FOUR incredibly simple strategies to double your referrals

Some clinics are great at generating a consistent flow of new patients - some clinics … not so much.

Today, we're going to learn how to increase referrals in your clinic and get more patients with zero extra ad spend!


Referrals are one of the most cost-effective ways to grow your practice. Referred patients have an 18% higher retention rate (They trust you from the start because their friends or family already vouched for you.


"Referral programs bring in better customers. Referred customers have a 16% higher lifetime value and a 18% higher retention rate’

a) Creating Raving Fans

1) Focus On The S%^t That Matters First

  • You can have the shiniest new referral software / tools / softwares but if your service and product sucks, no one will come back and refer to you.

2) Patient Experience Follows:

  • The foundation of a successful referral program is ensuring your patients are thrilled with their experience in your clinic. Without this, they won’t feel compelled to refer to others. The key to this is transforming patients into "raving fans"—those who are so delighted with your care that they naturally talk about you to their friends and family​.

Actions You Can Take:

  • Personal Touches: Small gestures like remembering patient names, their families, or sending them a birthday card can turn a good experience into an exceptional one. Use the FORD framework:
    (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams) to connect on a deeper level with patients​
    (works for both CAs - Chiros)
    .
  • Consistency in Care: Ensure that every patient experience is consistent from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave. This builds trust and loyalty, which makes referrals more natural.
  • ‘Lucky To Have You’ Scheme: Scratch card sent to anyone who refers to us and a written message inside.

    Reflection Time: How can you enhance YOUR patients' experience??

b) Incentivizing Referrals

Incentive-Based Referral Programs:

  • Once your patients are thrilled with your care, giving them a little nudge through an incentive can work wonders. Introduce a structured referral program that offers clear benefits to patients who refer others​ (and benefits to the person who’s been referred).

Types of Incentives:

  • Gift cards for coffee shops, smoothies, or wellness products (like a £10 Starbucks card).
  • Offer free or discounted services, such as a free adjustment or a massage after a patient refers to three new people​.
  • Set up a monthly raffle where patients who refer someone are entered into a prize draw for a larger prize, like a wellness package.

Making the Program Easy to Understand:

  • Make sure your referral program is easy to understand and participate in. Use referral cards, digital forms, Apps and make sure it’s easy for patients to use the platform.


Reflection Time: How can you use virality and gamification in your referral protocol???

c) Planting the Seed for Referrals

When and How to Ask for Referrals:

  • Timing is key. You want to ask for referrals at the right moment, ideally when patients are experiencing the best results from your treatment. After a particularly successful visit is the perfect time to ask.
    (but also be aware of your own data in your own practice).
  • Provide simple scripts: "I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling better. If you know anyone who could benefit from similar care, feel free to send them our way!"​
  • Early in the treatment process, let patients know that your goal is to provide such excellent care that they’ll want to refer their friends. This sets the expectation for referrals without being pushy​.


Reflection Time: Are you creating a clinic environment where referrals are being encouraged?
(posters, referral cards, referral card stations ???)

d) Building Professional Referral Networks

Expand Your Network:

  • Referrals aren’t just limited to patients. You can establish relationships with other local healthcare providers (e.g., physiotherapists, GPs) for cross-referral opportunities​.
  • Gyms / Wellness studio partnerships?


Reflection Time: Can you think of 3 local professionals/businesses that you can collaborate with?


Thank you for reading and I truly hope it helps.


p.s. In case you missed the last blog,


p.p.s If you enjoy watching chiropractic business content - head over to my YouTube channel for more.

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Stefan Gospodinov

PracticePeak Founder

Hi, I'm Stefan Gospodinov, founder of PracticePeak™ Consulting. With years of leading a top UK chiropractic practice, I offer proven strategies for success. Clients gain exclusive access to industry expertise honed through daily testing. Let's unlock your business potential together. Sign up for my free weekly newsletter now.

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Stefan Gospodinov

PracticePeak Founder

Hey, I'm Stefan Gospodinov, founder of PracticePeak™ Consulting. With years leading a top UK chiropractic practice, I've mastered thriving in this field. At PracticePeak™, we offer more than advice; we provide a proven blueprint for success. I still run a successful practice, testing strategies daily. Clients gain exclusive access to industry expertise. I understand the evolving nature of business; it's vital to work with someone who practices what they preach. Through PracticePeak™, I distill years of experience into a consultancy to propel your practice forward. Let's unlock your business potential together by signing up for my free weekly newsletter.

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