Posts Tagged ‘Free Publicity’
How Important Is a Web Presence?
August 19, 2008 | 
Author I know this is a touchy area for some, because many health practitioners are technophobes. But if you’re interested in using your healing talents to help as many as possible, you need to reach out to others. Using online tools such as email and building an active web prescence can bring you a steady stream of clients who want your services. The web offers lots of ways to really leverage what you are doing by communicating with people who are seeking you out. It allows you to effectively at little or no cost to communicate with your existing clients as well as reach new ones. If you ignore the web, you are ignoring a simple business building tool that allows you to express who you are, how you work and what you can do for others.
Simple Web checklist:
- Use email to stay in touch with existing clients
- Submit articles to increase traffic to your website and build your profile as an expert
- Free directory listings can increase your website rankings and make you easier to find
- Use social marketing such as facebook to stay in touch with friends and associates and remind people you are there
Getting Started:
I recommend starting with one 500 word article (about half an A4 page) on a subject that would be of interest to your ideal client. Use this article to:
- Include in your newsletter (don’t have one? Start now…)
- Post on your blog
- Post as a ‘note’ on your facebook page
- Submit to article directories (this will direct traffic to your website if you have one and increase your online prescence)
If you would like more information on how to use some of these methods, drop me a line at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au I will be happy to direct you to the right place – in fact it would be a pleasure!!!
Related articles:
Attracting Clients You Love Through Joint Ventures
“Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning” Bill Gates, Microsoft
Being a health practitioner can be a lonely road at times, particularly if you are a sole operator. Quite frankly, a lot of practitioners like it that way! But if you want the abundant practice of your dreams, remaining an island just won’t cut it. Today I want to share with you a powerful way of attracting the clients you like to work with most through joint ventures.
So, what’s so great about joint ventures?
ü They leverage your business to more potential clients through valuable partnerships – building your client base at minimal cost
ü They build your credibility through the trust already held by your partners – exposing you to warm rather than cold prospects
ü You are seen as someone who is willing to work with others for a greater benefit to all concerned
ü They allow you to be surrounded by likeminded and passionate people – you will be inspired and inspire others
ü They can create free publicity
ü If carefully targeted joint ventures will help position you as an expert in your chosen field
What kind of joint venture should you consider?
Joint ventures are only limited by your imagination. Here are some suggestions:
ü Place flyers at local businesses in exchange for their ad or coupon in your newsletter
ü Offer a free treatment to the local physio or personal trainer who can speak on your behalf to their clients and refer them to you. A value adding voucher works well in conjunction with these. Offer to refer your clients to them also.
ü Offer treatments as prizes to local charities and fundraisers in exchange for promotion in their flyers and newsletters as a sponsor.
ü Sponsor a member of the month prize at the local gym.
ü Team up with the local health food store – you promote their products while they promote your service.
ü Set up a stand at the local sports club or fitness centre. It offers their members an additional service and you get exposure to new clients.
ü Participate in open days and community events – you’ve got to be in it to win it!
ü Create a health expo by teaming up with other practitioners. Charge a fair price for half hour treatments and offer free talks on different health issues. Ask a local venue to donate the space. Promote it through local newspaper articles and what’s on columns, on community noticeboards and free online community directories. A little planning goes a long way.
ü Create a local network that appeals to your target market. For example, if women 40 plus are your market, team up with a local café or restaurant and host a monthly luncheon event. It could be purely social or you could have an interesting speaker each month.
These are just a few ideas. Harness your strengths and combine them with the strengths of others. Team your organisational skills with someone else’s public speaking skills and another’s venue or customer base. Remember, joint ventures don’t have to be complicated, even simple ones pay off over time. The opportunities are endless! Great opportunities don’t come along once in a lifetime, they come along everyday – are you ready to harness them and see your practice prosper?
Top tips to joint venture success:
ü Know exactly who you want to attract to your business. Clearly define your audience. This becomes apparent when you know exactly what your strengths are and who you can help the most. You must identify this first before proceeding, if you want them to work well for you.
ü List local businesses who have the same target market as you. They may or may not be health related, it could be the local fitness club, café or playgroup.
ü Approach potential partners from a ‘what’s in it for them’ – it’s not all about you (although your aim is for you to benefit, it must benefit your partners also).
