Podcast
Acupuncture Marketing School
Hosted by Michelle Grasek, MS, L.Ac. · EN
Ready to build a thriving, meaningful business? Learn how to market your acupuncture practice with confidence, serve more patients, and increase your income.
Hosted by Michelle Grasek, practicing acupuncturist and marketing coach, this podcast delivers practical marketing ideas to help you increase your visibility in your community and change more lives with the incredible power of acupuncture.
Visit michellegrasek.com for free marketing checklists and workbooks, and follow Michelle on Instagram @michellegrasek for even more marketing insights and ideas.
Hosted by Michelle Grasek, practicing acupuncturist and marketing coach, this podcast delivers practical marketing ideas to help you increase your visibility in your community and change more lives with the incredible power of acupuncture.
Visit michellegrasek.com for free marketing checklists and workbooks, and follow Michelle on Instagram @michellegrasek for even more marketing insights and ideas.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
132 | How to Get More Acupuncture Referrals from MDs and Other Healthcare Providers with Amy Abelar | Part 2
2d ago00:27:12Tap to summarizeWelcome back! Today I'm joined again by Amy Abelar from Acupuncture Practice Systems for part two of her previous episode.If you want to build stronger referral relationships with other healthcare providers this episode is for you.Amy has spent 18 years growing a thriving multi-provider practice, and she shares practical strategies for creating referral partnerships that are genuine, mutually beneficial, and lead to long-term growth. And I think you’ll appreciate that she approaches these relationships from a place of service.In this episode, we discuss:• Why you must track where every new patient is coming from• How to build referral relationships with OBGYNs, chiropractors, fertility clinics, and other healthcare providers• The biggest mistake practitioners make when networking, and what to do instead• Creative ways to get past the front desk and start meaningful conversations with busy medical officesThere are so many practical gems packed into this conversation with Amy. I hope it's helpful!Mentioned in This Episode (Show Notes): Acupuncture Practice SystemsYouTube: @AcupuncturePracticeSystemsInstagram: @AcupuncturePracticeSystemsAcu-Hub.com: Virtual Reception and Virtual Assistant Services for AcupuncturistsMarketing Breakthrough Audit with Michelle💛 Today's Episode is Sponsored by AcuHub:AcuHub provides remote reception and virtual assistant services specifically for acupuncture practices. I use AcuHub in my practice and I absolutely love it.With AcuHub, you can rely on a dedicated US-based, highly trained receptionist to answer your incoming calls and inquiries, schedule appointments on your EHR software, onboard new patients, and answer questions specific to your practice.Acu-Hub can also help with eligibility checks, billing, email and other assigned tasks that improve practice efficiency.They offer month-to-month services with no contracts or termination fees, with rates between just $5-$8 per hour depending on your practice size.Save time and money with your own dedicated Acuhub receptionist. Visit Acu-hub.com to learn more.And of course, if you have questions about AcuHub, you’re always welcome to email me about my experience at michelle@michellegrasek.com.💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →131 | Building a Multidisciplinary Practice with 24 Employees with Amy Abelar | Part 1
2w ago00:29:03Tap to summarizeToday I'm joined by Dr. Amy Abelar, founder of Acupuncture Practice Systems and the owner of a thriving multidisciplinary clinic with 24 employees. Amy has built an incredible practice over the past 18 years, and in this conversation she shares the journey from starting as a massage therapist to growing a large acupuncture business with systems, team members, and strong leadership.In this first part of our conversation, we talk about:What it really looked like to grow her practice, including while she was in acupuncture school (!)How creating systems became the key to scalingWhen she knew it was time to hire additional providersWhat marketing worked well for her in growing her practiceAn overlooked marketing strategy that can dramatically increase patient retention and referralsIf you've ever wondered how larger practices are built or how to help your current patients get more value from the care you already provide, I think you're going to get a lot out of this conversation.This is part one of a two-part interview with Dr. Amy Abelar, so be sure to come back next week for the second half.Mentioned in this Episode (Show Notes):Acupuncture Practice SystemsYouTube: @AcupuncturePracticeSystemsInstagram: @AcupuncturePracticeSystemsMarketing Breakthrough Audit with Michelle💙 Today's episode is sponsored by Jane, an EMR for health and wellness professionals, and the software that I use at my practice.Ready to get started? Use code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month with Jane. Book a free demo here.Register here for Jane's What’s New This Summer Webinar (free).💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →130 | Google Business Profile and AI: What You Need to Know with Bryan Fikes
Jul 1400:23:13Tap to summarizeMy guest today is Bryan Fikes of Bonsai Marketing. Brian has been working in search marketing since the early days of the internet, and in this episode we explore how local businesses can stay visible as Google search and AI continue to evolve.Today we talk about:Why your Google Business Profile may be the fastest place to get results for your efforts How to balance short-term strategies like Google Ads with long-term investments in SEO.The role AI is playing in local search, and why answering your patients' questions has never been more important.Simple DIY marketing tasks you can do each week that can make a real difference, even if you don't have a huge budget.If you've been wondering where to focus your marketing efforts right now, this conversation is packed with practical advice. Hope you enjoy this episode with Bryan!Show Notes:Website: BonsaiMarketingCompany.comGet your free marketing audit with BryanYouTube: @BonsaiMarketingCompanyInstagram: @BonsaiMarketingCompanyMarketing Breakthrough Audit with Michelle💙 Today's episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that’s here to make practice life a little easier.Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month at jane.app. 💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review.Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →129 | The Return of Human-Centered Marketing with Kali Edwards
