Why You Need a Referral Network — And How to Build One

Whether from other healthcare providers or satisfied patients, referrals carry enormous weight. People trust personal recommendations far more than advertising. 

In fact, 93% of consumers trust a referral from friends or family, while only 38% trust a typical ad, making referrals a key lever to drive practice growth through new business. 

Download 10 Ways to Grow Your Chiropractic Practice

In healthcare, a word from a family doctor, massage therapist, or happy patient can instantly establish credibility and overcome the hesitation that a cold advertisement cannot.

Leveraging this trust by building a referral network leads to warmer leads that are much more likely to convert into new patients.

Referred patients also tend to be more loyal and valuable over time. General business data shows that referred customers have an average 16% higher lifetime value than non-referred customers. And they churn at a significantly lower rate. 

For a chiropractic practice, patients who come via referral are more likely to stick with their treatment plans and continue with maintenance care, boosting your revenue per patient. 

Moreover, those satisfied referral patients often become referrers, creating a virtuous cycle. 

‍Referred patients also convert about 30% better than leads from other marketing efforts, making referral networks extremely valuable.

Here are three ways you can start building a referral network today:

1. Identify target partners and narrowly market to them

Send them personalized direct mail with a rundown of your differentiating services and offer to host an open house for their team so they can come in and see your facility first-hand.

2. Collaborative education

Partner with a group you wish to have a referral relationship with to host patient education workshops.

3. Stay top of mind

Regularly market to your referral network. Here are some ways to stay in touch:

• Send quarterly newsletters
• Share information when you add new technologies or services
• Provide monthly educational tips

------
‍
Download 10 Ways to Grow Your Chiropractic Practice for more tips and best practices to attract, convert, and retain patients.