Tech-Savvy Dietitian

Courtney Vickery

Welcome to The Tech-Savvy Dietitian, your guide to running a smoother, more organized private practice. I'm Courtney Vickery, a registered dietitian who learned that having the clinical skills isn't enough - you need systems that work. In each episode, we'll tackle the practical side of private practice: websites that actually convert, tech tools that don't give you headaches, and strategies to streamline your workflow. Whether you're drowning in admin tasks or just starting your practice, we're here to help you spend less time managing your business and more time doing what you love - helping your clients. Join us as we chat with successful dietitians and practice management experts who've figured out how to make technology work for them, not against them. We'll share real solutions for real practices, focusing on what actually works in the world of weight-inclusive care. From fixing your scheduling nightmares to making your website work harder for you, The Tech-Savvy Dietitian brings you practical strategies you can implement right away. Because your time is better spent helping clients, not fighting with tech.

  1. JAN 7

    TSD: S1 | EP. 7 - Mastering Local SEO for Dietitians with Sam Sarsten

    Mastering Local SEO for Dietitians with Sam Sarsten of Thencan Designs In this episode of the Tech Savvy Dietician, Courtney interviews Sam Sarsten from Thencan Designs to dive deep into local SEO tailored for dieticians. They cover essential strategies including the importance of service and location pages, Google business profiles, and tackling the challenge of being licensed in multiple states. Sam shares his journey and expertise, offering actionable tips and real-life success stories that highlight the impact of effective local SEO. This episode is packed with practical advice, from keyword research to leveraging Google tools, and emphasizes the value of showing up in local searches without compromising on professional integrity. SAM'S WEBSITEFREE LOCAL SEO LESSONSFREE LOCAL SEO STRATEGY VIDEO DECLET DESIGNS90 DAY LOCAL SEO INTENSIVE WITH DECLET DESIGNS 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:35 Meet Sam Sarsten: Local SEO Expert00:56 Sam's Journey into Local SEO03:34 Success Stories and Client Results05:40 Local SEO Strategies for Dieticians10:34 Expanding Your Reach with Local SEO14:58 Telehealth and Google Business Profiles21:49 Keyword Research and Tools28:14 Navigating Terminology Challenges32:01 Medical Nutrition Therapy vs. GLP-132:22 Common Misconceptions in SEO33:23 Tracking Keywords Effectively34:57 Optimizing for 'Near Me' Searches39:40 Importance of Location Pages49:04 Google Business Profile and AI Search51:42 Rapid Fire Questions and SEO Tips56:42 Resources and Final Thoughts

    58 min
  2. [BONUS VAULT EPISODE] Exploring AI Tools for Entrepreneurs with Megan Coulter [INTERVIEW - 2024]

    JAN 6 · BONUS

    [BONUS VAULT EPISODE] Exploring AI Tools for Entrepreneurs with Megan Coulter [INTERVIEW - 2024]

    In this episode, Megan Coulter, a copywriter and AI educator, joins us to discuss her journey from fearing AI to embracing it. Megan shares practical tips on how solopreneurs and entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper AI, and others for better content creation, marketing, and productivity. She emphasizes the importance of interacting with AI in a conversational manner and using it for brainstorming and market research. Additionally, the episode explores various AI tools integrated into software like Canva and Descript, and offers reassuring advice for those hesitant to adopt AI. Megan advocates for starting with one AI tool and gradually integrating its capabilities into your workflow. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:17 Megan's Journey into AI 00:52 First Impressions of AI 01:17 Rediscovering AI's Potential 02:47 Using AI for Copywriting 04:32 Prompting AI Effectively 06:04 Creating Custom GPTs 07:39 Voice and Tone in AI 15:25 Comparing AI Tools 19:43 Exploring AI Tools for Entrepreneurs 19:52 Canva's AI Features 21:29 Descript and Cast Magic for Podcasting 22:59 AI in Healthcare and Ethical Concerns 25:06 Fathom AI and Meeting Summaries 27:07 Using AI for Social Media Content 33:53 Tips for Dietitians Using AI 36:03 Overcoming AI Fears and Getting Started 40:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts WORK WITH DECLET DESIGNS MEGAN'S WEBSITE

    41 min
  3. 12/17/2025

    TSD: S1 | E6 - Is SEO Dead Because of AI? The Real Answer (and What to Do Next)

