Online reviews are critical for chiropractors. With 90% of people trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations, your practice’s reputation can directly impact growth. Here’s how to get more reviews:
- Automated Review Requests: Use tools to send timely review requests after appointments, increasing reviews by up to 116%.
- Better Follow-Ups: Ask for reviews at the right time (e.g., midweek or right after treatment) to improve response rates.
- Compliant Incentives: Show appreciation with thank-you cards or charitable donations, avoiding prohibited rewards like cash or discounts.
- Staff Training: Teach your team how to ask for reviews effectively and handle patient concerns.
- Showcase Reviews: Highlight positive feedback on your website, in your office, and respond to reviews to build trust.
Quick Tip: Patients often need 7+ reviews to trust a provider, and listings with 4+ stars are essential for attracting new patients. Start implementing these strategies today to grow your practice.
1. Use Automated Review Request Systems
Why Automation Matters
Automated review systems make it easier to gather feedback, increasing reviews by 116% and adding 90 extra leads per year. The main advantage? Consistency. When you’re busy with patients, sending manual review requests often gets overlooked. Automation ensures every patient gets a timely request, keeping a steady flow of reviews coming in.
Features to Look For in a Review Tool
The right tool makes all the difference. Here are the key features you’ll need:
-
HIPAA Compliance
- Encrypt patient communications
- Use secure messaging channels
- Keep detailed compliance logs
- Provide automatic policy updates
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Integration Options
- Connect with Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- Sync with appointment scheduling software
- Link to Google Business Profile
- Support major review platforms
-
Management Tools
- Monitor reviews from one place
- Enable two-way texting
- Use response templates for reviews
- Access a performance analytics dashboard
Once you’ve chosen a tool with these features, set up a clear plan to implement it smoothly.
How to Set Up Automated Review Requests
Follow these steps to configure your system and track its performance:
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Assess Compliance Risks
Review your current process and document any potential compliance issues. -
Set Up Triggers
Schedule requests to go out immediately after treatment, following positive feedback, or at specific intervals. -
Test and Monitor
Start with a small group of patients to test the system. Track response rates, completion rates, and overall satisfaction to ensure it’s working effectively.
2. Improve Patient Follow-Up Methods
When to Ask for Reviews
Timing matters when asking for reviews. Studies show that midweek requests can lead to an 8–10% higher response rate. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to ask for feedback:
| Time Period | Why It Works | Response Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Hours (8 AM – 11 AM) | Patients are more engaged | +5% |
| Tuesday – Thursday | People are most responsive | +8–10% |
| Right After Treatment | Experience is still fresh | Highest conversion |
The key takeaway? Ask for reviews right after a patient’s appointment while their experience is still top of mind. Once you’ve nailed the timing, focus on crafting a message that makes it easy for them to respond.
Write Clear Request Messages
Make your review requests straightforward and easy to act on. For text-based requests, always include a direct link to your review platform. Here’s an example of a simple and effective message:
"Hi, this is [Your Name] from [Your Practice]. We hope you’re doing well after your visit. If you have a moment, we’d love to hear your feedback."
Research shows that 77% of people are willing to leave a review if asked. So, keep it convenient and to the point.
Add Personal Details to Requests
Personalizing your messages can make a big difference. Mention specific details about the patient’s visit or treatment to make your request feel genuine. For example:
- Reference the date and type of treatment.
- Highlight any progress observed during their visit.
- Connect the request to their health goals.
Here’s a personalized follow-up example:
"I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better! If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate it if you could share your experience. Your feedback helps others understand how our care can make a difference."
Adding personal touches not only encourages patients to leave reviews but also makes their feedback more meaningful. Pair these personalized messages with your automated systems, and adjust the communication channel based on patient preferences – SMS tends to work better for younger patients, while email is often preferred by older ones.
Mastering Review Responses & Requests: Boost Your …
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3. Offer Allowed Review Incentives
If you want to encourage more patient reviews, consider ways to express gratitude that stay within the rules while promoting honest feedback.
Review Incentive Rules
Google and other review platforms strictly forbid offering monetary rewards or prizes for reviews. Here’s what to avoid:
- Cash payments or gift cards tied to positive reviews
- Contest entries requiring participants to leave reviews
- Discounts on products or services in exchange for feedback
Google’s policy is clear on this:
"Do not offer or accept money or product to write positive reviews about a business, or to write negative reviews about a competitor".
These rules are in place to maintain trust and protect both your practice and your patients.
Acceptable Ways to Show Appreciation
While direct incentives are off-limits, there are thoughtful ways to thank patients:
- Send personalized thank-you cards to strengthen relationships
- Make small charitable donations in patients’ names to support community causes
- Share examples of how feedback has helped improve your services
For instance, Mobile Motion Chiropractic found success by offering a complimentary travel fee for the next visit, paired with a small thank-you gift. This approach tied into their referral strategy, rewarding both feedback and loyalty.
