What You Need To Run A Successful Online Business

More health practitioners are venturing into the world of online business than ever. If you’re new to working online, you might feel overwhelmed with all of the options available.

That’s why I’ve brought together a list of what you need to run a successful online clinic, as well as the steps that will take you to the next level.

What you need for a successful online clinic

An online delivery platform

The biggest difference when it comes to online practice is how you deliver a session. You need to be able to speak with your clients without being in the same space together. This is where an online delivery platform is required.

The most popular video platform for practitioners is Zoom – you can learn more about how Zoom works here. However, some practitioners use other options such as Skype or even a good old-fashioned phone call!

Remember to check your association and insurance requirements to make sure your platform is compliant with the privacy requirements.

A way for clients to book in with you

Just like a physical clinic, your clients need to be able to book appointments with you. The easier this is, the more likely someone is to follow through and book it in.

If your clinic has been running on a paper diary or a reception team at the clinic, now is the time to investigate online booking systems. Many are low-cost or even free to use, and they give clients the freedom to book themselves in even if it’s outside your business hours.

Some of your booking system options include:

Acuity
Simple Clinic
Practice Better
Cliniko
Healthkit/Halaxy

Each system has its benefits and potential drawbacks, so make sure you compare a couple of options to make sure you’re picking the one that is best for your needs and budget.

Some platforms will integrate both a delivery platform and a booking system. Simple Clinic and Practice Better are two examples of systems that accept bookings and host online meetings.

A way to accept payments

Finally, you need your clients to be able to pay you for your services. This may be something that is part of your booking system. If it’s not, you’ll want to look into payment options.

The most common payment systems that practitioners use include Stripe, Paypal and Square. Some of these may already be built into your accounting software, so you can simply send a client an invoice and they can pay online.

An online presence

If you want to build your client base and stay connected with your current clients, you need to show up online. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can do this! The not so good news is that this can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the online world.

Some places you can have an online presence include:

A Facebook business page
Facebook groups
Instagram
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Your own website (including blogs)
Via a podcast
A mailing list with regular newsletters full of tips and ideas

It’s best to pick 1-2 ways that you market yourself and share with your followers. You can also link your booking link to your social media platform of choice, send it out with your newsletters or share it at the end of your blogs.

What can help take your online business to the next level

There are only a handful of things that you truly need to work online – that’s the beauty of it! But if you want to give running an online clinic a good chance and build up your client base, there are a few options that can help you to do just that. These will build your reputation as a health expert, as well as fostering trust with the people who follow you online.

Consistent branding

Spending more time online often means creating more content. You might be sharing tips on Facebook, images on Instagram or writing blog posts on your website.

Because the online space is so crowded, it’s important that your branding is consistent. This helps you to stand out from the crowd and show your followers the type of practitioner that you are.

Branding is more than just your logo! Everything that is associated with your business is branding. The Canva templates you use for your social media quotes, the colours that you use, your website, your business cards and even the stock images you pick for your blog posts are a form of branding.

If your branding has been less than consistent and you’re ready for a brand that you love, make sure you check out my branding package here.

A mailing list opt-in

Having a mailing list is a great strategy – it’s a way to stay in touch with your followers that is direct and not reliant on social media algorithms. But how do you get people to sign up for your mailing list in the first place?

The easiest way is to create yourself an opt-in. This is something that people receive as a thanks for signing up to your mailing list. There are different options for what you can offer, but one of the easiest is a short e-book about a hot topic that relates to your client.

You might put together an e-book about:

Easy and healthy recipes that toddlers love
10 steps for clearing up acne naturally
How to lose weight without dieting
20 realistic self-care strategies for mums

The goal of this is to give your followers actionable tips – but also to position you as the expert they want to work with. Think of it as an introduction to how you work and who you help.

Need help with your branding, opt-ins or website? I’m here to help!

You’ll find all the juicy details about my different service options right here.

Not sure which is right for you? Reach out here.