    Guest Michelle Bourbonniere, PhD — SEO strategist, researcher, and founder of Words on the Rise Freebie: Cheat Sheet to Showing Up Well in AI Answers → words on the rise.com/ai What we cover Is SEO dead because of AI? What’s still true, and what’s changingThe big shift: AI tools now have access to live search results (and why that matters for small businesses)How Google’s AI can personalize results based on what you’ve read vs. haven’t read (helpful… and creepy)Why AI Overviews and AI Mode are rewriting your message — and how that affects trust + conversionsThe difference between using AI for generating (emails, scripts) vs searching (recommendations, providers)Why being “a dietitian” isn’t enough: how AI personalization can reward specific audiences + specialtiesOff-page SEO is evolving: brand mentions can matter more than backlinks in AI searchReddit: how to show up without being salesy (and why etiquette + credibility matter)Michelle’s “3 R’s” framework for AI visibility:Recognition (does AI understand your brand?)Reputation (what does AI say when someone searches your name + reviews?)Results (do you appear when someone searches for a provider like you?)A practical starting point: test your visibility in an incognito windowThe “wait, WHAT?” moment: AI pulling info from your terms & conditions because it’s the clearest writingAre blog posts still worth it? When they do make sense, and when they’re not the best use of timeRecipe blogs and indexing reality: why Google may ignore “one more chocolate chip cookie recipe”Action steps mentioned Open an incognito browser window and test prompts your ideal clients would askCheck whether AI gets your business basics right (services, specialties, location/licensure)Make your most important info clear + concise on the pages you actually want AI to citeBuild consistent brand mentions across platforms (podcasts, bios, socials, community spaces)Listen/learn more Download Michelle’s cheat sheet: https://wordsontherise.com/aiSubscribe to her newsletter for ongoing AI search updates (sent about every two weeks)

    41 min
  4. 11/05/2025

    TSD: S1 | E5 - “I Keep Forgetting to Follow Up.” Let’s Build a System for That

    [00:00] Introduction Why follow-ups matter: It's not just lost income, it's broken trustThe reality of running a practice: sessions, sick kids, and things filed under "later"[02:00] Common Follow-Up Moments That Get Forgotten Potential client inquiriesDiscovery calls that went quietClients who ghosted mid-package (yes, even prepaid ones!)Unanswered portal messagesPeople who downloaded freebies but never heard from you againThese are relationship moments, not just admin tasks[04:00] Gmail & Google Workspace Solutions Using labels and folders (Courtney's an inbox zero + folder person!)Smart inboxes in Apple Mail desktop appCourtney's favorite folders: Meetings folder (automatically sorts all meeting invites)To-Do (using orange flag + orange heart emoji)Waiting on Reply (purple flag + purple heart emoji)Pro tip: Use emoji to remember which flag color = which folder[07:00] MailButler Game-Changer Creates tasks directly from emailsIntegrates with Apple RemindersWhy Courtney switched from big project management tools to Apple Reminders for small tasks"It's the little things that slip through the cracks and cause the most risk"[09:00] Practice Better Tips Use tags to flag clients who haven't booked their second sessionCreate tasks within Practice BetterFilter clients who don't have recent bookings[10:00] The Natural Flow Question Just like habits with clients: if it doesn't come naturally, you won't use itLook at what you ALREADY use (email, calendar) and build on thatGoogle Tasks is right there in Google Calendar—use what's in your faceDon't create a Google Sheet tracker if you never open Google Sheets[12:00] What to Actually Say in Follow-Ups Don't overthink it—keep it short and warmFor inquiries: "Hey, I just wanted to follow up in case my last message got buried. I'm still happy to chat if you're interested."For ghosted clients: "I've been thinking about you and wanted to check in. There's no pressure, but I'm here if you're ready to reconnect."For missed questions: "Apologies for the delay. I missed your message earlier, but I wanted to circle back."Remember: We're connecting, not selling[14:00] The Power of Email Templates Save brain power by having templates readyReference to previous episode on email templatesThese feel-good follow-ups are perfect template candidates[15:00] Action Items Choose 2 of the following: Create a "Waiting For" label/folder in Gmail and assign to 3 emails NOWCalendar block: "Follow-Up Friday" (30 minutes weekly to sweep missed replies)Add a "Follow-Up Needed" custom field in Practice BetterCreate a follow-up tracking board (Notion/ClickUp/SmartSuite)Try MailButler (or similar email management extension)[17:00] Courtney's Current Setup Apple Mail (never bothered before, but now loves it)MailButler extensionBusy Cal coordinationSmartSuite for big project boards"You won't know what works for you until you try something"[18:00] Final Thoughts Pick the EASIEST action item—we're not trying to be fancyFollowing up doesn't make you pushy, it makes you reliableStop leaving money, trust, and client progress on the tableAvailable services: Strategy sessions + system setup at Declet Designs, or join Clinician Crew[19:00] Next Episode Preview Digital boundaries: What to do when clients message you at 10 PM on Saturday Connect with Courtney: Website: decletdesigns.comCommunity: cliniciancrew.comSchedule a strategy session for system setup helpLeave a Review: If this episode helped your practice feel a little lighter, follow the show and leave a review!

