If you’re like most chiropractic businessmen, your marketing plan likely resembles this: run ads and focus on patient acquisition to get new patients and then repeat. But what if we told you that shifting your focus toward patient retention and not just acquisition could double your revenue?
With the right patient retention strategies in place and the right tools to execute with a patient retention software, we can automate database reactivation campaigns, you can re-engage past patients and boost long-term loyalty. In this post, we’ll break down the difference between retention vs acquisition. And why most clinics focus on the wrong one, and how combining patient acquisition and retention can transform your practice.
We’ll also show how database reactivation with GoHighLevel can dramatically improve your patient retention rate, specifically in today’s competitive healthcare retention landscape.
The Real Cost of New Patient Acquisition
It’s exciting to bring in new patients. But it’s also expensive.
Studies show that acquiring a new patient costs between 5 and 25 times more than retaining an existing one. That’s a steep price, especially if you’re relying on paid ads to drive appointments.
Why Retention Is Your Clinic’s Hidden Goldmine
The patients you’ve already seen—the ones who booked at least once—are your greatest asset.
They already know your clinic. They trust your care. They just need a reason to come back.
Reactivating even 10 to 20 per cent of past patients can:
- Fill empty slots
- Lower your cost per appointment
- Lead to more referrals and online reviews
Retention vs. Acquisition: A Quick Comparison
| Metric | New Patient | Returning Patient |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition cost | High | Low |
| Trust level | Low | High |
| Conversion time | Slow | Fast |
| Referral likelihood | Low | High |
| ROI | Unpredictable | High |
5 Retention Strategies That Outperform Ads
1. Run a Database Reactivation Campaign
Use text or email to reach out to patients who haven’t visited in a while. Example:
“We’re offering a free spinal screening this week for returning patients. Want to grab a spot?”
2. Use Missed Call Text-Back
If someone calls and you miss it, follow up instantly with a message like:
“Sorry we missed your call! This is [Your Clinic Name]. Would you like help booking your next appointment?”
3. Request Google Reviews
Send a short automated follow-up after each visit asking for a Google review. Reviews boost your local SEO and patient trust.
4. Offer Membership or Wellness Plans
Recurring monthly or quarterly care plans encourage retention and help patients stay proactive with their health.
5. Segment Your List for Personalisation
Don’t treat every patient the same. Tailor your messages to new patients, active ones, and lapsed patients for better engagement.
You Don’t Have to Choose—But You Do Need Balance
New patient acquisition is important, but retention multiplies your results without multiplying your ad spend.
Ask yourself:
“How many patients have already trusted me—and how can I bring them back?”
That’s where consistent, stress-free growth begins.
Ready to Build Your Retention System?
We help chiropractors set up automated campaigns that reactivate past patients, request reviews, and follow up with missed calls—on autopilot.
Want to see how it works in your clinic?
Contact us today to get a free walkthrough of the system.