Acupuncture Marketing School

Preparing your acupuncture practice for sale might not be on your radar right now, but it's never too early to start thinking about it!

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, a dentist who has spent nearly two decades coaching private practice owners. Ruth shares how to make your practice more valuable and attractive to potential buyers, while also making it easier to run today.

We also discuss why even solo practitioners have options when it comes to selling their businesses. Yes, really.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to increase the value of your acupuncture practice before you're ready to sell.
• What potential buyers consider risky and how to address those concerns.
• Why your marketing, reputation, and referral relationships matter to buyers.
• How to build a practice identity that isn't entirely dependent on you.
• How better systems and streamlined operations benefit you now and make your practice easier to sell later.

I also share my experience stepping back from treating patients and transitioning them to another acupuncturist, and a unique and delightful example of a solo practitioner who successfully sold her practice.

SHOW NOTES:

• Ruth's website: https://shorelinestrategies.com/
• Ruth on Instagram: @ruthmannschreck
• Michelle's Marketing Breakthrough Audit
• Faire retail blog post: Specific Products That Sell Well at My Acupuncture Practice

💚 Today's episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale.

I've been experimenting with retail at my acupuncture practice using Faire, and we're on track to bring in $5,500 in retail sales this year, a 36% increase over last year!

Some of our bestsellers are just $5 notebooks and $3 magnetic bookmarks, and we don't use sales pitches. Faire makes it easy to experiment with low order minimums and free returns for 60 days on your first order with each brand.

I've shared our bestselling retail products in several blog posts, and I'll soon be sharing what we're stocking for the holidays!

New to Faire? Use code AMS10 for 10% off your first order over $400. You don't have to spend $400, of course. Most people start out with an order around just $100. But the code is there if you need it!

Visit Faire Wholesale today and start experimenting with retail.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

I've spent the past few months redesigning Acupuncture Marketing School to keep up with the changing marketing landscape, and I'm so excited to share what's new with you.

In this short bonus episode, I'm sharing some new perspectives on marketing in the age of AI that I hope will really help shift the way you approach marketing.

And good news, this not all about catering to AI. It's about how your marketing can be built for humans but also be useful for Google and AI tools at the same time.

I'm also sharing what's changed in AMS and how it will help you build a more intentional, effective marketing strategy for your acupuncture practice.

We'll talk about:

• Why your website, Google Business Profile, SEO, content, and online reputation need to work together as a cohesive marketing ecosystem
• How Google and AI are changing the way potential patients discover acupuncture practices
• The new Clarity → Visibility → Momentum framework inside AMS
• New lessons designed to help you identify what to prioritize and create a realistic marketing plan

My goal with the new AMS is to help you spend less time wondering what marketing strategies you should be using and more time confidently putting strategies into action.

🎉 Acupuncture Marketing School Relaunch Sale!

Save $200 on the completely updated course through Friday, October 23, 2026!

Regular price: $697
Relaunch price: $497
Coupon code: FRESHSTART200

Explore the course and enroll here:
https://michellegrasek.com/acupuncture-marketing-school/

I can't wait to share the new AMS with you!

Have questions? You're more than welcome to send me an email: michelle@michellegrasek.com

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Welcome back! Today we're talking about some of the challenges facing the acupuncture profession, particularly building and running a successful practice.

Most acupuncturists graduate feeling unprepared for the business side of practice, and with the current economy, it's understandable that many practitioners are feeling discouraged.

These challenges are real, and today my guest Amy and I are talking about how to move forward despite them. How can we acknowledge what's unfair while focusing our energy on what we can control, so we can make proactive choices that help our practices succeed?

Amy Abelar is an acupuncturist who has been growing her multidisciplinary practice for 18 years. She’s also the founder of Acupuncture Practice Systems, where she teaches practice management, marketing, and business strategies for acupuncturists.

