Short answer: It depends on your business model, professional scope, and the client’s level of readiness. But here’s the long answer — and why focusing on client retention can significantly benefit your health or wellness practice. In this guide, we will cover: (1) Why retaining clients is often more cost-effective than finding new ones. (2) How personalization and storytelling can boost client loyalty. (3) Practical strategies to create meaningful, long-term client relationships. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to strengthen your client retention strategy and grow your practice sustainably.
Why Health Client Retention Is Worth Your Time
When you invest in client retention you accelerate your growth – and improve outcomes for your client (or patient). Here’s why:
- Cost Savings: Retaining a client can cost five times less than acquiring a new one (HubSpot).
- Profit Potential: Increasing retention by just 5% can boost profits by 25% to 95% (Annex Cloud).
- Brand Loyalty: Clients who trust you are less likely to switch to a competitor.
- Service Improvement: Working with long-term clients often reveals ways to enhance your offerings.
Personalization: The Key to Client Retention
Personalized interactions can make all the difference when it comes to boosting client loyalty. Here are some of the best ways to personalize your business approach:
Private Communication
Use their name and reference past interactions in emails, texts, or consultations.
Customized Services
Tailor your offerings by suggesting add-ons or creating packages that address their specific goals.
Thoughtful Follow-Ups
Send thank-you emails, progress check-ins, or reminders that show you care.
Educational Content
Share blogs, emails, or social media tips that address their questions and challenges.
For example, a simple follow-up email after a session can go a long way:
“Hi [Client Name], I hope you’re feeling great after our last session! Let me know if you have any questions, and here’s a resource I think you’ll find helpful: [link]. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!”
These small but meaningful gestures remind clients that they’re more than just another appointment on your calendar.
How Storytelling Builds Connection
Storytelling is another highly effective way to strengthen client loyalty. When clients can see themselves in your stories, they feel more connected to your brand.
Instead of focusing solely on the features of your services, share testimonials, transformations, or behind-the-scenes processes and workflows.
Turn Testimonials Into Content
Sharing testimonials is one of the best ways to highlight your expertise and the impact of your services. When clients share how they’ve overcome challenges with your support, it not only validates your work but also provides social proof for potential clients.
Share Inspiring or Unexpected Transformations
Before-and-after stories or photos are powerful tools for showing the real results of your work. These stories can help clients visualize their journey with you, which makes them more likely to engage.
However, be careful when sharing before-and-after content. If you include photos or personal details, always get explicit permission from your clients beforehand. For example, let them know how their transformation may be shared, and offer them the option to remain anonymous or use only first names if that’s their preference. Protecting client privacy is essential, and respecting their wishes helps maintain trust.
Example Transformation:
“One of my clients came to me struggling with [specific issue]. Over three months, we worked on [specific approach], and they not only achieved [result] but also gained [unexpected benefit]. Stories like this remind me why I love what I do. And I’m here to help you, too!”
Highlight Behind-the-Scenes Processes
As opposed to transformations (which focus on the outcomes), you can also share processes (the steps necessary to reach the outcomes). Giving your clients a behind-the-scenes look at your process or methodology builds connection and shows them the care you put into your services. Whether it’s a peek into your consultation process, how you prepare for a session, or a quick look at how you personalize treatments, these insights make your work feel more authentic and relatable.
Practical Steps to Start Retaining Clients
Health client retention doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start small, and build over time.
- Journal. Keep a physical or digital journal that organizes your ideal client’s challenges, questions, goals, and everyday language.
- Get a co-writer. Book a free video call with me, so we can share screens and co-write your upcoming content.
- Use The Editing Desk. Drop off your unpolished, half-written content, and I’ll edit everything in your brand voice. This costs $97/month, and you may stop at any time
- Join Expression On-Demand. Pay only $700/month, and receive unlimited writing projects for your email, website, blog, social media platforms, and more.
