EP318: Seven Steps to Building a Patient Funnel That Converts (Without Ads)

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

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This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health

Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit http://ryzehealth.com/BootstrapMD today and see how simple running your practice can be.

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How do you attract more patients—without spending a fortune on ads or hiring a marketing agency?

In this episode of BootstrapMD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming demystifies the concept of marketing funnels and reveals how any doctor can build a simple, trust-based system to bring in patients organically. Whether you’re running a cash-based practice, launching a telemedicine brand, or just starting out, Dr. Woo-Ming shares a step-by-step process that turns awareness into engagement—and engagement into conversion.

He begins by redefining the “funnel” not as a piece of software, but as a relationship journey—a path that guides potential patients from discovery to booking. Using his signature mix of practical teaching and relatable analogies, Dr. Woo-Ming explains how building an organic funnel is simply about building trust before the sale. He  listed seven-step framework for creating an organic funnel: Understand the Funnel Journey, Start with One Irresistible Offer, Create a Value Magnet (Not Just a Lead Magnet), Build the Trust Loop, Add a Clear Conversion Path, Promote Organically, Measure and Refine 

Through these seven steps, physicians learn how to stop chasing patients and start creating systems that attract and nurture them naturally. Dr. Woo-Ming emphasizes that effective funnels don’t rely on complicated tech—they rely on empathy, clarity, and consistent follow-up.

He wraps up by reminding listeners that they don’t need a big budget, marketing degree, or social media fame to grow. What they truly need is a repeatable system that builds trust and invites action—one small step at a time. Whether you’re a physician tired of depending on word-of-mouth referrals or a healthcare entrepreneur ready to scale your practice, this episode gives you the tools, mindset, and motivation to start attracting more patients organically today.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Simplify Your Offer: Focus on One Clear Transformation:One of the biggest mistakes physicians make in marketing is trying to promote every service at once—weight loss, hormone therapy, aesthetics, telemedicine, and more. But as Dr. Woo-Ming explains, “a confused mind never buys.” When your messaging is scattered, your patients don’t know what to focus on—and they leave before taking action.

•  Build Relationships Before Revenue: Trust Comes Before Transactions: Funnels aren’t just about automation—they’re about authentic connection. Patients today are looking for more than quick fixes; they want to know who you are, what you believe in, and whether they can trust you with their health.

• Track and Tweak Consistently: Measure What Matters: In marketing—and in medicine—what gets measured gets improved. Many physicians struggle with patient acquisition because they’re guessing at what’s working. 

 

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. 

Tune in weekly at  http://bootstrapmd.com 

 

 About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com 

 Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!