Amy and I discuss:

• The “sphere of control” exercise Amy uses to help overwhelmed practitioners decide where to focus their energy
• Why marketing and business skills are learnable, even if your acupuncture program didn't prepare you for them
• How building a stable, successful practice allows you to continue serving your patients and providing stability for them

If things aren't going the way you expected, you're certainly not alone. And you have choices. You can learn new skills, try something different, ask for help, and take the next step available to you.

I hope this conversation helps you feel encouraged and empowered, and helps you figure out what that next step might be.

Show Notes:

• Amy's Acupuncture Practice Systems
• Amy's YouTube: @AcupuncturePracticeSystems
• Amy's Instagram: @AcupuncturePracticeSystems
• Rachel Rodger's book, We Should All Be Millionaires
• Acupuncture Marketing School
• Marketing Breakthrough Audit with Michelle

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Have you thought about running Facebook or Instagram ads for your acupuncture or chiropractic practice? If you’ve ever opened Meta Ads Manager and immediately felt overwhelmed, this episode is for you.

Today I’m talking with Jen Peterson, founder of Slay Social, about how wellness providers can use organic social media and paid ads together to reach more of the right people, without spending all day creating content.

Jen has a really practical approach to marketing, and we get into:

• How much you should be prepared to spend on Meta ads if you want to give them a real chance to become profitable
• Why Meta ads and Google ads reach potential patients at very different points in their decision-making process
• How Jen uses awareness ads and retargeting together instead of expecting one ad to do all the work
• What your Instagram profile should look like before you spend a dollar on ads, including the three posts Jen recommends pinning
• What to look for when hiring someone to manage your ads, especially if you’ve been burned in the past

Jen shares so much great behind the scenes info on making your ads effective. Let’s dive in!

Show Notes:

• Jen's website: https://www.slaysocialwithjen.com/
• Free Strategy Call with Jen
• Free Social Media Audit from Jen
• Instagram: @slaysocialwithjen
• Facebook: @slaysocialwithjen

💚 Today’s episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale.

Last year, I interviewed some acupuncturists who suggested that I might be able to pay my clinic rent from retail sales, and I immediately thought, WOW, I want to try that.

So I started experimenting with retail in my own acupuncture practice using Faire, and last year we brought in just over $4,000 in retail sales. My goal is still to see if we can eventually pay our clinic rent with retail alone.

We’re not selling expensive products. We don’t have a sales pitch. People buy while they’re waiting for their appointment, or at checkout. Some of our bestsellers are $5 notebooks, magnetic bookmarks, stickers, earrings, and more.

Faire makes it really easy to experiment because many brands have low first-order minimums, plus free returns for 60 days on your first order with each brand.

I’ve also written blog posts sharing the exact products that are selling in my clinic, so I’ll link those in the show notes along with my Faire link.

And if you’re new to Faire, use code AMS10 for 10% off your first order over $400. You absolutely don’t have to spend $400 to get started. Most people start under $100. But that code is there is you need it.

Check out Faire Wholesale here.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Today I’m talking with Britt Cunningham, founder of Brit Social Media, about whether TikTok actually is worth your time as a local, brick-and-mortar business.

Britt works with service-based businesses, including acupuncturists and other wellness entrepreneurs, to manage their social media strategy and content.

The last time she was on the podcast, we talked mostly about Instagram, but she mentioned that TikTok has some unique advantages when it comes to reaching a local audience. That caught my attention, and since then, I’ve actually started experimenting with TikTok for my own acupuncture practice.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why TikTok may be better than Instagram in terms of getting your content in front of people who actually live near your practice
• How to repurpose the Reels you’re already creating for Instagram, instead of making new content
• What to post, how often to post, and what kinds of content are working well for acupuncturists and wellness practices right now
• How to start showing up on video when you’re uncomfortable on camera, including an easy way to begin with B-roll

We also talk about why you probably don’t need to spend nearly as much time writing TikTok captions as you do Instagram captions, which I personally consider excellent news.

Hope you enjoy this episode with Britt!

