How To Start An Acupuncture Business

‍

Starting a successful acupuncture business is not about how well you know your Chinese Medicine Theory or how thoroughly you memorized acupuncture points for your board exams. It's about being organized and strategic and finding the best resources.

In this article, you’ll learn concrete and necessary tools to start a successful acupuncture business. 

How To Start An Acupuncture Business

Starting a business can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into specific steps will keep the process organized and minimize the stress! Keep reading to learn about understanding growth goals, determining a budget and the prices, picking your location, and the importance of choosing the best software.

‍How Do You Set Growth Goals?

To grow, you need to have a plan.  Some examples of growth goals might be: Where do you want your business to be in six months, one year, three years? It’s a good idea to have realistic expectations in terms of numbers of patients and revenue at these benchmarks.‍

What Is Your Budget?

Come up with a budget. Determine your incoming and outgoing funds, such as:

• Revenue streams (income from service, sale of products)  
• Fixed expenses (rent, payroll)  
• Variable costs
  
  

‍What Software Is Needed To Set Up Your Business?

Research the best software: this includes bookkeeping software, acupuncture scheduling software as well as charting software.

‍How Do You Determine Prices?

The price of your services may vary depending on where you practice and what patients you are hoping to attract. For example, if you’re in a college town, you may want to offer a student discount.

‍Is The Location Important?

“Location, location, location!” When choosing your business location, you will want to find an affordable space while still keeping other key factors in mind. Here are some things to consider:

• Safety of a neighborhood 
• Availability of parking 
• Handicap-accessibility  
• Signage 

‍

Choose Your Acupuncture Services

You don’t have to offer every acupuncture service or every modality that you learned in school. But it is helpful to offer some if they help your business stand out.  These services may not be offered by the local competition.

Some other acupuncture services you might consider offering include:

• Tui Na
• Gua Sha
• Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture
• Scalp Acupuncture 
• Korean Hand Therapy
• Japanese Acupuncture
• Auricular Acupuncture
• Cupping Therapy
• Electroacupuncture
• Moxibustion

‍
‍
Pick A Name For Your Business And Register It 

When selecting a name for your acupuncture business, make sure to check that the name you choose is also available to buy as a domain. In doing this, your business name will match your online presence, which is excellent for SEO.

‍What Is A Good Business Name?

Picking a business name can be fun and creative! It should have meaning for you, be unique, and easy to pronounce. Start by going to the Acupuncture Clinic Business Name Generator to see what’s available. 

‍Do You Need A Website Domain?

Once you’ve determined your business name, you’ll want to buy a website domain. The easiest way to do this is to search GoDaddy to see if the domain you want is available.

‍How Do You Register The Business?

The next step is to register your business. This can be done as a sole proprietor, an LLC, or a corporation, such as an S or C corp. You may want to consult with a tax accountant to see what makes the most sense for you. 

Market Your Business

A big part of marketing an acupuncture business is educating potential patients on the benefits and safety of acupuncture. You can do this by sharing content on social media or your blog. Take it one step at a time, and use the helpful guidelines below to get started.  

‍How Do You Create A Website?

Keep it simple at the start. Provide essential information about you and your services and make it easy to book an appointment. Some acupuncture business software programs provide you with an online booking page so you don't need a website. You could also create one yourself with easy-to-use tools like Squarespace or consider hiring a professional. ‍

How Do You Spread The Word?

Network! Get out into the community and meet people. They will be curious about acupuncture and want to know if it can help their arthritis, their hot flashes, their back pain… Polish your “elevator speech” and then be open to questions. ClinicSense has a referral tool making it easy for your patients to recommend you.

‍

‍
‍What Is Involved With Advertising Locally? 

This can be print media, radio, or even local television. Stick to a budget and direct the advertising to your desired demographic. For example, if you want to attract younger patients, pick a radio station that has a younger audience. Other options may include pop-ups, such as a booth at a farmer’s market.

‍How Do You Get Patient Testimonials And Reviews?

The patient who is now pain-free after your acupuncture treatments will likely be happy to write a brief testimonial. This can be put on your website and shared on social media. Encourage clients to rate you on Google. ClinicSense Google Review Booster can do that for you. Getting rated by more people helps get you ranked higher on Google. A higher ranking and the consequent search discoverability helps you land more clients. 

‍How Do You Get People To Sign Up For Your Emails and Newsletters?

Capture email addresses of current patients and make it easy and enticing for people who visit your website to sign up for your newsletter. If you have a booth at a farmer’s market, encourage people to sign up for your newsletter. 

‍How Do You Get Started on Social Media?

Create business accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Following and liking other local businesses will often encourage them to reciprocate.

‍What Is The Best Way To Create Content?

This can be on topics such as “Can acupuncture help my low back pain?” “Can acupuncture help me sleep?” Use this content in blogs on your website and posts on your social media accounts, as well as in your email marketing. 

‍What Is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

See what words people use when they search for acupuncture services and make sure to use these keywords in your content and on your social media posts. 

‍Should You Offer Service Packages?

We all know that most complaints don’t get better with one acupuncture treatment. Offering packages is a great way to keep patients committed to their treatment plan, optimize outcomes and help your bottom line

Acupuncture Practice Management Software

Starting an acupuncture business is hard. You have a lot to do and a lot of decisions to make. One of the most important ones is choosing your practice management software. Putting in the time now will serve you for years to come, as the right software should make life easier and simpler, not harder.

Practice management software will improve productivity, lower expenses, and save time – things we all need! ClinicSense is the best “one stop shop” for all the tools you need to manage an organized and successful acupuncture business. No more paper charts or filing cabinets. And no need for multiple software programs. With ClinicSense you have the resources for charting, scheduling, managing finances, and marketing and communication tools. The best SOAP notes for acupuncturists are specifically designed for an acupuncture practice with options to customize the software to fit your needs.

ClinicSense offers a SOAP notes free trial so you can use it in real time. Set up your calendar and availability. List your services and prices. Pick the forms needed for your practice. Create a test patient. See how easy it is to schedule and set up preferences, including payment and communication settings. 

With these resources, you are well on your way to starting a successful acupuncture business!

‍