115 | How Acupuncturists Can Rethink Success with Dr. Michelle Wendling

If you’ve ever felt like you’re shouting into a void on Instagram (posting, hoping for engagement, and seeing nothing in return), this episode is for you.I’m joined by Instagram marketing expert Molly Cahill. Molly works with acupuncturists and chiropractors, helping local, brick‑and‑mortar practices use Instagram authentically and strategically to bring patients through the door.We dig into why marketing for a local service business is actually easier in many ways than marketing an online business. We also unpack what’s actually going on with Instagram engagement in 2025, and what you should be doing instead of just chasing likes.What you'll learn:You don’t need thousands of followers to make Instagram work.True engagement is less about likes and more about reach + relational action.Real collaborations with local businesses, patient ambassadors, and micro‑influencers create visibility and trust in your immediate community.Find it quickly:00:34 - Instagram Marketing with Molly Cahill01:05 - Understanding Instagram Engagement04:07 - Engagement Strategies for Local Businesses08:27 - Outbound Engagement Techniques12:32 - Collaborating with Local Businesses18:36 - Real-Life Success Stories21:49 - Digital Marketing Insights23:16 - Building Community Connections25:08 - Leveraging Micro-Influencers26:30 - Engaging with Local Influencers28:41 - Patient Ambassadors and Facebook GroupsMentioned in this episode:Holistic Marketing Hub: $200 off with discount code “AMS”: tck0d5a3nkz.krtra.com/t/SJo0V7c9yBoQMolly’s Free Instagram Engagement Checklist: tck0d5a3nkz.krtra.com/t/cUp9tgFxj0YfMolly’s previous episode on the podcast: Molly’s previous episode on the podcast: michellegrasek.com/social-media-for-acupuncturistsFollow Molly Cahill on Instagram: instagram.com/mollyacahillMolly Cahill Website: mollycahill.comHolistic Marketing Simplified Podcast: mollycahill.com/podcast💙 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 showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right in your clinic, yet you still don’t have the practice you envisioned?What if the missing ingredient isn’t more marketing, but a clearer bridge between where you are and where you want to be? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michelle Wendling, chiropractor and business coach for wellness practitioners. Michelle shares her refreshing approach to building a practice that actually fits you and not someone else’s version of success. We dive into how to stay curious instead of fearful, how to communicate your value so patients understand their progress, and how to support them through stressful seasons. Michelle also breaks down simple systems that help acupuncturists create practices that feel lighter, more aligned, and genuinely sustainable.What you'll learn:How to reframe success so your practice matches your personality and valuesSimple ways to communicate patient progress that strengthen trust and retentionHow acupuncturists and other wellness professionals can guide patients through stressful seasons with careFind it quickly:3:41 - Meet Dr. Michelle Wendling7:34 - Finding your business recipe10:25 - Stay in the curious and reframe your stories21:08 - When you want to make more money25:14 - The four step patient conversation for growth mindset34:06 -Booking clients for the holiday season42:41 - Michelle’s definition of successMentioned in this episode:Email: [email protected]: bethebestchiropractor.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.wendling.96💙 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 showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Ever feel like SEO is a foreign language? You're not alone and you're not stuck. In this episode, Maria-Katerina Yohanneson joins us to highlight the power of link building that makes search engine visibility feel human and doable, especially for acupuncturists.We talk about what link building actually is, how it boosts your Google ranking, and how you can approach it in a way that feels aligned with your values and voice. Plus, we dig deep into authentic branding, visibility for introverts, and how to let your quirks and passions make your marketing better, not harder.What you'll learn:Link building is all about relationships, not techy jargon.You don’t need to change who you are to stand out online.Introverts can shine in marketing by creating structure, boundaries, and asking for help.Find it quickly:00:33 - Meet Maria-Katerina01:08 - Understanding Link Building and SEO03:53 - The Power of Authentic Branding07:24 - Building Connections Through Personal Touch10:47 - Overcoming Marketing Challenges19:15 - Humanizing Your Marketing Approach23:44 - Starting with Kindness and Incremental Steps24:09 - Asking for Help and Delegating Tasks25:35 - Overcoming Overwhelm with Social Media28:33 - Effective Link Building Strategies31:47 - Building Authentic Relationships for Backlinks33:44 - Local Link Building Tactics38:29 - Defining SuccessMentioned in this episode:Get Found on Google BundleThis episode is sponsored by the Get Found on Google Bundle: two live, step-by-step workshops designed for acupuncturists and wellness pros who want to show up higher in local searches and attract the right patients consistently. Join us on November 12 and 19th, plus snag the replays! Learn more >>Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Building a strong patient relationship begins long before they arrive at your acupuncture practice.