The TCM Teach Podcast

Matthew Sabey Smith

The TCM Teach Podcast is designed specifically to help acupuncturists and chinese medicine herbalists to build thriving, sustainable businesses. The TCM Teach is created and hosted by practitioner, professor and business entrepreneur Matthew Sabey Smith, DACM, MSOM, Dipl.Ac., LAc. Thank for listening!

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 32: SEO Basics: Getting Found on Google as a Local Acupuncturist

    Summary This episode demystifies SEO for acupuncturists and herbalists, providing practical strategies to enhance online visibility and attract local patients. Learn how to optimize your Google profile, website, and local citations to grow your practice sustainably.   Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Key  topics Importance of SEO for local practices Optimizing Google Business Profile Creating a user-friendly website Using keywords and content for SEO Local citations and backlinks Measuring and improving SEO performance   Sound bites "Good photos and reviews make a big difference" "Your Google profile is your first impression" "A website makes you more legitimate and visible" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SEO for Acupuncturists 02:23 Understanding the Importance of SEO 10:31 Optimizing Your Google Business Profile 11:31 Keywords and Content Basics 18:32 Local Citations and Backlinks 21:45 Measuring and Iterating Your SEO Strategy 24:25 Closing Thoughts on SEO

    26 min

  2. Jun 2

    Episode 31: Local Marketing: Community Talks, Farmer's Markets, and Partnerships

    Summary Discover practical, in-person local marketing strategies for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners to grow their practices without relying solely on digital marketing. Learn how community talks, partnerships, and grassroots efforts can build trust, credibility, and a loyal patient base. "Practitioner Hub Membership":  https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach/membership Key Topics Importance of local marketing for trust and credibility Community talks and workshops as educational tools Building partnerships with local businesses Using grassroots events like farmers markets Strategies for consistent, authentic engagement   Sound Bites "Public speaking gets easier with practice" "Keep talks interactive and solution oriented" "Partnerships extend your reach and credibility"   Chapters 00:00 Marketing Without the Internet 01:30 The Importance of Local Marketing 04:19 Community Engagement and Public Speaking 10:50 Farmers Markets and Pop-Up Events 17:54 Building Partnerships with Local Businesses 23:09 Sustainable Local Marketing Strategies

    28 min

  3. May 26

    Episode 30: The Power of Free Consults to Convert Patients

    Summary This episode explores the transformative power of offering free consultations in acupuncture practice. Discover how these sessions can build trust, increase patient conversions, and seamlessly integrate marketing with personalized care, fostering a sustainable practice.   Key Topics The effectiveness of free consultations for building patient trust and conversion Structuring ethical and effective free consults Communication skills to break barriers and build rapport Integrating free consults into marketing strategies Ethical considerations and best practices for free consultations   Sound Bites "Free consults can be your most powerful patient acquisition tool." "Build trust and rapport through genuine care." "Integrate free consults seamlessly into your marketing plan."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Free Consults 00:30 Building Trust and Conversions 01:55 Structuring Ethical Consults 02:55 Active Listening and Assessment 03:53 Setting Boundaries and Expectations 04:50 Building Rapport and Trust 06:24 Legal and Ethical Protections 07:23 Benefits for Patients 08:21 Overcoming Barriers 09:44 Pitching Your Care Plan 10:28 Demonstrating Genuine Care 11:25 Breaking Down Mental Barriers 12:10 Targeting Hesitant Prospects 13:09 Real-World Examples 14:36 Improving Communication Skills 16:02 Trust and Authenticity in Clinical Presence 17:00 Maximizing Impact: Scheduling and Follow-Up 18:30 Conducting Fluid Consults 22:20 Integrating into Marketing 23:18 Reducing Perceived Risk 25:41 Pairing with Educational Content 26:11 Transparency and Monetization 27:10 Summary and Next Steps 27:39 Resources and Upcoming Episodes

    28 min

  4. May 19

    Episode 29: Building an Email List, Why It's Your #1 Asset

    Summary   This episode explores the often overlooked power of email marketing for acupuncturists and herbalists. Learn how building and nurturing an email list can create a direct, reliable connection with patients, reduce reliance on social media, and grow a sustainable practice.   Check Out The TCM Teach Practitioner Hub: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach/membership   Key  Topics   The importance of owning your email list over social media platforms Strategies for growing and nurturing an email list ethically How email marketing builds trust, loyalty, and patient retention The role of email in pre-qualifying patients and reducing no-shows Ethical considerations and best practices for email marketing   Sound Bites   "Your email list could be your number one asset" "You own your email list, not rent it" "Email builds loyalty and reduces no-shows"   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to TCM Teach Podcast 01:32 The Importance of Email Lists 06:12 Building Trust Through Email Communication 10:35 Strategies for Effective Email Marketing 14:21 Ethical List Growth and Engagement 19:35 Navigating Polarization in Marketing 21:30 Email Marketing in the Context of TCM 25:10 The Role of Email in Patient Retention 28:42 Conclusion and Next Steps