Jun 2300:38:10Tap to summarizeStop Chasing Algorithms and Start Answering Questions: Great Advice in the Digital AgeWelcome back. Today I’m joined by returning guest Kali Edwards, founder of June Mango Design, a branding and website design studio that specializes in helping wellness professionals create strategic brands and websites that attract their ideal patients.Kali has worked with many acupuncturists and other healthcare providers, and in this conversation we’re digging into what’s actually working in clinic marketing right now.In this episode we talk about:How AI search is changing SEO and what clinic owners should focus on instead of chasing algorithmsWhy blogs still matter and how to choose topics your patients are already searching forThe connection between branding, trust, and attracting the right patientsHow to use the questions your ideal patients are asking at 2 a.m. and turn them into effective marketing contentWhy networking, visibility, and genuine human connection are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital worldHope you enjoy today's episode with Kali.💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale.Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums. Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund. Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon. Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire. Use my code AMS10 to save an extra 10% on your first order if you order more than $400.Mentioned in This Episode:Website: JuneMango.comInstagram: @junemangostudioSupport the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →128 | The Hidden Cash Leaks in Your Acupuncture Practice with Emily Bowie
Jun 900:34:17Tap to summarizeIf you've ever looked at your profit and loss statement and thought, "My practice is making money, so why doesn't it feel like it?" this episode is for you.In this episode, I'm joined by Emily Bowie, partner at Thorne Advisors, an accounting and tax strategy firm that helps business owners improve cash flow, reduce taxes, and build long-term wealth.Emily does an excellent job of breaking down financial concepts in a way that's practical and easy to understand, even if accounting feels completely outside your comfort zone.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet, and why both matterWhy revenue and profit don't always translate into cash in the bankCommon cash leaks that may be quietly draining money from your practiceHow to calculate the true profitability of a service after accounting for overheadWhen an S-corp election may make sense for acupuncturistsWhy tax planning should happen throughout the year instead of only at tax timeHow to use your financial reports to make better business decisionsWhether you're a solo practitioner or managing a growing team, this conversation will help you better understand your numbers and make more confident decisions about the future of your practice.Mentioned in This Episode:Website: ThorneAdvisors.comInstagram: @thorneadvisorsFree Download: 5 Cash Leaks and 5 Missed Tax Deductions that Are Draining Your Business 💙 This episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that’s here to make practice life a little easier.Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month at jane.app.Subscribe to the Acupuncture Marketing School podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 💖 Love the podcast? Help other acupuncturists find the podcast by leaving a review here.Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →127 | How to Optimize Your Acupuncture Practice to Show Up in AI Search Results with Samantha Mabe
May 2600:42:05Tap to summarizeAI search tools like ChatGPT and Google AI are changing how patients discover local wellness providers, but what does that actually mean for your acupuncture practice?In this episode, I’m joined again by website designer Samantha Mabe of Lemon & The Sea to talk about what’s really working right now when it comes to showing up in AI-powered search results. We break down why strong SEO fundamentals still matter, how niche messaging helps both humans and AI understand your expertise, and what you can do right now to strengthen your local online presence without trying to “hack” the algorithm.We also discuss how AI evaluates trust, expertise, reviews, credentials, and consistency across your website and social platforms, plus why clear messaging matters more than ever.In this episode:Why SEO is still the foundation for showing up in AI search results How blog posts and conditions pages work together strategically What AI tools are actually looking for when recommending local practitionersFind It Quickly02:57 - Meet Samantha Mabe05:06 - SEO Still Matters10:34 - Blogging for AI Queries13:18 - Niche Messaging Wins17:13 - Conditions Pages vs Blogs21:06 - Trust Signals and Links24:57 - Local Listings Consistency27:47 - Test Your AI Presence33:25 - Social Proof and VideoConnect with Samantha MabeWebsite: lemonandthesea.comInstagram: instagram.com/lemonandthesea💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale. 💚Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums. Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund. Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon. Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire.Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →126 | How Acupuncturists Can Scale Their Practice Beyond 1:1 Treatments with Dr. Michelle Hamilton