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Josh Satterlee, chiropractor and founder of TrustDrivenCare. Josh shares the deeply personal story that inspired him to launch TrustDrivenCare, plus his mission to make sure that every patient feels comfortable and heard. We dive into how to create deep trust with your patients even before their first appointment. What you'll learn:The importance of marketing in establishing trust with your patientsSmall, thoughtful systems that make a huge impact on patient experienceHow acupuncturists and other wellness professionals can use communication to build more loyal patients Find it quickly:2:53 - Meet Josh Satterlee 3:46 - The story behind TrustDrivenCare11:25 - How marketing creates trust with your patients 15:15 -  Taking steps to establish connection 19:28 - Effective communication strategies24:11 - Communicating across channels with TrustDrivenCare32:04 - Integrating with Jane and other EMRs 35:20 - Improving reactivation numbers41:05 - Josh’s definition of success Mentioned in this episode:Follow Josh Satterlee on Instagram: instagram.com/drsatterleeJosh Satterlee Website: trustdrivencare.comThis episode is brought to you 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.Join in on the free webinar “Understanding AI in Health and Wellness” to learn how AI can benefit your practice. Register Now >>Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Mastering the Instagram algorithm is nearly impossible, but the platform is still useful for marketing your acupuncture practice. In this episode, I’m joined by Instagram expert Molly Cahill, who specializes in helping acupuncturists and chiropractors use Instagram in a way that feels natural, strategic, and actually brings in patients.We’re diving into realistic Instagram strategies and what works best on the platform today. What you'll learn:Realistic strategies to help grow your local audience without burning out Why unpolished, natural posts are performing better than curated graphicsHow to capitalize on Instagram as a search engineFind it quickly:3:24 - Meet Molly Cahill9:45 - Returning To Instagram’s Casual Roots14:35 - Creating Video Content Might Be Easier Than You Think20:52 - How Instagram Functions As A Search Engine25:50 - Using Hashtags On Instagram Today Mentioned in this episode:Holistic Marketing Hub: $200 off with discount code “AMS”: tck0d5a3nkz.krtra.com/t/SJo0V7c9yBoQMolly’s Free Instagram Engagement Checklist: tck0d5a3nkz.krtra.com/t/cUp9tgFxj0YfMolly’s previous episode on the podcast: michellegrasek.com/social-media-for-acupuncturistsFollow Molly Cahill on Instagram: instagram.com/mollyacahillMolly Cahill Website: mollycahill.comHolistic Marketing Simplified Podcast: mollycahill.com/podcastThis episode is brought to you 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 showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

What if documenting every patient visit could take 80% less time, but still stay accurate, professional, and truly helpful? That’s what we’re unpacking in this episode.I sit down with my friend Jenn Collins (acupuncturist & founder of AcuHub) to talk all about Jane’s new AI Scribe, the built‑in tool that’s changing how acupuncturists are doing chart notes. We walk through a mock patient visit in real time, share what the AI scribe picks up (and what it doesn’t), and compare what you think will happen versus the reality.What you'll learn:How Jane’s AI Scribe works: what it captures, what it filters out, and how customizable it is.The compliance piece: HIPAA, confidentiality, plus how patient consent is handled.Real‑life impact: how much time you can save, how to integrate it into your workflow, and what to expect in practice.Find it quickly:00:35 - Exploring AI Scribe Technology01:33 - Benefits of Using Jane App03:48 - AcuHub and Its Services05:26 - Jane App's Unique Features15:54 - Adopting AI Scribe in Practice18:58 - Mockup and Demonstration of AI Scribe20:39 - Introduction to AI Templates20:46 - Customizing Your AI Template21:54 - Using AI for Patient Notes23:27 - Live Demonstration: Patient Interaction26:47 - Reviewing AI Generated Notes33:21 - Patient Comfort and Consent35:49 - Future of AI in HealthcareMentioned in this episode:Sign up for Jane – Use code ACUHUB1MO or ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 Free Month Learn more about Jane’s AI ScribeFor Jane users: Jenn’s chart template that she references in this episode is called “Acuhub AI Scribe SOAP Note.” It’s in the Jane template library in the acupuncture section.Connect with Jenn:acu-hub.comEmail: [email protected] episode is brought to you 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 showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

A deep dive into the art of patient retention for acupuncturists with my business mentor, Ildi Arlette. If you’re spending most of your energy chasing new patients, you might be missing the easiest way to grow your practice. In this episode, I sit down with Ildi Arlette, founder of Results Continuum, who has spent over 24 years helping clinics across North America master the art of patient retention. We explore why 80% of your business focus should be on keeping current patients, the referral strategies that actually work today, and how to re-engage patients who’ve been absent for months or even years.What you'll learn:Why your top 1–3 services drive 80–95% of your revenue—and how to double down on them.Referral programs that work in today’s economy (hint: $50+ incentives beat the old $25 norm).Exactly how to run a warm, non-awkward “We Want You Back” email to re-activate lapsed patients.Find it quickly:00:34 - Deep Dive into Strategies for Patient Retention for Acupuncturists02:52 - Meet Ildi04:47 - The Importance of Retaining Existing Acupuncture Patients11:12 - Effective Referral Programs17:47 - Creating a Welcoming Clinic Environment23:22 - Reactivating Previous Acupunctur