    12 min
  5. 10/15/2025

    TSD: S1 | E2 - Create an Inquiry Form That Protects Your Time, Energy, and Values

    Episode 2 — Create an Inquiry Form That Protects Your Time, Energy, and Values Welcome back to The Tech-Savvy Dietitian Podcast, where we believe your systems should support your practice — not sabotage your sanity. I’m your host, Courtney Vickery, a registered dietitian turned web designer and tech translator for private practice owners who are tired of playing calendar Tetris and inbox detective. 💡 What You’ll Learn If you’re a non-diet, weight-inclusive provider who’s feeling drained by endless admin tasks and unaligned inquiries, this episode will show you how to set up an inquiry or waitlist form that helps filter in the right clients — with empathy and clarity. You’ll learn how to: Use conditional logic to create filtering questions Write inquiry forms that align with your non-diet, weight-inclusive values Automate your pre-screening process with tools like Practice Better or Google Forms Avoid collecting unnecessary PHI (protected health information) Set up kind, clear automated replies that educate and connect with curiosity 🧠 Key Takeaways Filtering isn’t cold — it’s kind. You’re protecting your time and your potential client’s energy. Clarity prevents burnout. When your form communicates your approach upfront, you spend less time manually vetting. Automation = boundaries. Tools like Practice Better or Google Forms with conditional logic can save hours of admin work. Neutral language matters. You can gently introduce non-diet principles without alienating those still early in their journey. ⚙️ Quick Wins You Can Do Today Add a filtering question to your current inquiry form Write a template email that explains your approach once (and reuse it) Audit your form for conditional logic options Add a checkbox like: “I understand that this practice does not provide weight loss counseling as a primary service.” 🛠 Tools Mentioned Practice Better – for HIPAA-compliant forms and automations Google Forms + Google Sheets – for basic workflows Zapier – for connecting tools Clinician Crew – for prebuilt templates and peer support 🔗 Resources Clinician Crew Membership – Templates + community for weight-inclusive providers Declet Designs – Website, branding, and tech strategy for clinicians Book a Tech Strategy Session – Get hands-on help setting up your systems ⏭️ Next Episode Next week, we’ll be talking about how to set up a smarter client onboarding system that welcomes clients seamlessly — without adding to your workload. 💬 Connect If today’s episode helped your practice feel a little lighter, share it with a friend or leave a quick review! Follow along at decletdesigns.com or come hang out with us in Clinician Crew.

    9 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Tech-Savvy Dietitian, your guide to running a smoother, more organized private practice. I'm Courtney Vickery, a registered dietitian who learned that having the clinical skills isn't enough - you need systems that work. In each episode, we'll tackle the practical side of private practice: websites that actually convert, tech tools that don't give you headaches, and strategies to streamline your workflow. Whether you're drowning in admin tasks or just starting your practice, we're here to help you spend less time managing your business and more time doing what you love - helping your clients. Join us as we chat with successful dietitians and practice management experts who've figured out how to make technology work for them, not against them. We'll share real solutions for real practices, focusing on what actually works in the world of weight-inclusive care. From fixing your scheduling nightmares to making your website work harder for you, The Tech-Savvy Dietitian brings you practical strategies you can implement right away. Because your time is better spent helping clients, not fighting with tech.