
Why Aren’t Patients Finding You Yet?
Here’s a truth bomb: you could be the best naturopath, physiotherapist, or osteopath in town, but if nobody knows you exist, your waiting room will stay empty.
Patients aren’t Googling “random wellness person.” They’re searching for specific solutions to specific problems. And if your marketing doesn’t speak directly to them, they’ll scroll right past you.
The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can stand out in the crowded health and wellness industry and attract patients consistently without breaking AHPRA rules. Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Speak Directly to One Person (Not the Whole Planet)
If your website says “We help everyone,” guess what? You’ll connect with no one. Instead, laser in on your ideal patient profile.
- Helping busy mums find natural stress relief?
- Supporting tradies with back pain and sports injuries?
- Guiding teens through natural anxiety management?
The more specific your message, the easier it is for patients to think: “That’s me. I need this.”
Example: Instead of “Holistic Health for Everyone,” try:
“Natural Anxiety Treatment for Teens in Sydney. Gentle, Supportive, Evidence-Based.”
Step 2: Make Your Website Google and Human-Friendly
Your website has one job: attract and convert local patients. Here’s how:
- Use suburb-based SEO phrases like “Naturopath in Bondi” or “Osteopath near Chatswood.”
- Create clear service pages (one for physio, one for acupuncture, one for massage).
- Make it mobile-friendly, as 90% of patients scroll on their phones.
- Add a blog that answers real patient questions.
Example blog: “What Happens at Your First Physiotherapy Appointment in Sydney? A Step-by-Step Guide.”
This is both a long-tail keyword magnet and a patient trust-builder.
Step 3: Use Content to Build Trust
Think of content as your 24/7 receptionist: educating, reassuring, and inviting patients to take action.
Winning content ideas:
- Blog: “5 Natural Ways to Boost Immunity This Winter (Backed by Science)”
- Reel: “3 Stretches Every Tradie Should Do Before Work”
- Email: “How to Stay Balanced During Busy Seasons”
- FAQ: “Is My Treatment Covered by Private Health Insurance?”
Compliance reminder: AHPRA rules apply.
✅ Use anonymous case studies.
✅ Avoid testimonials.
✅ No miracle claims. Stick to facts and empathy.
Example (compliant): “One of our clients, a 32-year-old carpenter, reduced back pain and improved flexibility after a treatment plan combining osteopathy and home stretches.”
Step 4: Build Referral and Local Networks
Not all patients come from Google. Many come from your local networks and partnerships.
Ideas to try:
- Team up with gyms, yoga studios, or Pilates instructors.
- Leave flyers in parenting groups, sports clubs, or wellness stores.
- Connect with GPs, physios, and nutritionists for referrals.
- Join local business networks or chambers of commerce.
Example: Host a free mini-workshop at your local gym: “How to Prevent Sports Injuries Naturally.”
Attendees become future patients. The gym sees you as a partner, not competition.
Step 5: Add Paid Ads (But Only After the Basics)
Running ads before your marketing foundations are solid is like pouring water into a leaky bucket, which is wasteful and frustrating.
Before spending a cent, make sure:
- Your website is conversion-ready (easy online bookings).
- You’re clear on your ideal patient.
- You’ve got a welcome email series in place.
- Your booking process is seamless.
Ad examples:
- Google Ads: “Osteopath in Parramatta | Gentle Pain Relief Near You.”
- Facebook/Instagram Ads: Promote a free ebook like “7 Natural Ways to Ease Anxiety Without Medication.”
Instead of generic ads like “Chiropractic in Sydney,” use local, specific copy such as: “Back Pain Relief for Tradies in Western Sydney. Book Your First Appointment Online Today.”
The Payoff of Getting This Right
When you combine clear messaging, a SEO-friendly website, trust-building content, local referral networks, and smart paid ads, you’ll attract a steady flow of patients who feel seen, heard, and ready to book.
No burnout. No wasted ad spend. Just consistent, ethical growth.
Make 2025 the Year You Grow with Confidence
Healthcare marketing doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or salesy. With the right structure, it’s simple, ethical, and effective.
Join our next Marketing Ecosystem Workshop and let’s map out a growth strategy tailored to your health or wellness business.
FAQs: Health & Wellness Marketing in Australia
- Q: Can I promote health services on social media without violating regulations?
- Yes, focus on education, behind-the-scenes content, and factual information. Avoid testimonials and unrealistic claims.
- Q: What is the best marketing strategy for a small wellness business?
- Start with clear messaging, local SEO, and educational content. From there, build referral relationships and add paid ads when ready.
- Q: How do I compete with bigger clinics or chains?
- Build local trust, niche down on your ideal patient profile, and consistently share helpful content that positions you as the expert.
- Q: What’s the difference between SEO and health directory listings?
- SEO improves how you appear on Google organically. Directory listings increase visibility on platforms like HealthEngine or Psychology Today.
To discover more marketing strategies, make sure you join us at the next Marketing Ecosystem Workshop to map out your one-page marketing plan. Here is the link to register (no cost!): https://www.basicbananas.com/virtualsummit/
Or apply to join the popular Clever Bunch program to accelerate your business growth: https://www.basicbananas.com/cleverbunch/
Here’s to creating ripple effects of brilliance everywhere we go! The Basic Bananas Team