[This post was originally published on 1st March 2022. It has been updated on 9th June 2025.]
Attracting new patients is essential for any chiropractic practice to thrive in today’s competitive healthcare market. With many options available to patients, knowing how to get new chiropractic patients and using proven patient acquisition strategies is key to success. Below are five detailed, actionable ways to increase your chiropractic patient acquisition and grow your practice.
1. Implement Chiropractic Practice Management Software
One of the most powerful strategies to attract new patients and improve retention is by integrating an all-in-one chiropractic practice management software into your clinic. In a digital-first world, where convenience, transparency, and streamlined care are paramount, modern technology gives chiropractors the edge needed to stand out.
According to Frost & Sullivan, healthcare practices using electronic health record (EHR) systems report a 30–40% increase in patient satisfaction scores. When patients experience smoother workflows, faster communication, and digital convenience, they’re more likely to return, and recommend your services to others.
Enhanced Patient Experience
A well-designed patient portal empowers patients to take control of their healthcare. With 24/7 access to medical records, the ability to request or book appointments online, receive lab results, and communicate with your team securely, the experience becomes much more accessible and transparent.
In fact, 96% of patients say they’re more likely to stick with providers who offer digital tools like online scheduling and access to records. This convenience not only increases retention but also boosts chiropractic new patient acquisition through positive word-of-mouth and online reviews.
Simplified Online Scheduling
Today’s patients expect the ability to book appointments online just like they would a haircut or a restaurant reservation. Research shows that 70% of patients prefer online scheduling over making phone calls.By offering self-scheduling through your chiropractic software, you reduce friction in the booking process, attract younger, tech-savvy patients, and fill your calendar more efficiently, often even during non-business hours.
Automated Reminders & Follow-Ups
Missed appointments are a major revenue drain, with no-show rates ranging from 10% to 30% in chiropractic practices. However, practices that use automated appointment reminders via SMS and email have seen up to 50% reductions in no-show rates (MGMA data). Follow-up messages can also keep patients engaged with their treatment plans, encourage rebooking, and maintain continuity of care, improving outcomes and lifetime value per patient.
Improved Care Coordination
For multidisciplinary practices or those working with external healthcare providers, EHR software ensures seamless, HIPAA-compliant data sharing. Chiropractors can send referrals, collaborate on treatment plans, and provide more holistic care. This fosters trust with patients who often value integrated, team-based care approaches.
Actionable Analytics & Reporting
Chiropractic management software can provide real-time insights into your clinic’s performance:
- How many new patients are acquired monthly
- Which marketing channels deliver the most leads
- What are your average revenue per patient
- Where are patients dropping off in care plans
By using this data to refine patient acquisition strategies, tailor communications, and make data-driven decisions, you can accelerate practice growth with confidence.
2. Boost Your Online Presence to Capture More Chiropractic New Patients
Your digital presence is your new front door. Before anyone walks into your chiropractic clinic, they’re checking you out online. They’re reading your reviews, scrolling through your website, and judging your credibility in seconds. And in today’s competitive market, if your online presence isn’t strong, you’re likely losing potential patients to clinics that have invested in it.
Here’s how you can turn your online presence into a powerful patient magnet:
Get More Reviews, Automatically
Think about the last time you tried a new restaurant, hired a plumber, or chose a dentist. Chances are, you checked the reviews first, and your potential chiropractic patients are doing the same.
According to BrightLocal’s 2025 Consumer Review Survey:
- 96% of consumers are open to writing your business a review.
- 40% percent of consumers that said they’d be most likely to leave a review when asked by email and 27% by text message
- 48% of customers read the review summary, before going on to read a variety of positive and negative reviews.
That means every star counts. The good news? You don’t have to manually ask every patient for a review.
Chiropractic practice software can automate review requests via email or SMS immediately after appointments, when the experience is fresh and patients are most likely to respond. This can boost review response rates by 25% or more. Include direct links to Google, Yelp, or Facebook to make it easy.
Tip: Even a short, genuine review can help sway the next person who’s looking for a chiropractor in your area.
Respond to Reviews, Yes, Even the Not-So-Great Ones
Your response to a review says just as much as the review itself. When you thank happy patients or professionally address concerns from less-satisfied ones, you’re showing that your practice is attentive, caring, and human.
More than half of consumers (56%) prefer businesses that respond to reviews. A simple “Thank you, we’re so glad we could help!” can go a long way. And for critical reviews, a polite and empathetic reply shows professionalism and maturity, qualities new patients appreciate.
Optimize Your Website & Social Media
Your website is your online home base. Make it count.
- Ensure it’s mobile-friendly, over 63% of website traffic comes from mobile devices.
- Include clear contact information, online booking, and an FAQ section.
- Add educational blogs and video content on topics like posture tips, back pain relief, or chiropractic myths.
- Include before-and-after case studies (with patient consent), real stories build trust!