May 1200:52:12Tap to summarizeWhat if growing your acupuncture practice didn’t have to mean seeing more patients one-on-one every week?In this episode, I’m joined once again by Dr. Michelle Hamilton—doctor of Chinese medicine, owner of The Zen Den, and creator of Community Acupuncture School—to talk about creative ways acupuncturists can expand beyond the traditional treatment room model.Michelle shares how she evolved from solo private practice into a thriving hybrid clinic with community acupuncture, infrared sauna, digital courses, events, and multiple income streams. We also talk about why visibility and real-world connection still matter deeply in marketing—even in today’s online world.If you’ve been craving more freedom, sustainability, creativity, or scalability in your practice, this conversation is packed with ideas you can actually apply.In this episode:How Dr. Michelle Hamilton built and evolved her hybrid community acupuncture + private practice modelWhy local visibility, in-person events, and relationship-building still work incredibly well for clinic marketingHow to identify your ideal patients and meet them where they already spend timeFind It Quickly03:24 - Meet Michelle08:42 - Beyond the treatment room10:17 - Hybrid clinic origin story11:16 - Digital products and courses14:09 - What to teach and sell16:52 - Pricing and value23:32 - Events that sell out26:34 - Turning foot traffic into leads27:28 - Clinic Event Curiosity29:32 - Discount Cards Strategy31:45 - Guerrilla Marketing Stories33:15 - New Location Visibility35:41 - Find Your Patient Circles38:50 - Stepping Back Clinically41:48 - Marketing Origin Story45:15 - Promoting Associates48:44 - Redefining SuccessMentioned in this episode:61: Community Acupuncture School with Michelle Hamilton84: Scaling a Hybrid Community Acupuncture Practice to $500k with Michelle Hamilton108: Making Community Acupuncture Financially Sustainable Without Burnout with Michelle HamiltonSnack Size Marketing Club: michellegrasek.com/snacksizeConnect with Dr. Michelle HamiltonWebsite: drmichellehamilton.comInstagram: instagram.com/dr_michellehamilton💙 This episode is sponsored by Jane, a clinic management software that's here to make practice life a little easier.Ready to get started? Use the code ACUSCHOOL1MO for 1 free month. Try Jane >>Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →Temporary Episode - Join me in Wellness Marketing School Live starting soon!
May 400:07:03Tap to summarizeJoin me in Wellness Marketing School Live!Learn more and save your seat: https://michellegrasek.com/wellness-marketing-school-live/An 8-week, small-group Zoom program where you’ll build a clear, effective marketing system for your unique practice to become the go-to practitioner in your community (with real-time guidance and support).Limited to 20 practitioners • Begins May 8th • Enrollment closes May 7thEmail me with questions! That's what I'm here for: michelle@michellegrasek.comI would absolutely love to work with you - hope to see you inside!Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →Temporary Episode - Free Live Marketing Audit Training
Apr 2900:03:06Tap to summarizeJoin me for this free training! The Full-Schedule Marketing Audit for Wellness Practitioners:Date/Time: Tuesday, May 5th at 12:00 pm Eastern TimeRegister to Save Your Seat: https://michellegrasek.com/auditReplay will be available for everyone who registers. I'd love to see you there.Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
Transcribe →125 | Why Your Acupuncture Instagram Isn’t Converting More Patients (And What Actually Works) with Molly Cahill
Apr 2800:49:18Tap to summarizeIf your Instagram is full of helpful content but not bringing in patients, this episode might completely shift how you think about marketing.In today’s conversation, I sit down with Instagram strategist Molly Cahill to unpack what is actually working right now to attract patients—without chasing trends or burning out on content creation. We dive into the foundational strategies that consistently bring in bookings week after week, especially for acupuncturists and healthcare practitioners who don’t want to feel “salesy” online.Molly shares how to simplify your content, connect more deeply with your ideal patient, and use Instagram in a way that feels aligned with your work.In this Episode:Why most acupuncture content doesn’t convert—and what to do insteadSimple, repeatable content formats that save time and work betterHow “invisible engagement” leads to real bookings (even without likes or comments)Find It Quickly02:46 - Meet Molly 04:59 - What Still Works on Instagram07:40 - Why Education Posts Fail10:42 - Reels Formula and B Roll15:07 - Invisible Engagement Explained16:03 - Authority Hooks That Convert19:47 - Proof and Implementation Wins21:15 - Getting Patients on Camera25:15 - Easy B-Roll Alternatives25:51 - Model Calls and Pro Photos26:44 - DIY B-Roll Planning27:29 - Ask the Right Patients29:28 - Retention Over Acquisition31:03 - Train the Algorithm33:37 - Reposts and Email Scripts34:56 - Fill Gaps With Availability37:21 - Direct Offers Work Fast40:27 - Status Bubble Hack43:58 - Anchor Back to Your WhyMentioned in this episode:Holistic Marketing Simplified Podcast: mollycahill.com/podcastHolistic Marketing Hub: $200 off with discount code “AMS”: tck0d5a3nkz.krtra.com/t/SJo0V7c9yBoQInstagram: instagram.com/mollyacahillWebsite: mollycahill.com💚 This episode is sponsored by Faire Wholesale. 💚Increase your average per patient income with beautiful retail products that are aligned with your values and your business—without the upfront risk. Faire makes it easy to get started with over 100,000 independent brands and low or no order minimums. Even better? You get free returns for 60 days on the first order you place with any brand, so you can feel confident trying out new products online. Try new items in your clinic, and if something doesn’t sell, just send it back for a refund. Plus, you can filter by your values—like AAPI-owned, Black-owned, organic, handmade, or not sold on Amazon. Increase your income with curated retail offerings today. Click here to learn more about Faire.Support the showCurious about Acupuncture Marketing School, the online course for marketing beginners? Join me inside! Click here to learn more.
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