ü Remember you don’t have to go it alone. Bigger joint ventures are best when it’s a team effort. Don’t be afraid to delegate – just the fact that you initiated the idea will be worthwhile if everyone benefits.
Joint ventures are a fantastic way to leverage your business. In my own business of helping health practitioners market themselves I have teamed up with several other businesses that I know can help my clients such as web designers and graphic artists, other online health marketing gurus, natural therapies academies, practice software developers and business networking groups. It is a powerful way to get the message across to the people you can help the most and it’s a win/win situation for everyone.
“If everyone is moving forward together – the success takes care of itself” Henry Ford.
I welcome your ideas and would love to hear them – feel free to email me if you’d like feedback at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au I am also interested in potential contributions of your challenges and successes to my forthcoming book The No-Hype DIY Guide to Marketing for Health Practitioners’. All contibutors will receive a free copy.
To your health practice success….
Krishna
Related articles:
Boosting Your Profile With Editorial and Articles
The Power and Promise of Networking
Low Cost Ways to Build Massage Clientele
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Tags: Free Publicity, Getting Started as a Massage Therapist, joint ventures, Massage Marketing, networking | 
No Comments »
Attracting Clients You Love Through Joint Ventures
“Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning” Bill Gates, Microsoft
Being a health practitioner can be a lonely road at times, particularly if you are a sole operator. Quite frankly, a lot of practitioners like it that way! But if you want the abundant practice of your dreams, remaining an island just won’t cut it. Today I want to share with you a powerful way of attracting the clients you like to work with most through joint ventures.
So, what’s so great about joint ventures?
ü They leverage your business to more potential clients through valuable partnerships – building your client base at minimal cost
ü They build your credibility through the trust already held by your partners – exposing you to warm rather than cold prospects
ü You are seen as someone who is willing to work with others for a greater benefit to all concerned
ü They allow you to be surrounded by likeminded and passionate people – you will be inspired and inspire others
ü They can create free publicity
ü If carefully targeted joint ventures will help position you as an expert in your chosen field
What kind of joint venture should you consider?
Joint ventures are only limited by your imagination. Here are some suggestions:
ü Place flyers at local businesses in exchange for their ad or coupon in your newsletter
ü Offer a free treatment to the local physio or personal trainer who can speak on your behalf to their clients and refer them to you. A value adding voucher works well in conjunction with these. Offer to refer your clients to them also.
ü Offer treatments as prizes to local charities and fundraisers in exchange for promotion in their flyers and newsletters as a sponsor.
ü Sponsor a member of the month prize at the local gym.
ü Team up with the local health food store – you promote their products while they promote your service.
ü Set up a stand at the local sports club or fitness centre. It offers their members an additional service and you get exposure to new clients.
ü Participate in open days and community events – you’ve got to be in it to win it!
ü Create a health expo by teaming up with other practitioners. Charge a fair price for half hour treatments and offer free talks on different health issues. Ask a local venue to donate the space. Promote it through local newspaper articles and what’s on columns, on community noticeboards and free online community directories. A little planning goes a long way.
ü Create a local network that appeals to your target market. For example, if women 40 plus are your market, team up with a local café or restaurant and host a monthly luncheon event. It could be purely social or you could have an interesting speaker each month.
These are just a few ideas. Harness your strengths and combine them with the strengths of others. Team your organisational skills with someone else’s public speaking skills and another’s venue or customer base. Remember, joint ventures don’t have to be complicated, even simple ones pay off over time. The opportunities are endless! Great opportunities don’t come along once in a lifetime, they come along everyday – are you ready to harness them and see your practice prosper?
Top tips to joint venture success:
ü Know exactly who you want to attract to your business. Clearly define your audience. This becomes apparent when you know exactly what your strengths are and who you can help the most. You must identify this first before proceeding, if you want them to work well for you.
ü List local businesses who have the same target market as you. They may or may not be health related, it could be the local fitness club, café or playgroup.
ü Approach potential partners from a ‘what’s in it for them’ – it’s not all about you (although your aim is for you to benefit, it must benefit your partners also).
