45 Ideas for Acupuncturists to Post on Instagram

Hi all!

My recent Instagram posts went over so well that I wanted to share more Instagram advice with you. If you missed those, be sure to check the previous posts here:

One of the most important aspects of marketing (of any kind) is consistency.

And this is certainly true for social media marketing as well. If you want to gain traction and actually get patients from your social media efforts, you need to post regularly.

In an ideal world, we would all post on Instagram every day. In a realistic world, every other day or third day is fine. But you need your audience (your potential patients) to get used to seeing your posts online regularly. You can’t disappear from social media for weeks or months, make a sudden reappearance, and expect to get big results from your social media efforts.

But sometimes this can be exhausting!

It’s a lot of work: planning, scheduling, and posting. (I use Hootsuite, which has a free option, by the way, to schedule all my social media posts in advance. Definitely check it out!)

One of the things I hear most from my marketing students is that they can’t think of anything new to post. They’re all out of ideas, because they’re posting all the time!

I feel your pain. That’s why I put together this list of 45 ideas to post on Instagram. So if you have a day (or a week, or month), where you just feel tired out by social media and don’t know what to post – this list is for you!

And of course, I made the list into a free instant download so you have a handy reference.

(Yassssss, easy, stress-free marketing is the way to go!)

Print out this bad boy and keep it at your desk. Use it whenever you need to post on Instagram and feel like you’re out of ideas. OR, use it to schedule 1.5 months worth of Instagram in advance!

Click to download >>

1 | Photos of your clinic. Treatment rooms, reception area, the outside of your clinic, your herb dispensary, etc.

2 | Detail shots from around your clinic. Artwork, a cozy corner of your reception area, shots of your plants, etc.

3 | Your desktop. Aside from patient files, anything goes! Showcase the textbooks you’re referencing, your coffee, keyboard, computer, glasses, snacks, pretty office supplies, etc.

4 | Patient testimonials, if they’re permitted in your country. Put patient testimonials into pretty text/quote boxes that match your branding.

5 | Professional photos of yourself. Have a few great head shots that never get used? Post them on your account occasionally so people have the opportunity to see the person behind the brand.

6 | The outside of your clinic. Let new and potential patients see what the outside of your building looks like – makes it easier/less stressful to find you!

7 | Selfies. I know most of us are not crazy about selfies. I feel you. But selfies tend to get more engagement because they help people relate to you.

8 | Food! Your breakfast, lunch, coffee/tea, etc. Especially healthy eats that showcase advice you would give your patients.

9 | A shot of your coffee cup at your favorite local coffee spot.

10 | Photos introducing your staff or practitioners who rent space from you.

11 | Your latest blog post. Every time you write a new blog post, you should post about it on Instagram to drive traffic to your website.

12 | Your morning or bedtime routine. Do you do wind down with a book? Turns screens off an hour before hitting the hay? Do yoga before bed? Share!

13 | Your skincare routine. This one is especially good if you specialize in facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

14 | Any gifts that patients bring you (flowers, food, cups of coffee, etc.).

15 | Promote a sale, special offer, or event in your office.

16 | Photos of your tools. Gua sha tools, cups, needles (optional, see below), liniments, etc.

17 | Photos of treatments. There was a time when showing needles was considering “bad form” for acupuncture marketing but I don’t agree with that anymore. People want to know what to expect!

18 | Photos showing how small acupuncture needles are.

19 | A post explaining how you got into acupuncture. What’s your story? Why did you decide to make acupuncture a career.

20 | Currently reading/listening to/watching.

21 | A post explaining why you named your business what you did.

22 | Simple health tips that people can implement today.

23 | Fun activities that you do outside of clinic. Are you a runner? A kayaker? Do you salsa dance? Share how you spend your free time.

24 | Encourage people to join your email list/download your free lead magnet.

25 | Photos from recent travels. Share beautiful photos from your trip to let patients know you’re back in the office. Use it as an opportunity to talk about time off and rest as self-care.

26 | Photos of you getting acupuncture. Show that everybody needs acupuncture, including acupuncturists! Can’t pour from an empty cup discussion.

27 | Inspirational quotes. Instead of reposting quotes that don’t match your branding, type quotes in Canva.com using your branding colors and fonts to maintain a consistent look.

28 | Funny quotes related to health and/or your specialty. Again, preferably re-typed using Canva.com to match your branding.

29 | Share your goals. This could be multiple posts – your goal for this week, for this year, for the life of your clinic and practice of the medicine.

30 | Your education (what it takes to be an acupuncturist) and your training in your specialty. This helps people understand they can trust you!

31 | Throwback Thursday. Post something that reflects how far you’ve come in your business and/or education.

2 | Ask your readers for their favorite book. Or podcast/recipe/food blog/binge TV show, anything… get them to comment and share about themselves.

33 | Any image that matches your branding. Check out Pexels.com for attribution-free photos! As long as you make the caption relevant to your clinic/specialty, etc., you’re good to go.

34 | Feature an Instagram account that you enjoy following that’s related to your specialty; someone your audience would also find educational and inspiring.

35 | Photos of your pet(s).

36 | Repost photos that your patients have taken at your clinic. This is fantastic social proof and a kind of testimonial as well!

37 | Before and after photos, with the patient’s written permission, of course. This is especially great for facial rejuvenation acupuncture. You can also feature your own before/after photos, after treating yourself – then no permission required!

38 | Feature a local business that you refer to often (a chiropractor or LMT, etc.) and ask them to feature you on their account as well. This is free exposure to a new audience and a great trade!

39 | Host a giveaway. Books, gua sha tools, liniment, facial oils, kinesiotape, etc. Whatever makes sense for your specialty. Make sure you’re abiding by your country’s rules and regulations for a giveaway.

40 | Promote your “Ask Me Anything” or “Wellness Wednesday” Instagram Story with a post in addition to the story.

41 | If you’re interviewed in the newspaper, on a podcast, promote it with a post.

42 | Let people know if you have open appointments today/this week.

43 | Let people know if you’re out of the office, especially if it’s to rest and recharge.

44 | Repost something (basically anything!) from @kanpobliss. My favorite Instagram account that creates acupuncture posts specifically for acus to share with their followers.

45 | Anytime you’re practicing what you preach. Getting acu, chiropractic, a massage, doing yoga, drinking an extra glass of water, going to bed early, etc. Show your patients that you take your own advice to heart because it works.

There you have it! I hope these ideas help keep you post regularly on Instagram so you can get more patients.

Acupuncture Marketing