Connect Reviews with Referrals
To maximize patient engagement, consider combining compliant incentives with referral efforts.
- Double-Sided Reward Programs: Create a system that benefits both the referrer and the new patient, especially for private-pay patients. This approach can lead to higher participation rates.
- Community Give-Back Initiatives: Offer charitable donations for referrals that help grow your practice.
Make the process simple for patients by ensuring your review links are easy to find and access.
Important: Always consult a legal expert before starting any reward program. The Anti-Kickback Statute applies to practices serving Medicare and Medicaid patients, and local laws on healthcare referrals may differ.
One chiropractic office successfully gathered over 150 reviews by placing educational note cards next to ice packs. These cards explained how to leave a review, making the process convenient and effective. This strategy resulted in authentic, compliant feedback that boosted their online presence.
4. Help Staff Ask for Reviews
Your team plays a crucial role in gathering feedback, alongside automation and personalized follow-ups. Training your staff to ask for reviews can greatly improve your online presence.
Sample Review Request Scripts
Provide your front desk team with easy-to-use scripts to make these conversations natural. For example:
"We’re always looking to improve our care. Would you mind sharing your feedback about your experience today? It helps others find the relief they’re seeking."
For follow-up visits, try:
"I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better! Would you be open to sharing your recovery story to help others facing similar challenges?"
Also, identify the best moments for staff to request reviews, ensuring they make the most of positive patient interactions.
Best Times to Ask Patients
- After a patient expresses satisfaction
- During milestone achievements in their treatment
- At the end of a treatment series
- While checking out, scheduling appointments, or confirming follow-ups
Handle Patient Questions
Prepare your team to confidently address common concerns about leaving reviews. Here’s a quick guide:
| Patient Concern | Suggested Response |
|---|---|
| Unsure how to leave a review | "I’d be happy to show you how to leave a review right here on our tablet." |
| Not comfortable with technology | "No worries! I can walk you through the steps – it’s quick and easy." |
| Concern about privacy | "You can choose how much personal information to share, even just your first name." |
| Too busy to leave a review now | "That’s okay! I can email you a direct link so you can do it whenever it’s convenient." |
Encourage your team to assist patients who may be less familiar with technology. If negative feedback arises, remind them to listen carefully, take responsibility, and address concerns promptly to turn the situation into a positive experience.
5. Display Current Patient Reviews
Showcasing patient reviews is the final piece of your review strategy. With 91% of consumers checking online reviews before choosing a local business, displaying this feedback can help grow your practice and strengthen trust.
Add Reviews to Your Website
Potential patients often read about 10 reviews before deciding to trust a business. Make sure your website highlights reviews in a way that feels natural and inviting. Here are some ideas:
- Create a testimonials page featuring standout patient success stories.
- Use a floating review widget to make feedback submission simple.
- Highlight specific reviews on service-related pages.
- Display your overall rating prominently on the homepage.
Show Reviews in Your Office
Your physical office space can also be a great place to showcase patient feedback. Since 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, seeing positive stories in person can inspire current patients to share their own. Try these approaches:
- Set up a digital display in the waiting area to show recent reviews.
- Design an inspiration wall with printed testimonials.
- Add QR codes near displayed reviews to link directly to review platforms.
- Include review highlights in patient education materials.
Reply to Patient Reviews
Engaging with reviews builds trust and encourages others to leave feedback. In fact, 71% of consumers are more likely to choose a business that responds to reviews. When replying:
- Thank patients for positive feedback and call out specific details they mentioned.
- For neutral or negative feedback, address concerns professionally, invite further discussion, and offer to resolve issues privately if needed.
With 57% of consumers only considering businesses with 4 or more stars, maintaining a thoughtful approach to review management is key.
"Having raving fans of how you can help people is how you build trust in your community and can turn skeptics into believers." – Nick Fischer, Founder of CHIROBASIX
Conclusion
With 73% of patients relying on online reviews to choose healthcare providers, managing reviews effectively can play a major role in growing your practice. Using automated systems alongside thoughtful responses to reviews can lead to better patient engagement and stronger trust.
A well-planned review management strategy can directly influence your practice’s growth. For example, increasing patient retention by just 5% has been shown to boost profits by 25%. Prioritizing patient satisfaction and maintaining high ratings online lays a strong foundation for long-term success.
By embracing these strategies, you’re not just enhancing your online reputation – you’re also building lasting trust and loyalty with patients. Since nearly 90% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, reviews are a powerful tool for driving growth and improving patient relationships.
"Having raving fans of how you can help people is how you build trust in your community and can turn skeptics into believers." – Nick Fischer, Founder of CHIROBASIX
Taking an active role in managing online reviews helps position your practice for success in today’s competitive digital landscape. A reliable system for collecting and responding to patient feedback creates a reputation that keeps your practice thriving.