Social media matters too. Share testimonials, behind-the-scenes moments, wellness tips, or staff shout-outs. Engaging content helps build a community, and loyal communities lead to more chiropractic new patient acquisition.
A polished digital presence can increase patient inquiries by up to 50%. That’s a huge opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Master Local SEO
When someone in your area types “chiropractor near me” into Google, you want to show up at the top.
Here’s why:
- 8 in 10 US consumers say they search for a local business online at least once a week
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is key
Make sure:
- Your business hours, address, and phone number are accurate
- You’ve selected the right business categories (e.g., “Chiropractor,” “Health Clinic”)
- You regularly upload photos of your practice and services
- You collect and display reviews on your Google profile
Doing this improves your chances of appearing in local search results and Google Maps, where nearby patients are actively searching for chiropractic care.
3. Leverage Patient Referrals: Turn Satisfied Patients into Your Best Marketing Tool
You trust a friend’s recommendation more than a pop-up ad, right? Well, your patients feel the same. In fact, according to Nielsen, a staggering 92% of people trust referrals from friends and family more than any other type of advertising. That makes word-of-mouth not just warm and fuzzy, but one of the most powerful (and cost-effective) ways to grow your chiropractic practice.
And the best part? You already have what you need: satisfied patients.
Here’s how to encourage them to spread the word:
Just Ask, It Actually Works
Sometimes the simplest strategy is the most effective. You’d be surprised how many happy patients are willing to refer someone, they just need a little nudge.
Whether it’s a quick ask after a session (“Hey, if you know anyone dealing with back pain, feel free to send them our way!”) or a friendly follow-up message, simply asking can boost referrals by up to 30%.
Bonus tip: Patients love feeling appreciated. Let them know how much you value their recommendation, it goes a long way.
Make It Worth Their While with a Referral Program
People are more likely to take action when there’s something in it for them (and it doesn’t have to be big!). A small thank-you can go a long way.
Here are a few examples:
- Give a $10 credit toward their next visit
- Offer a free wellness add-on like a massage gun session or posture analysis
- Enter them into a monthly giveaway for every referral
Clinics that offer patient incentives see referral rates jump by 25–30%. Plus, patients feel like VIPs when they’re part of a program.
Track Referrals Like a Pro
You don’t have to guess who referred whom. With the right chiropractic practice management software, you can:
- Track each referral back to the source
- Reward patients automatically
- See which referral strategies are working best
This not only keeps things organized, it also builds a culture of loyalty and advocacy in your practice.
4. Launch Targeted Social Media Ads (and Showcase Real Patient Care)
Social media advertising is one of the fastest ways to reach and attract local patients—especially when paired with authentic, engaging content.
- Hyperlocal Targeting: Use Facebook and Instagram ads to reach people in your area based on zip code, interests, occupation (like desk workers), or behaviors—ensuring your message reaches those who need you most.
- Capture & Share Real Chiropractic Sessions: Short, professional videos of actual (consenting) patient sessions—like adjustments, stretching routines, or posture tips—build credibility and curiosity. People love to see real results in action.
- Promote Special Offers: Eye-catching ads that offer a “$29 New Patient Exam” or “Free Posture Screening” consistently convert curious viewers into scheduled appointments.
- Trackable Results: With analytics tools, you’ll see how many leads your ads generate, helping you optimize for the best return on investment.
Combining targeted ads with real, relatable chiropractic content can dramatically increase trust, engagement, and new patient bookings.
5. Engage Locally: Attend Community Events and Build Relationships
Building strong community connections is vital for sustainable practice growth. According to the American Marketing Association, face-to-face interactions can increase trust and brand recall by up to 70%. Effective local engagement includes:
- Participating in Health Fairs and Wellness Events: Offer free spinal screenings or educational talks to introduce your practice to potential patients.
- Offering Incentives at Events: Free consultations or discounts attract visitors and convert them into patients.
- Networking with Healthcare Providers: Establish referral partnerships with local doctors, physical therapists, and fitness centers.
- Sponsoring Local Activities: Supporting sports teams or wellness initiatives raises brand awareness and trust.
Community involvement is a long-term patient acquisition strategy that positions your practice as a trusted local health resource.
Key Takeaways:
To successfully grow your chiropractic practice and boost chiropractic new patient acquisition, you must combine smart technology, strong online presence, referral programs, telehealth offerings, and community engagement. These strategies work together to create a patient-centered, accessible, and visible practice.
Looking to supercharge your chiropractic patient acquisition?
zHealth chiropractic software is a powerful solution designed to help chiropractors manage and grow their practice efficiently with advanced tools for patient engagement, telehealth, and analytics. Request a free demo today and discover how zHealth can help you attract and retain more patients!
Related Articles:
5 Ways to Attract New Patients to Your Chiropractic Practice
Chiropractic Practice Growth Playbook: 21 Expert Tips to Boost Revenue
How to Get More Patients: Chiropractic Solutions That You Need
Avoid These Mistakes: Do’s and Don’ts for Chiropractic Practice Growth