    29 min

  5. May 12

    Episode 28: Podcasting & Youtube As An Acupuncturist

    Summary In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt discusses the importance of long form content for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine herbalists. He explores how platforms like podcasting and YouTube can help build authority, connect with patients, and provide valuable educational resources. The conversation emphasizes the need for practitioners to choose the right platform that aligns with their communication style and to focus on creating sustainable content strategies that foster long-term relationships with their audience. Takeaways Long form content allows patients to connect with you. Building authority is key for practitioners. Choose the platform that fits your communication style. Long form content is ideal for education and depth. Not everyone will engage with your content, and that's okay. Focus on building long-term authority, not quick wins. Consistency is crucial for long-term success. Repurpose content to maximize its reach. Podcasting and YouTube can pre-qualify patients. Clarity and trust are essential in patient relationships. Sound Bites "Long form content does build depth." "You want to build long-term authority." "They are about clarity and trust." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Long Form Content for Practitioners 02:55 The Role of Long Form Content in Building Authority 05:46 Choosing Between Podcasting and YouTube 08:46 Identifying the Right Audience for Long Form Content 12:00 Creating a Sustainable Long Form Content Strategy 14:51 Conclusion and Next Steps

    16 min

  6. May 8

    Episode 27: Educating Patients Without Giving Away Too Much

    In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses the importance of content marketing for acupuncturists and herbalists. He addresses common fears practitioners have about sharing knowledge, emphasizing that education can enhance demand for services rather than diminish value. The conversation explores how to create effective educational content that meets patient needs, builds trust, and positions practitioners as guides. Matt introduces the 'Explain Until Curious' rule, advocating for clarity and simplicity in communication. He concludes by highlighting the benefits of educational content in pre-qualifying patients and reinforcing the practitioner's authority. "Don't try and gatekeep your knowledge." "Your goal is not to fully explain." "Let the results demonstrate the depth." 00:00 Introduction to Content Marketing for Practitioners 01:54 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Knowledge 06:46 Understanding Patient Needs in Educational Content 10:40 The Explain Until Curious Rule 12:35 The Balance of Education and Expertise 16:53 Building Authority Through Intentional Teaching

    18 min

  7. Feb 11

    Episode 26: Instagram Reels & TikTok for TCM: Tips That Convert

    Summary In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses the importance of short form video content for acupuncturists and how it can be used effectively to build trust and engage potential patients. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and clarity in video creation, while also addressing common mistakes practitioners make. The episode provides practical strategies for integrating video into a busy practice and highlights the significance of understanding different social media platforms.   Resources "The Practitioner Hub": https://www.patreon.com/collection/1893437   Takeaways Short form video can build trust faster than static posts. Patients want to see your face and hear your voice. Authenticity is key in video content creation. Focus on local audiences rather than trying to reach everyone. High converting video themes include patient reassurance and common myths. Avoid perfectionism; just start posting content. Speak directly to potential patients, not other practitioners. Video should capture your authentic self and shen. Consistency in posting is more important than frequency. Use video as a tool for announcements and patient engagement.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Short Form Video for Acupuncturists 02:54 Building Trust Through Video Content 06:11 Understanding Different Platforms: Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts 09:07 Creating High-Converting Video Content 12:06 Common Mistakes in Video Creation 14:52 Sustainable Video Strategies for Busy Practitioners 18:01 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

    19 min
  8. Episode 25: Social Media For Acupuncturists, What Actually Works

    Feb 3

    Episode 25: Social Media For Acupuncturists, What Actually Works

    In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt Sabey Smith discusses practical and ethical social media strategies tailored for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, local engagement, and the effective use of various platforms to attract patients and build trust. The conversation covers common mistakes practitioners make on social media, the types of content that convert, and how to create a sustainable social media strategy that aligns with their practice goals. Matt also highlights the significance of integrating social media into a broader business strategy, ensuring it serves as a tool for connection rather than a source of stress. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach Takeaways Social media is not about going viral; it's about visibility and trust. Focus on attracting local patients rather than a global audience. Authenticity is key in social media presence. Educational content is effective for building authority. Google business profiles can be more beneficial than social media. Consistency in posting is more important than frequency. Avoid comparing yourself to influencers; focus on your unique offerings. Clarity in messaging is crucial for patient engagement. Social media should support your practice, not overwhelm you. Batch content creation can help prevent burnout. Sound Bites "Educational content builds authority." "Don't compare yourself to influencers." "Clarity beats creativity in posting."

    33 min
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About

The TCM Teach Podcast is designed specifically to help acupuncturists and chinese medicine herbalists to build thriving, sustainable businesses. The TCM Teach is created and hosted by practitioner, professor and business entrepreneur Matthew Sabey Smith, DACM, MSOM, Dipl.Ac., LAc. Thank for listening!

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Sabey Smith
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The TCM Teach Podcast