ePatients24:53 - Redefining Patient Retention25:49 - Understanding Patient Feedback27:27 - Learning from Patient Experiences29:54 - Addressing Social Reasons for Patient Absence32:05 - Effective Communication Strategies34:55 - Personalized Marketing ApproachesMentioned in this episode:Jane - Use code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 Free Month Snack Size Marketing ClubIldi's previous episode on the show: 103Connect with Ildi:resultscontinuum.cominstagram.com/ildi_arletteText Ildi: 403-312-7510This episode is brought to you 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 showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Your website can do more than just look pretty—it can bring patients directly into your acupuncture clinic. In my latest episode, I spoke with website designer and SEO expert Samantha Mabe of Lemon and the Sea about the real deal behind getting your website found and booked.What you'll learn:How to use local SEO to appear in searches like “acupuncture near me” without keyword stuffing.Why writing blog posts is still the most powerful way to show up online and what to write about.Website design tweaks that instantly improve user experience and search visibility (including the one mistake Google hates).Mentioned in this episode:Tiny PNGJane - Use code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 Free Month Snack Size Marketing ClubConnect with Samantha:lemonandthesea.comlemonandthesea.com/reviewThis episode is brought to you 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 showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Did you know that your repeat patients make up the majority of the revenue inyour acupuncture practice? If you’re spending most of your energy chasing new patients, you might be missing the easiest way to grow your practice. In this episode, I sit down with Ildi Arlette, founder of Results Continuum, who has spent over 24 years helping clinics across North America master the art of patient retention. We explore why 80% of your business focus should be on keeping current patients, the referral strategies that actually work today, and how to re-engage patients who’ve been absent for months or even years.We also dive into simple, cost-effective ways to make your patients feel valued so they keep choosing you, even when life gets busy and competition is fierce.What you'll learn:Why focusing on your existing acupuncture patients is more profitable than chasing new ones.How to create irresistible offers and events without exhausting yourself.The retention strategies that secure long-term loyalty (and revenue).Find it quickly:00:34 - Acupuncture Patient Retention Strategies05:44 - Clinic Transformations Program Overview12:51 - Holiday Events and Promotions27:01 - Understanding the Power of Event Energy27:51 - Managing Extra Income from Gift Cards29:10 - Acupuncture Patient Retention Strategies30:29 - The Importance of Patient Appreciation Offers31:31 - The Role of Discounts and Offers34:34 - Navigating Patient Cancellations and Retention40:43 - Effective Use of Social Media in Marketing44:38 - Strategic Event Planning for ClinicsMentioned in this episode:Jane - Use code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 Free Month Snack Size Marketing ClubConnect with Ildi:resultscontinuum.cominstagram.com/ildi_arletteText Ildi: 403-312-7510This episode is brought to you 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 showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.

Is your acupuncture practice nourishing you or draining you? In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Hamilton shares how she built a $500K hybrid clinic, ditched the sliding scale, and created a business model that supports both access and sustainability.She breaks down the emotional and financial transformation behind her pricing structure, introduces the concept of the “Healer Martyr Matrix,” and offers real-world strategies for creating a practice that aligns with your values and pays the bills.You don't have to build your practice based on what others say you should do—it's time to create a business that supports you.What You'll LearnWhy she moved away from the sliding scale model and what she replaced it with.Innovative pricing strategies that allow for accessibility and provider sustainability.Why your practice should feel good to run and how to course-correct if it doesn’t.Mentioned in this EpisodeTOMA Skincare Microneedling ClassEpisode 84: Scaling a Hybrid Community Acupuncture Practice to $500k with Michelle HamiltonEpisode 61: Community Acupuncture School with Michelle HamiltonConnect with Dr. Michelle HamiltonMichelle Hamilton's WebsiteFollow Michelle on Instagram @dr_michellehamiltonFollow Michelle on FacebookFind It Quickly02:54 - Meet Dr. Michelle Hamilton05:09 - The Journey of Practice Evolution07:46 - The Healer Martyr Matrix: Uncovering Subconscious Beliefs12:03 - Changing the Sliding Scale: A Shift to Flat Rates16:23 - Balancing Accessibility and Sustainability in Acupuncture Practice19:29 - Shifting Mindset: Service vs. Work19:55 - Importance of Self-Care and Meal Prep21:24 - Setting an Example for Patients22:42 - Community Acupuncture Pricing25:34 - Scaling Back and Focusing on Personal Projects27:04 - Raising Rates and Scholarship Fund32:37 - Invitation to Help and Definition of SuccessThis episode is brought to you by TOMA Skincare, created by fellow acupuncturists Tori and Marla. TOMA Skincare is offering my listeners a free online microneedling course, normally $39, designed to help you confidently add microneedling to your practice. Use code MICHELLEFREE to grab the class for free.Enroll Now and Save $39 >>Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.