ü Remember you don’t have to go it alone. Bigger joint ventures are best when it’s a team effort. Don’t be afraid to delegate – just the fact that you initiated the idea will be worthwhile if everyone benefits.
Joint ventures are a fantastic way to leverage your business. In my own business of helping health practitioners market themselves I have teamed up with several other businesses that I know can help my clients such as web designers and graphic artists, other online health marketing gurus, natural therapies academies, practice software developers and business networking groups. It is a powerful way to get the message across to the people you can help the most and it’s a win/win situation for everyone.
“If everyone is moving forward together – the success takes care of itself” Henry Ford.
I welcome your ideas and would love to hear them – feel free to email me if you’d like feedback at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au I am also interested in potential contributions of your challenges and successes to my forthcoming book The No-Hype DIY Guide to Marketing for Health Practitioners’. All contibutors will receive a free copy.
To your health practice success….
Krishna
Related articles:
Boosting Your Profile With Editorial and Articles
The Power and Promise of Networking
Low Cost Ways to Build Massage Clientele
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Free Publicity, Getting Started as a Massage Therapist, joint ventures, Massage Marketing, networking | No Comments »
Boost Your Profile with Editorial and Articles
Are you recognised as THE person to see in your area for those who you can help the most? If not, you can easily build your profile using newspaper editorials and articles in magazines, newsletters and online if you follow these simple steps.
Some basic ground rules for writing your article
1. Understand what your typical clientele are reading. Are they reading the lifestyle pages, the business section or the health advice column? Would they pick up a free mag at your local health food shop, or search online for health information? The more you understand who your typical client is, the more effective you will be in writing a great editorial and submitting it to the best choice of publication.
2. What does your preferred client want to know about? It is of the greatest importance to create an editorial about what can benefit your readers, rather than what will benefit you! This is the WII-FM principle (that’s what’s in it for me). What benefits will they receive? How will they feel? Is there any credible evidence to back it up?
3. Use clear concise language that is free of jargon. Be very careful to avoid jargon that is specific to your area of expertise. Writing about the ‘energetic spectrum of quantum physics to rejuvenate your aura’ is not really suited to readers of your local newspaper!
4. Don’t cram too many ideas into the one article. Are you are jack of all trades? Please don’t be! In most instances, this is a very big mistake that many therapists make at some point. You will be much more effective when seen as an expert in a particular area. Do not try to be everything to everyone. This will water down any impact you may have. To be seen as an expert you need to specialise.
5. Be very clear on the purpose of your article before putting pen to paper. Is it to attract clients? Is it to make an announcement? Is it to educate?
6. Determine whether you are going to write as a ‘third party’ (the way a journalist might write it), or as yourself.
Writing your article – a suggested format
1. Start with a compelling headline. Many people scan headlines before choosing to read an article, so be sure your headline will capture the attention of your target market.
2. Open with a statement or question. Your opening line needs to be interesting so that your reader wants to continue. You may make a statement of a current trend or observation, or a question regarding a common problem being people may be experiencing. (You’ll notice I started this article with a question appealing to you as a reader, followed by a statement of what this article will cover).
3. Present your information clearly and concisely following a logical progression.
4. Include a quote to add credibility to your article. This could be from an expert in the field (including yourself) that you are writing about, from a client, or from a scientific journal that backs up the point of view you are presenting.
5. Include a footnote that enables the reader to contact you. Some publications may accept a brief biography here.
6. Have a few people proof read your article and provide an honest critique so that adjustments can be made prior to submission.
Submitting your article
There are hundreds of publications and website that may accept your article. The logical place to start is your local newspaper. They are always looking for interesting items to include that are of local interest. If your item is newsworthy or has a wider interest and is well written, definitely submit it to your larger regional newspaper. Once you have determined the best places to run your article that will be read by your target audience, contact the editorial department for contact name and details. Email your article clearly identifying the author and contact information. Including a relevant quality high resolution photograph (not just a cut and paste from the web or similar) will also enhance the chances your article will be published. Bear in mind that your article may be edited. You may also be contacted for interview to further expand on what you have submitted. Your article can also be submitted to relevant trade and special interest magazines and to hundreds of online article directories.
Article checklist
-Where will your article appear?
- Who will be reading it?
- What do they want to know?