SHOW NOTES:

• Britt's Website: Britt Social Media
• Instagram @brittsocialmedia
• TikTok @brittsocialmedia
• YouTube @brittsocialmedia
• Michelle's Marketing Breakthrough Audit

🩵 Today's episode is brought to you by Jane, an EMR for health and wellness professionals, and the software I use at my practice. 🩵

One of my favorite things about Jane is their genuinely excellent customer support. If you have a question, you can call, email, or live chat with a real person, even on Saturdays, at no extra cost. And I can tell you from experience, their support team is incredibly kind, patient, and actually happy to help.

If you’re ready to learn more and get a free demo, head to jane.app/explore, and use my code ACUSCHOOL1MO for a one-month grace period on your new account.

💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.

Michelle's Free Ten-Minute Marketing Guide for Wellness Professionals: Exactly how I'd market my practice if I only had ten minute a week - Download Here

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Today I’m talking with Sarah Cook, a copywriter and former naturopathic doctor who helps health and wellness practitioners create marketing that sounds like them, without burning themselves out in the process.

And we’re diving into a conversation that is on everyone’s minds in the past few weeks, including:

• The recent panic over AI watermarks, including what’s happening with Claude, what these watermarks actually mean, and whether to change the way you’re using AI in your marketing.
• How to decide where your own line is with AI, based on your values, your audience, and what feels aligned with your integrity, instead of simply following what everyone else says you should or shouldn’t do.
• Why Sarah doesn’t recommend completely automating your content creation, and how too much automation can strip away the specificity and personality that make your marketing effective.
• A practical example of using AI to make marketing dramatically easier while still keeping the ideas, stories, expertise, and perspective genuinely yours.

This is a really thoughtful, practical conversation about finding the place where AI supports your marketing without replacing you in it.

Show Notes:

• Sarah's Free Download
• Sarah's website: https://www.wellnesswriter.com/
• Instagram: @sarahcook.wellnesswriter
• Michelle's Marketing Breakthrough Audit

💚 Today’s episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale.

Last year, I interviewed some acupuncturists who told me they were making enough money from retail to pay their clinic rent, and I immediately thought, WOW, I want to try that.

So I started experimenting with retail in my own acupuncture practice using Faire, and last year we brought in just over $4,000 in retail sales. My goal is still to see if we can eventually pay our clinic rent with retail alone.

We’re not selling expensive products. We don’t have a sales pitch. People buy while they’re waiting for their appointment, or at checkout. Some of our bestsellers are $5 notebooks, magnetic bookmarks, stickers, earrings, and cute hair claws.

Faire makes it really easy to experiment because many brands have low first-order minimums, plus free returns for 60 days on your first order with each brand.

I’ve also written blog posts sharing the exact products that are selling in my clinic right now, so I’ll link those in the show notes along with my Faire link.

And if you’re new to Faire, use code AMS10 for 10% off your first order over $400. You absolutely don’t have to spend $400 to get started. Most people start under $100. But that code is there is you need it.

Check out Faire Wholesale here.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Today I’m talking with Larissa Banting, an accredited publicist who helps entrepreneurs use publicity to build credibility, authority, and visibility online.

One of the biggest concepts we talk about today is how PR is becoming increasingly important as people use AI for search.

Because AI doesn’t just decide that someone is an expert. It has to get that information from somewhere.

It’s looking for signals across the internet that tell it who you are, what you’re an expert in, and whether other credible sources recognize you as an authority.

That means media exposure can do something really important beyond simply putting your practice in front of a new audience.

It can create the third-party credibility signals that help AI understand that you are an expert in your niche, so it can rank you higher and recommend you more often.

In this episode, Larissa shares:

• What these AI credibility signals actually look like
• How PR, podcast interviews, media features, press releases, and YouTube can help establish your expertise online.
• A surprisingly accessible strategy involving press releases
• What actually counts as newsworthy for an acupuncture practice
• Where you can distribute a press release, what it costs, and how often Larissa recommends doing it.
• How to start getting publicity even if you don’t think you’re “expert enough” yet
• What journalists and podcast hosts are actually looking for
• Why you don’t need to have written a book, decades of experience, or a huge practice before you start pitching yourself.

