Building a trustworthy client base

HOW TO BUILD A TRUSTWORTHY CLIENT BASE

The FHT’s Molly Denton shares how to build your reputation with loyal clients…

Join a professional association

There are many benefits to joining a professional association. Not only can it help your business credibility, it can give you a sense of belonging and allow you to feel part of a flourishing therapist community. For example, the FHT offer many benefits such as: Tailor-made insurance policies; access to our Therapist helpline; ¬ therapy articles and industry news; local meetings with likeminded therapists; CPD building events such as our annual Virtual Conference; and a listing on our FHT Therapist Register.

Tailored marketing

Think about the treatments that you offer. Who do they target? Who are they best suited for? Narrowing down your target audience can make all the difference. When you target a well-defined segment of your customers, it’s easier to refine your marketing message and your brand so you’re speaking directly to them, resulting in more targeted promotion and efficient marketing.

Top Tip: The internet is wonderful, but offline can be just as successful. Wordof-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful tools for making new clients. In a FHT 2016 study, over 80% of Complementary Therapists said it was the easiest and most beneficial way to communicate with clientele.

Build a strong rapport

It is important to build relationships with your customers – whether they’re old or new. Keeping in contact through social media channels is a great way to let them know you’re still about. LinkedIn is a great network for motivated professionals; signing up can help you to engage with other industry professionals and new clientele, build relationships, stay connected with business news and increase your exposure and business credibility.

Stay in the loop

As the saying goes ‘knowledge is power’ and keeping up to date with industry news can ensure a more pro-active approach to what’s good and bad practice. You can do this by staying in contact with your clients interests; responding to their reviews; thanking them for their custom; and reading daily news updates. Having insurance will also show your customers that you are professional and take their health seriously. After time, when you deliver a consistently good service, you will increase your chances of being referred to new clients by your existing ones – saving you time and money.

Showcase positive customer reviews and testimonials

After every treatment, politely ask your customers to review their experience –perhaps have review cards, or offer a discount for leaving one. These are great to showcase on your social media and website. With Facebook and Google reviews, you’ll get an overall rating score out of five, so your prospective clients can get a snapshot of how your customers rate you. The better your feedback, the more likely new clients are to trust you. Reflect on all your feedback – good and bad. Find out what your clients are happy with and what they think you could improve.

iThe Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) offers students and qualified practitioners a range of membership benefits to help support them, every step of their therapy career. For further information, visit www.fht.org.uk or call 023 8062 4350.

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