COVID-19 is shaking up the health industry as scientists and doctors clamor to find not only a cure but also preventive solutions that are safe and healthy to administer. This is leading record level demand in this holistic health industry as people seek out alternative ways to remain healthy.  According to the World Health Org, Holistic Health and Medicine are the primary sources of healthcare for 65-80% of people in North America.  Holistic health sales tripled during the first quarter of 2020. There is a huge opportunity for practitioners to boost their business as the demand grows, but not all practitioners are ready for this digital revolution.

 

The Digital Status Quo

Every practitioner’s biggest tool to attract new customers is their digital presence, and the first point of contact for many new customers is the practitioner’s website. Modern and innovative websites aim to re-create the calming appeal of visiting an actual location while also providing clear and actionable ways for the customer to make appointments and buy products. They are literally the new storefront for businesses in this next decade. It is on these websites where new and/or existing visitors make the important decisions of whether to shop or not.

The problem is that most websites in the health and wellness industry lack the warm feeling that you get from actually talking with a real person. They appear cold and uninviting. They lack emotion and human appeal and are void of relevant information and advice. Simply put, these websites are nothing more than digital billboards.

So the question remains. How do you take a regular website and turn it into something unique, warm and welcoming?

The answer is simple. By creating an in-person experience, online.

 

The Digital Revolution

The digital revolution is happening all the time. What was fashionable and new last year, becomes outdated and mundane the following year as new and more advanced digital tools are developed. Websites are no exception. Websites were once simple splash pages with basic information about hours, services, locations, and contact buttons. Now, they have transformed into much more robust and highly advanced social connection mechanisms.

This sounds complicated, but it’s not. Extremely smart developers have created all kinds of tools that enable you to take a very basic website and turn it into a leader in the digital revolution. They have made it possible to finally create an in-person, online experience right from your laptop and smartphone.  Here’s how:

 

  1. Chat Rooms and Video Calling

Once reserved for friends and family to connect over long distances, this helpful tool now enables websites to create a very personal and inviting experience right from the main website. With a single click, clients can ask real-time questions and get real-time answers in a way that almost perfectly replicates the in-store experience. These services can be linked directly to the phones and computers of the staff allowing for instant communication whether that be from home or the office. This is the most effective tool in times of social distancing.

  1. Check out in one click

For practitioners with an e-commerce store, providing the ability to check out in one click keeps customers happier because they can get their shopping done more quickly and hassle-free. By enabling the quick checkout button on each product page the customer can quickly place orders without prolonged navigation. This results in up to 3X higher conversion rates and increases repeat buying rates by roughly the same amount.

  1. About us section

Over 70% of practitioner’s websites don’t have an “About Us” section telling their visitors who they are and why they are in the industry. This is a huge missed opportunity. According to a recent survey of millennial shoppers, the About Us page is considered an integral part of the buying decision. Creating the connection between practitioner and patient is a very crucial part of the healing process. So don’t overlook it. Tell your story just like you would to a  patient sitting in your office.

  1. Payment options

It is no secret that a growing majority of the population is facing financial strain.  Now, more than ever, offering alternative payment options is the driving force for a customer to choose one business over another. Whether it’s third-party payment options such as Sezzle or Paybright that allows customers to pay in increments, or a custom payment plan option, giving them the choice is a refreshing dose of relief by offering options you expand your market. It’s as simple as that.

  1. Quick remedy guide

With an influx of new visitors who likely do not know a lot about Holistic Medicine and the products that are available, offering a quick guide to highlight popular or the most common choices based on symptoms will result in more sales. With the deluge of information on the internet, consumers are looking for professional and personal advice from practitioners that they feel they can trust. Make it simple for your customers by breaking down a selection of issues and then providing thoughtful and well supported advice for the perfect product to solve their ailment. Top this off with a quick, one-click checkout experience and now you have a true gamechanger.

 

Creating an innovative, in-person and inviting digital approach to healthcare is something that practitioners need to take note of and begin adding to their digital strategy. The world will look a lot different over the next decade as consumers seek alternative ways to connect and shop for their products and services. Step out in front of the digital revolution and you will be well-poised to reap the rewards. The key is to understand what makes your physical location/practice so successful and find unique and innovative ways to replicate this online. The rest is easy.

 

We can help you get ahead of the Digital Revolution.  Visit our Services page for more info.

 

Do you have any marketing strategies that you have been using to set yourself apart? Share them with us. We love a good health story!

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Article Written by:

Angelica Nicole Greene-Barrales

Marketing Lead at Little Bear in the Forest | Digital Marketing Collective

www.littlebearintheforest.com

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