Building a Secondary eCommerce Revenue Stream

Lakeside Marketing provides eCommerce marketing, development and support services to practitioners throughout the United States.

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, Natural Healthcare Practitioners, including DCs, DOs, MDs, NDs, NPs and ACPs, face unique financial challenges. The traditional dollars-per-hour model, coupled with the unpredictability of insurance payouts and seasonal patient visit fluctuations, necessitates the exploration of alternative revenue streams.

The rise of eCommerce provides a golden opportunity for Natural Healthcare Practitioners to diversify their income, especially with projections indicating that 50% of supplement sales will transition online by 2026. Professional supplement companies are now empowering practitioners to reach customers nationwide, offering a promising avenue for growth and stability.

With the right strategies, practitioners can overcome the limitations of traditional revenue models and tap into the growing trend of online supplement sales.

Developing a community is not hard. Responding to reviews is a great way to build trust and relationships with customers.

To capitalize on this opportunity, start by fortifying your online presence. Update your Google My Business, Facebook, and Instagram profiles, ensuring they reflect your brand accurately and professionally. Investing in quality photography and videography can significantly enhance your digital footprint, making your practice more appealing to potential online customers. Compile an email list utilizing tools like Practice Management Software, Fullscripts, Standard Process Insite, Digital Wallets, and your Email Program to engage directly with your patient base and potential online customers.

Action Steps:

1. Update Google My Business, Facebook, and Instagram profiles with current information and branding.
2. Hire a professional photographer and videographer to create high-quality images and videos for use on social media and your website.
3. Extract and organize an email list using tools from your Practice Management Software, Fullscripts, Standard Process Insite, Digital Wallets, and Email Program.

Become a go-to source for information by aligning your content strategy with seasonal health trends, such as Heart Month or Allergy Season. Regular blogging, social media engagement, and email campaigns can help educate your audience while establishing your practice as a thought leader in the natural healthcare space.

Action Steps:

1. Plan and execute seasonal educational campaigns around health topics relevant to your practice.
2. Regularly publish informative blog posts, share engaging video content on social media, and send out educational emails to your list.
3. Track engagement and adjust content strategy based on audience response.
4. Engage with your audience through social media and email newsletters.

Trust is the cornerstone of online commerce. Develop an eCommerce website for your clinic that not only showcases your products but also integrates customer reviews to build credibility. Engaging with your online community through updated visuals, maintaining an active social media presence, and participating in community events will further solidify trust and facilitate a stronger online presence.

Action Steps:

1. Develop or upgrade your website to include an eCommerce platform that is user-friendly and visually appealing.
2. Implement a review system to collect and display customer feedback on your products and services.
3. Keep the website updated with fresh content, including blog content, supplement plans, success stories, testimonials, and professional photos.

Community building is crucial for sustaining long-term growth. Engage with your audience by responding to social media comments, reviews, and blog post interactions. Hosting educational events, webinars, and collaborative initiatives with like-minded organizations can enrich your community’s experience. Implementing reward programs and leveraging customer service platforms, like chat and call centers, can enhance the customer journey, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Action Steps:

1. Engage with followers by responding promptly to comments, reviews, and messages on social media and your blog.
2. Organize and promote educational events, webinars, and collaborations with other organizations.
3. Implement a rewards program and ensure excellent customer service through various channels like chat and phone support.

Once your foundation is solid and your community is engaged, you’re ready to amplify your reach through targeted advertising. Rushing into advertising without a solid foundation can lead to operational strain and damage your reputation. Ensure your systems are optimized and your team is well-trained before scaling up your marketing efforts to attract a broader audience.

Action Steps:

1. Assess the readiness of your systems and team before launching advertising campaigns.
2. Develop a marketing strategy that targets your ideal customer demographic using online advertising platforms.
3. Monitor and analyze the performance of your advertising efforts to continually optimize for better results.

For Natural Healthcare Practitioners, the shift towards eCommerce is not just about surviving financial hurdles but about thriving in a digital-first economy. By building a strong online presence, establishing authority, creating a trustworthy and engaging eCommerce platform, fostering community, and strategically advertising, practitioners can secure a lucrative secondary revenue stream.

This not only enhances the financial health of their practice but also increases its long-term value, making it attractive to a new generation of healthcare entrepreneurs. By following these actionable steps, practitioners can enhance their digital presence, establish trust, create a supportive community, and effectively scale their business online. At Lakeside Marketing, we’re committed to empowering practitioners to navigate this journey, unlocking the full potential of their practice in the digital age.

At Lakeside Marketing, we specialize in bridging the gap between these e-commerce solutions and the unique needs of healthcare practitioners. Our services are designed to optimize your online presence, regardless of the platform you choose. Here’s how we can help:

Our targeted email marketing campaigns and social media strategies are crafted to engage your patient base and build lasting relationships. By leveraging the strengths of your chosen e-commerce platform, we help you deliver valuable content, promote your services, and stay connected with your community.

We understand the challenges of navigating taxes, nexus laws, and the myriad details of online retail. Our team provides the support you need to manage these complexities, ensuring your online clinic operates smoothly and efficiently.

Whether you’re starting with a templated Insite website or venturing into a customized Shopify solution, Lakeside Marketing is here to help you build your brand and grow your online presence. From content creation to digital advertising, we offer a range of services tailored to the needs of healthcare practitioners.

In an industry where the personal touch matters, let us help you extend that touch to your online presence. Together, we’ll ensure your e-commerce solution not only meets today’s needs but paves the way for tomorrow’s success. Join forces with us, and transform your online approach to better serve your patients and grow your practice in the digital age. Reach out to us, and we will arrange a 20-minute consultation to gain a deeper understanding of your practice’s goals and objectives.