3 Local Marketing Must-Haves Every Wellness Practice Needs to Know
If you run a wellness practice in a competitive community, visibility in local search is essential.
Whether you operate an established clinic or are continuing to grow, most prospective clients will search on Google before deciding who to contact.
In dense urban markets like Vancouver, multiple providers may offer similar services within a small geographic area. This means people typically choose from whichever options appear first on Google.
Below are three foundational elements that strongly influence whether your practice is found, trusted, and chosen by the people who need your services.
1. Google Business Profile = Your Free Digital Storefront
The undeniable truth is when someone is looking for a wellness practitioner, 93% of their searches start with GOOGLE.
So if your business isn’t on Google, it’s basically invisible.
When someone searches for your practice and nothing comes up? That’s like having a store with no sign out front and the lights off.
No one knows what your business is about and they are usually not just randomly walking in.
Here’s what you need to do today:
Go claim your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business).
This is your first step to getting your Vancouver health & wellness business found through Google search!
It’s awesome because it’s 100% FREE and it’s the fastest way to start showing up in local search results and on Google Maps. (this is VERY VERY important for local businesses)
Once you’ve claimed it, it’s time to optimize it!
Add your business hours
Your phone number and website
Upload high-quality photos (pictures of you, your team, and your clinic)
Respond to reviews (even the negative ones but make sure you always respond professionally!)
Use keywords like “Trauma Informed Therapist in Vancouver” to help Google match your business with the people who are looking in your area.
This is one of the fastest ways to show up in local search results and on Google Maps, which is critical for local businesses.
2. Local SEO – So The Right People Can Find You
Okay, I know most people stop listening as soon as I mention the acronym SEO but really, it’s something you need to know if you have a wellness business, especially when you are surrounded by similar competing businesses.
If you’ve ever wondered how businesses show up when you Google something like “registered psychologist near me” or “energy healer in Vancouver” that’s the SEO in action.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Use keywords on your website that describe what you do and where you do it (think about what would people type into Google search to find what you offer)
Make sure your contact info (name, phone number, email, address) is consistent everywhere
Create location-based content (“Best Wellness Retreat on Vancouver Island,”)
Embed a Google Map on your contact page so people can find you easily without thinking. Lay it out RIGHT in front of their eyes. Make it easy.
If you want a more in-depth explanation of What SEO is, read this other article.
THIS MATTERS SO MUCH and here’s why
Most people search local stuff first. Think about when you’re craving pizza. You go to Google and type something like “best pizza near me” or “best pizza in Yaletown.” You’re not scrolling forever. You’re choosing from whatever shows up first and looks legit.
It’s no different for your wellness or service-based business. When someone searches for a therapist, massage therapist, coach, or energy healer in their area, Google decides who to show and people choose from those results. If your local SEO isn’t in place, your competitor, the one who has put in the effort, is going to get the majority of the business.
3. Reviews = Online Word-of-Mouth That Drives Decisions
We all love a good recommendation, whether it’s for a hair stylist or a financial coach.
Reviews are the new referrals, and people are definitely checking them before even considering working with you.
Here’s how to do it right:
Ask your happy clients for a review (you can automate this with tools like Google, NiceJob, or even a simple email) I suggest to my clients to leave the link at the bottom of your invoice, so simple!
Respond to every single review—yes, even the rude ones. Show your professionalism and personality.
Show off your reviews on your website and social media accounts.
Review Reality Check:
A business with 0 reviews feels sketchy. A business with 10+ glowing reviews helps people feel confident to book with them.
Here’s what you need to know:
If you’re a wellness practice trying get clients locally, these are three things that are non-negotiables:
✅ Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
✅ Do some beginner-friendly Local SEO
✅ Ask for (and showcase) those glowing reviews
You don’t have to do it all today. Marketing doesn’t have to be stressful & overwhelming.
My advice is to start small, stay consistent and keep showing up. Whether that be adding a pic or two to your Google Business Review or posting a new FAQ question to your website.
Need Assistance?
If you are an established wellness practice in or near Vancouver and feel like you have already done everything to optimize your Google presence but are still not appearing in top results, a strategic review can help identify what is limiting your visibility and how you compare to nearby providers.
Strategic SEO Advisory
Established wellness practices operating in competitive urban markets often require structured search infrastructure to remain visible.
The Strategic SEO Advisory provides:
• search visibility diagnostic
• Google Maps positioning review
• competitive landscape insight
• a 90-day infrastructure roadmap
Private 60-minute advisory session — $750