How to get your first clients online after graduating
By Jemma, BHSc (Western Herbal Medicine), founder of Peppeddev
Published · Updated
You've graduated, set up your insurance and chosen a booking system. Now you need people to book. Here's where to start, in order.
Get a simple website live
Your website is where every other channel sends people. Keep it to five pages: Home, About, Services, FAQ, and Contact & Book. (Here's the checklist.) It doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be clear, work on a phone and make booking easy.
List yourself in your association's directory
Some professional associations run a public "find a practitioner" directory. If yours does, complete your listing fully and link to your website. Check with your association what's included in your membership.
Set up Google Business Profile (if you see clients in person)
If you see clients at a clinic or room, a Google Business Profile can help you show up in Google Maps and local searches. Google's rules generally require in-person contact with clients, so online-only practices may not be eligible. Check Google's current Business Profile guidelines before you set one up.
Tell the people who already know you
Your first clients can come from people who already know and trust you: friends, family, former colleagues and fellow graduates. Tell them what you do, who you help and how to book. Give them your website link so it's easy to pass on.
Build referral relationships
Introduce yourself to practitioners whose clients overlap with yours: GPs, psychologists, personal trainers, physiotherapists and other natural health practitioners. A short, professional email with your website link and a clear explanation of who you help makes referring easy.
Share useful content where your clients are
Social media, a short newsletter or articles on your website all help people get to know you before they book. Choose one channel you can keep up, rather than several you'll abandon.
Make booking easy
Every channel above only works if booking is simple. Check your booking link works on a phone, your prices are clear, and a new client can book without having to message you first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need social media to get clients?
No, but it can help people get to know you. A clear website and good referral relationships can work without it.
How long does it take for a new website to show up on Google?
It varies. New websites can take weeks or longer to appear in search results. Adding your site to Google Search Console lets you see when Google has found it.
Should I offer discounts to get my first clients?
That's a business decision for you, and your association may have guidance on advertising offers. If you do, make the terms clear and time-limited.
Want your website sorted first? Peppeddev builds a five-page site on one of three ready-made designs, for $695, live in about a fortnight.