- What is the one idea you wish to convey?
- Have you written from the readers perspective?
- Does the headline compel the reader to read on?
- Is it informative?
- Is it free of jargon
- Is it believable? (Use testimonials, quotes etc)
- Is your contact information or bio included at the end so you can easily be contacted?
Someone once said “it’s not what you know, but who knows what you know”. Presenting your knowledge to the world using articles is a powerful way to become known and build your health practice and reputation effectively. The best thing is it’s free!
I am always available to proof read your articles. Feel free to email me at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au and I will be happy to offer feedback.
Boost Your Profile with Editorial and Articles
Are you recognised as THE person to see in your area for those who you can help the most? If not, you can easily build your profile using newspaper editorials and articles in magazines, newsletters and online if you follow these simple steps.
Some basic ground rules for writing your article
1. Understand what your typical clientele are reading. Are they reading the lifestyle pages, the business section or the health advice column? Would they pick up a free mag at your local health food shop, or search online for health information? The more you understand who your typical client is, the more effective you will be in writing a great editorial and submitting it to the best choice of publication.
2. What does your preferred client want to know about? It is of the greatest importance to create an editorial about what can benefit your readers, rather than what will benefit you! This is the WII-FM principle (that’s what’s in it for me). What benefits will they receive? How will they feel? Is there any credible evidence to back it up?
3. Use clear concise language that is free of jargon. Be very careful to avoid jargon that is specific to your area of expertise. Writing about the ‘energetic spectrum of quantum physics to rejuvenate your aura’ is not really suited to readers of your local newspaper!
4. Don’t cram too many ideas into the one article. Are you are jack of all trades? Please don’t be! In most instances, this is a very big mistake that many therapists make at some point. You will be much more effective when seen as an expert in a particular area. Do not try to be everything to everyone. This will water down any impact you may have. To be seen as an expert you need to specialise.
5. Be very clear on the purpose of your article before putting pen to paper. Is it to attract clients? Is it to make an announcement? Is it to educate?
6. Determine whether you are going to write as a ‘third party’ (the way a journalist might write it), or as yourself.
Writing your article – a suggested format
1. Start with a compelling headline. Many people scan headlines before choosing to read an article, so be sure your headline will capture the attention of your target market.
2. Open with a statement or question. Your opening line needs to be interesting so that your reader wants to continue. You may make a statement of a current trend or observation, or a question regarding a common problem being people may be experiencing. (You’ll notice I started this article with a question appealing to you as a reader, followed by a statement of what this article will cover).
3. Present your information clearly and concisely following a logical progression.
4. Include a quote to add credibility to your article. This could be from an expert in the field (including yourself) that you are writing about, from a client, or from a scientific journal that backs up the point of view you are presenting.
5. Include a footnote that enables the reader to contact you. Some publications may accept a brief biography here.
6. Have a few people proof read your article and provide an honest critique so that adjustments can be made prior to submission.
Submitting your article
There are hundreds of publications and website that may accept your article. The logical place to start is your local newspaper. They are always looking for interesting items to include that are of local interest. If your item is newsworthy or has a wider interest and is well written, definitely submit it to your larger regional newspaper. Once you have determined the best places to run your article that will be read by your target audience, contact the editorial department for contact name and details. Email your article clearly identifying the author and contact information. Including a relevant quality high resolution photograph (not just a cut and paste from the web or similar) will also enhance the chances your article will be published. Bear in mind that your article may be edited. You may also be contacted for interview to further expand on what you have submitted. Your article can also be submitted to relevant trade and special interest magazines and to hundreds of online article directories.
Article checklist
-Where will your article appear?
- Who will be reading it?
- What do they want to know?
- What is the one idea you wish to convey?
- Have you written from the readers perspective?
- Does the headline compel the reader to read on?
- Is it informative?
- Is it free of jargon
- Is it believable? (Use testimonials, quotes etc)
- Is your contact information or bio included at the end so you can easily be contacted?
Someone once said “it’s not what you know, but who knows what you know”. Presenting your knowledge to the world using articles is a powerful way to become known and build your health practice and reputation effectively. The best thing is it’s free!
I am always available to proof read your articles. Feel free to email me at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au and I will be happy to offer feedback.
