you, even if you’ve never met face to face.

Every time you interact with your readers, by encouraging comments and responding to comments left, you are building your relationship with potential patients. By building those relationships, you are effectively creating a face for your brand, thereby increasing the likelihood of more patients. A blog is a simple way to do this, and allows customers to consistently reach out to you and stay updated on new developments, products or services offered by your business.

3. It Allows for Better Customer Service

By creating a blog for your business, it allows your patients to contact you. They don’t have to be put on hold, or wait for office hours to call you. All of the info about your company should be found on your blog, so patients who have any questions or want to find out more about your business can easily do so.

Additionally, a blog is one of the best ways to update patients on new products or services being offered. You can also respond to patient inquiries quickly and more efficiently, and you can gain valuable feedback from your readership while using that feedback to make improvements and build a better business, as well as business relationships, with your client base.

4. It Establishes you as An Expert

A blog helps establish you as an expert in your field, and if you regularly update it with relevant content, you reinforce the idea that you know what you are talking about. Making sure you update your blog frequently with content that is valuable to readers also helps establish you as their go-to person when it comes to your particular niche within chiropractic.

By blogging regularly, you are building a visible presence on the web and also fostering relationships with potential patients while establishing your expertise for your particular niche.

5. It Gives you a Voice

Every business needs a voice, and a blog is a simple way to do that. These days, anyone can post anything online about a company, be it good or bad. By starting a blog for your business, you can help manage your reputation and give your business the voice and authority it needs to thrive.

The marketplace for any business is normally competitive, so by starting a blog that you update regularly, you are giving your company a voice on the internet. Both prospects and patients can read your posts and establish in their minds that you are a credible authority, and you can interact with them frequently while establishing your reputation on the web.

While there are many reasons your business should have a blog, these are the most compelling reasons. If you haven’t started a blog for your business yet, you definitely should – it’s a cost effective, easy way to interact with your existing patient base, gaining new patients and establishing your expertise.

Question: Have you started using a blog to attract new patients yet?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave them in the {comments} section below.

5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Chiropractic Blog is a post from: Dr. Patrick MacNamara of Next Generation Chiropractor which is protected by a Creative Commons License