I hope you really take Larissa’s advice and run with it to make your practice easier to find as AI changes the way people search online.

Mentioned in This Episode/Show Notes:

• Larissa's Free AI Audit: Findable or Forgettable
• Website: https://www.larissabanting.com/
• Instagram: @larissa_banting
• Michelle's Marketing Breakthrough Audit

💙 Today's episode is sponsored by Jane, an EMR for health and wellness professionals, and the software that I use at my practice.

Ready to get started? Use code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month with Jane. Book a free demo here.

Register here for Jane's What’s New This Summer Webinar (free).

💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Welcome back! Today I'm joined again by Amy Abelar from Acupuncture Practice Systems for part two of her previous episode.

If you want to build stronger referral relationships with other healthcare providers this episode is for you.

Amy has spent 18 years growing a thriving multi-provider practice, and she shares practical strategies for creating referral partnerships that are genuine, mutually beneficial, and lead to long-term growth. And I think you’ll appreciate that she approaches these relationships from a place of service.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why you must track where every new patient is coming from

• How to build referral relationships with OBGYNs, chiropractors, fertility clinics, and other healthcare providers

• The biggest mistake practitioners make when networking, and what to do instead

• Creative ways to get past the front desk and start meaningful conversations with busy medical offices

There are so many practical gems packed into this conversation with Amy. I hope it's helpful!

Mentioned in This Episode (Show Notes):

• Acupuncture Practice Systems
• YouTube: @AcupuncturePracticeSystems
• Instagram: @AcupuncturePracticeSystems
• Acu-Hub.com: Virtual Reception and Virtual Assistant Services for Acupuncturists
• Marketing Breakthrough Audit with Michelle

💛 Today's Episode is Sponsored by AcuHub:

AcuHub provides remote reception and virtual assistant services specifically for acupuncture practices. I use AcuHub in my practice and I absolutely love it.

With AcuHub, you can rely on a dedicated US-based, highly trained receptionist to answer your incoming calls and inquiries, schedule appointments on your EHR software, onboard new patients, and answer questions specific to your practice.

Acu-Hub can also help with eligibility checks, billing, email and other assigned tasks that improve practice efficiency.

They offer month-to-month services with no contracts or termination fees, with rates between just $5-$8 per hour depending on your practice size.

Save time and money with your own dedicated Acuhub receptionist. Visit http://acu-hub.com/ to learn more.

And of course, if you have questions about AcuHub, you’re always welcome to email me about my experience at michelle@michellegrasek.com.

💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Today I'm joined by Dr. Amy Abelar, founder of Acupuncture Practice Systems and the owner of a thriving multidisciplinary clinic with 24 employees.

Amy has built an incredible practice over the past 18 years, and in this conversation she shares the journey from starting as a massage therapist to growing a large acupuncture business with systems, team members, and strong leadership.

In this first part of our conversation, we talk about:

• What it really looked like to grow her practice, including while she was in acupuncture school (!)
• How creating systems became the key to scaling
• When she knew it was time to hire additional providers
• What marketing worked well for her in growing her practice
• An overlooked marketing strategy that can dramatically increase patient retention and referrals

If you've ever wondered how larger practices are built or how to help your current patients get more value from the care you already provide, I think you're going to get a lot out of this conversation.

This is part one of a two-part interview with Dr. Amy Abelar, so be sure to come back next week for the second half.

Mentioned in this Episode (Show Notes):

• Acupuncture Practice Systems
• YouTube: @AcupuncturePracticeSystems
• Instagram: @AcupuncturePracticeSystems
• Marketing Breakthrough Audit with Michelle

💙 Today's episode is sponsored by Jane, an EMR for health and wellness professionals, and the software that I use at my practice.

Ready to get started? Use code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month with Jane. Book a free demo here.

Register here for Jane's What’s New This Summer Webinar (free).

💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

My guest today is Bryan Fikes of Bonsai Marketing. Brian has been working in search marketing since the early days of the internet, and in this episode we explore how local businesses can stay visible as Google search and AI continue to evolve.

Today we talk about:

• Why your Google Business Profile may be the fastest place to get results for your efforts
• How to balance short-term strategies like Google Ads with long-term investments in SEO.
• The role AI is playing in local search, and why answering your patients' questions has never been more important.
• Simple DIY marketing tasks you can do each week that can make a real difference, even if you don't have a huge budget.

If you've been wondering where to focus your marketing efforts right now, this conversation is packed with practical advice. Hope you enjoy this episode with Bryan!

Show Notes:

• Website: https://bonsaimarketingcompany.com
• Get your free marketing audit with Bryan
• YouTube: @BonsaiMarketingCompany
• Instagram: @BonsaiMarketingCompany
• Marketing Breakthrough Audit with Michelle

💙 Today's episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that’s here to make practice life a little easier.

Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month at jane.app.

💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Stop Chasing Algorithms and Start Answering Questions: Great Advice in the Digital Age

Welcome back. Today I’m joined by returning guest Kali Edwards, founder of June Mango Design, a branding and website design studio that specializes in helping wellness professionals create strategic brands and websites that attract their ideal patients.

Kali has worked with many acupuncturists and other healthcare providers, and in this conversation we’re digging into what’s actually working in clinic marketing right now.

In this episode we talk about:

• How AI search is changing SEO and what clinic owners should focus on instead of chasing algorithms
• Why blogs still matter and how to choose topics your patients are already searching for
• The connection between branding, trust, and attracting the right patients
• How to use the questions your ideal patients are asking at 2 a.m. and turn them into effective marketing content
• Why networking, visibility, and genuine human connection are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital world

Hope you enjoy today's episode with Kali.

💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale.

Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums.

Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund.

Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon.

Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire. Use my code AMS10 to save an extra 10% on your first order if you order more than $400.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Website: https://junemango.com/
• Instagram: @junemangostudio

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

If you've ever looked at your profit and loss statement and thought, "My practice is making money, so why doesn't it feel like it?" this episode is for you.

In this episode, I'm joined by Emily Bowie, partner at Thorne Advisors, an accounting and tax strategy firm that helps business owners improve cash flow, reduce taxes, and build long-term wealth.

Emily does an excellent job of breaking down financial concepts in a way that's practical and easy to understand, even if accounting feels completely outside your comfort zone.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The difference between a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet, and why both matter
• Why revenue and profit don't always translate into cash in the bank
• Common cash leaks that may be quietly draining money from your practice
• How to calculate the true profitability of a service after accounting for overhead
• When an S-corp election may make sense for acupuncturists
• Why tax planning should happen throughout the year instead of only at tax time
• How to use your financial reports to make better business decisions

Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing a growing team, this conversation will help you better understand your numbers and make more confident decisions about the future of your practice.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Website: https://www.thorneadvisors.com/
• Instagram: @thorneadvisors
• Free Download: 5 Cash Leaks and 5 Missed Tax Deductions that Are Draining Your Business

💙 This episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that’s here to make practice life a little easier.

Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month at jane.app.

Subscribe to the Acupuncture Marketing School podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review here.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

AI search tools like ChatGPT and Google AI are changing how patients discover local wellness providers, but what does that actually mean for your acupuncture practice?

In this episode, I’m joined again by website designer Samantha Mabe of Lemon & The Sea to talk about what’s really working right now when it comes to showing up in AI-powered search results. We break down why strong SEO fundamentals still matter, how niche messaging helps both humans and AI understand your expertise, and what you can do right now to strengthen your local online presence without trying to “hack” the algorithm.

We also discuss how AI evaluates trust, expertise, reviews, credentials, and consistency across your website and social platforms, plus why clear messaging matters more than ever.

