I came across an interesting an article today called ’10 Digital Predictions for 2011′ and I started to think about how integrative practitioners could put themselves ahead of the curve and take advantage of these dynamic changes.
Having looked at the top 10 trends, here are my tips as they apply to a holistic practitioner:
Get Mobile
With the majority of people searching for services via Google, and particularly Google maps (on their smartphones) a solid Google business profile is your first step. Register your business at maps.google.com, it’s free and high leverage. We recommended this on our free teleseminar call and several practitioners let us know that having done this, they started getting new patients immediately.
De-Flash Your Website
Flash was all the rage a few years ago for its ability to ‘WOW!’ visitors to your website. Unfortunately, Google has changed the way it ranks websites and so Flash has become somewhat obsolete very quickly. Add to that the simmering row between Flash creators, Adobe, and Apple, this means that if your website is Flash based, no one with an ipad, ipod or iphone will be able to view your site. HTML 5 is the way to go, and a simple website with dynamic blog-based content looks like the most effective form of site for 2011, 2012 and beyond.
Get your GroupOn
Collective purchasing of products looks to be a big social trend for 2011. A number of holistic practitioners I have worked with in NYC have used groupon.com to engage a potentially massive list of people to your products and services. With GroupOn being valued at over $1bn, I am sure clones will arise sooner rather than later, but this can be a great way to get exposure for your practice.
Location, Location, Location
Foursquare started the trend of people ‘Checking in’ at locations so all their friends can see it. Yelp uses it, Twitter is getting into it, but Facebook looks set to master it. This makes it crucial to put together a Facebook business page. If you were to give a 10% discount on any supplement for each patient who ‘Checks in’ on their Facebook in your office, you have lost nothing and have gained dynamite “digital word of mouth.”
Blog Away
Good content will be king in 2011. I know you have a unique voice you would love every person in your community to hear. Make yourself heard! Write. Speak. Share. Communicate. Bring your message to life!
If you are looking for advice on how to maximize your digital presence, we look forward to hearing from you.