In this episode:

• Why SEO is still the foundation for showing up in AI search results
• How blog posts and conditions pages work together strategically
• What AI tools are actually looking for when recommending local practitioners

Find It Quickly

02:57 - Meet Samantha Mabe

05:06 - SEO Still Matters

10:34 - Blogging for AI Queries

13:18 - Niche Messaging Wins

17:13 - Conditions Pages vs Blogs

21:06 - Trust Signals and Links

24:57 - Local Listings Consistency

27:47 - Test Your AI Presence

33:25 - Social Proof and Video

Connect with Samantha Mabe

Website: https://www.lemonandthesea.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonandthesea/

💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale. 💚

Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums.

Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund.

Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon.

Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

What if growing your acupuncture practice didn’t have to mean seeing more patients one-on-one every week?

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Dr. Michelle Hamilton—doctor of Chinese medicine, owner of The Zen Den, and creator of Community Acupuncture School—to talk about creative ways acupuncturists can expand beyond the traditional treatment room model.

Michelle shares how she evolved from solo private practice into a thriving hybrid clinic with community acupuncture, infrared sauna, digital courses, events, and multiple income streams. We also talk about why visibility and real-world connection still matter deeply in marketing—even in today’s online world.

If you’ve been craving more freedom, sustainability, creativity, or scalability in your practice, this conversation is packed with ideas you can actually apply.

In this episode:

• How Dr. Michelle Hamilton built and evolved her hybrid community acupuncture + private practice model
• Why local visibility, in-person events, and relationship-building still work incredibly well for clinic marketing
• How to identify your ideal patients and meet them where they already spend time

Find It Quickly

03:24 - Meet Michelle

08:42 - Beyond the treatment room

10:17 - Hybrid clinic origin story

11:16 - Digital products and courses

14:09 - What to teach and sell

16:52 - Pricing and value

23:32 - Events that sell out

26:34 - Turning foot traffic into leads

27:28 - Clinic Event Curiosity

29:32 - Discount Cards Strategy

31:45 - Guerrilla Marketing Stories

33:15 - New Location Visibility

35:41 - Find Your Patient Circles

38:50 - Stepping Back Clinically

41:48 - Marketing Origin Story

45:15 - Promoting Associates

48:44 - Redefining Success

Mentioned in this episode:

61: Community Acupuncture School with Michelle Hamilton

84: Scaling a Hybrid Community Acupuncture Practice to $500k with Michelle Hamilton

108: Making Community Acupuncture Financially Sustainable Without Burnout with Michelle Hamilton

Snack Size Marketing Club: https://michellegrasek.com/snacksize

Connect with Dr. Michelle Hamilton

Website: https://www.drmichellehamilton.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_michellehamilton

💙 This episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that's here to make practice life a little easier.

Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month. Try Jane >>

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

If your Instagram is full of helpful content but not bringing in patients, this episode might completely shift how you think about marketing.

In today’s conversation, I sit down with Instagram strategist Molly Cahill to unpack what is actually working right now to attract patients—without chasing trends or burning out on content creation. We dive into the foundational strategies that consistently bring in bookings week after week, especially for acupuncturists and healthcare practitioners who don’t want to feel “salesy” online.

Molly shares how to simplify your content, connect more deeply with your ideal patient, and use Instagram in a way that feels aligned with your work.

In this Episode:

• Why most acupuncture content doesn’t convert—and what to do instead
• Simple, repeatable content formats that save time and work better
• How “invisible engagement” leads to real bookings (even without likes or comments)

Find It Quickly

02:46 - Meet Molly

04:59 - What Still Works on Instagram

07:40 - Why Education Posts Fail

10:42 - Reels Formula and B Roll

15:07 - Invisible Engagement Explained

16:03 - Authority Hooks That Convert

19:47 - Proof and Implementation Wins

21:15 - Getting Patients on Camera

25:15 - Easy B-Roll Alternatives

25:51 - Model Calls and Pro Photos

26:44 - DIY B-Roll Planning

27:29 - Ask the Right Patients

29:28 - Retention Over Acquisition

31:03 - Train the Algorithm

33:37 - Reposts and Email Scripts

34:56 - Fill Gaps With Availability

37:21 - Direct Offers Work Fast

40:27 - Status Bubble Hack

43:58 - Anchor Back to Your Why

Mentioned in this episode:

Holistic Marketing Simplified Podcast: https://mollycahill.com/podcast/

Holistic Marketing Hub: $200 off with discount code “AMS”: https://tck0d5a3nkz.krtra.com/t/SJo0V7c9yBoQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyacahill/

Website: https://mollycahill.com/

💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale. 💚

Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums.

Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund.

Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon.

Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

If you’ve ever felt like patients are so close to booking, but just don’t take that final step, this episode is going to change how you think about your marketing and communication.

Today, I’m joined by ghostwriter Nicole Bergstrom, who specializes in helping acupuncturists communicate more effectively with patients who are curious yet still hesitant. We dive into how the right words, the right structure, and the right messaging can gently guide someone from “maybe” to “yes.”

In this conversation, I share how we can meet patients where they are—especially when they’re skeptical, overwhelmed, or unsure what acupuncture even really is.

In this Episode:

• Why patients stay stuck in curiosity (and what actually moves them forward)
• How to simplify your messaging so it builds trust instead of confusion
• How email funnels can answer patient questions and lead naturally to bookings

Find It Quickly

• 02:45 - Meet Nicole Bergstrom
• 03:30 - How She Became A Ghostwriter
• 05:18 - Why Acupuncture Patients Hesitate
• 09:02 - Writing To Overcome Skepticism
• 11:28 - Investment Not A Cost
• 14:49 - Simple Language Builds Trust
• 16:57 - Email Funnels And Newsletters
• 19:46 - Seven Day Funnel Strategy

💙 This episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that's here to make practice life a little easier.

Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month at jane.app.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

If your marketing feels like it’s plateaued, it doesn’t mean your strategy is broken—it might just be out of balance.

In this episode, I’m sharing a simple but powerful way to inject new energy into your marketing by shifting your focus for your acupuncture practice. I walk through why digital marketing and in-person visibility work best together (not separately), and how you can start showing up in your community in a way that feels doable—even if you’re an introvert.

I also share real examples from my own acupuncture clinic and coaching clients so you can see exactly how this plays out in real life.

In this Episode:

• Why your marketing might feel “stuck” even if you’re doing everything right
• How balancing digital and in-person visibility creates momentum
• Simple, introvert-friendly ways to build trust and referrals in your community

Find It Quickly

02:32 - Digital Versus In Person

04:50 - Ecosystem Balance Boost

06:07 - Introvert Visibility Wins

08:17 - Networking That Compounds

13:17 - Beyond Mixer Events

14:23 - Community Groups And Clubs

15:34 - Talks That Convert

18:26 - One Meeting Builds Trust

20:19 - Three Month Action Plan

💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale. 💚

Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums.

Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund.

Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon.

Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Most acupuncturists think they need to post more on social media to get patients. In reality, the problem usually isn’t consistency—it’s specificity.

In this episode, I sit down with social media strategist Britt Cunningham, founder of Britt Social Media, to talk about why so many acupuncture clinic owners feel stuck posting content that only their current patients see. Britt and her team help clinics across the country turn social media visibility into real leads and booked appointments, and she shares exactly what’s working right now on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

We talk about the biggest mistakes practitioners make when creating content, why general “wellness” posts rarely work, and how speaking directly to a specific problem can dramatically increase engagement and patient inquiries.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re posting constantly but not actually reaching new people, this conversation will give you a completely different way to think about your social media strategy. If you want social media to actually bring patients into your clinic, this episode is packed with practical insight.

In this episode:

• Why vague wellness content rarely attracts new patients
• How specificity helps your posts reach the right audience
• What kinds of content actually stop the scroll on Instagram and TikTok

Find It Quickly

2:59 - Meet Britt Cunningham

4:22 - VA vs Social Media Pro

7:10 - Why Branding Comes First

9:11 - Acupuncturist Instagram Tips

13:16 - Specific Symptoms and Niching

17:21 - Too General vs. Specific Content

18:27 - Sponsor Break and Return

19:13 - Face or No Face

19:59 - Show the Experience

21:19 - Trust for Acupuncture

22:59 - Needles on Camera

24:40 - Know Your Audience

25:03 - Engagement That Works

28:25 - Community Manager Mindset

31:01 - Success and TikTok

Connect with Britt

Work with Britt: https://brittsocialmedia.my.canva.site/workwithus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittsocialmedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brittanicunningham

💙 This episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that's here to make practice life a little easier.

Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month at jane.app.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

What if you could bring in a few thousand dollars (or more) a year in extra income without adding more appointments or burning yourself out?

In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite hidden revenue streams for acupuncture clinics: retail. Last year, my clinic brought in just over $4,000 in retail sales without using any kind of sales pitch or buying a ton of inventory that we couldn't afford.

I break down exactly how I got started, what sold surprisingly well, how I kept everything aligned with our clinic brand and values, and why I chose to use Faire Wholesale to make the process low-risk and easy.

In this episode:

• Why retail can increase your revenue without increasing your schedule
• How to choose products your patients will actually buy
• The specific strategies we use to sell without ever feeling “salesy”

Find It Quickly

00:35 - The Hidden Revenue Stream: Why Retail Works for Acupuncture Clinics

02:54 - How Faire Wholesale Got Me Started (Low-Risk Retail Experiment)

04:49 - 6 Reasons to Add Retail (Better Follow-Through, Brand Fit & More)

08:33 - Breaking Down the $4,043 Retail Year + What Actually Sold

11:02 - Why I Chose Faire: Filters, Boutique Brands, Low Minimums & Net 60

13:55 - What to Stock: My Product Criteria & Price Points

15:00 - Sell Without Feeling Salesy: Placement, Signage, Checkout & Seasonality

💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale. 💚

Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums.

Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund.

Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon.

Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Are you stuck wondering whether you need a virtual assistant or a full-blown marketing strategist? You're not alone.

I sat down with Deanna Martin, founder of Patrona Virtual Solutions, who specializes in helping wellness providers build marketing systems that actually make sense and attract patients consistently.

Listen in as we explore the hiring opportunities you have, which is right for you, and how to approach your marketing plan!

In this episode:

• The difference between a VA, a marketing assistant, and a strategist.
• How collaboration-based marketing is a powerful secret weapon for brick-and-mortar businesses.
• Why authenticity and connection are your marketing superpowers.

Find It Quickly

00:34 - Meet Deanna Martin

01:04 - Understanding Marketing Roles: VA, Assistant, and Strategist

01:43 - Sponsor Message: Fair Wholesale

02:33 - Deanna's Journey: From Teaching to Marketing Strategy

06:42 - The Importance of Authentic Marketing

11:42 - Clarifying Marketing Roles and Responsibilities

17:21 - Overcoming Hesitations with Virtual Assistance

19:09 - Sponsor Message: Fair Wholesale

19:45 - Core Marketing Foundations for Established Businesses

20:40 - The Importance of Branding and SOPs

20:51 - Identifying Your Dream Client

22:08 - Utilizing Project Management Tools

24:03 - Collaborating with Local Businesses

25:25 - Networking and Word of Mouth Strategies

28:13 - Balancing Digital and In-Person Marketing

29:04 - Networking Tips for Introverts

30:10 - The Value of Business Friendships

33:15 - Overcoming Marketing Rejections

34:46 - Defining Success and Work-Life Balance

36:02 - Where to Find and Connect with Deanna

Connect with Deanna

Website: https://www.patronavirtualsolutions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrona_vs/

Task & Time Freebie: https://patronavirtualsolutions.myflodesk.com/tasktimeauditfreebie

💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale. 💚

Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums.

Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund.

Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon.

Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire.

Support the show

Curious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.