As a therapist, you likely know that more people than ever before are seeking mental health support. In fact, the pandemic saw a 25 percent uptick in anxiety and depression rates around the world. So, there’s no better time to implement therapy marketing and ensure people in need know exactly how to access your services.

But, with everything else on your plate, it can be challenging to figure out how to improve marketing for your private practice. That’s why I’m sharing 15 effective ideas to take the guesswork out of growing your practice.

1. Specialize your therapy services

According to a recent report conducted by the Mental Health Million Project, around 34 percent of people don’t pursue therapy because they don’t know the type of help to look for, or where to find it.

So, clarifying the focus of your therapy practice is a great way to eliminate that barrier. It lets clients decide if you can help with their specific challenges without having to do as much research.

You’re also more likely to get better outcomes for clients when you’re well-versed in the issues they face. These successes boost your reputation as an expert and increase the likelihood that clients will recommend you to others.

2. Build a therapist website

Many therapists don’t have a professional therapy website high on their priority list. So building one is a fantastic way to set your practice apart.

It gives clients the chance to discover your work from the comfort of their homes. They’ll learn more about you and the value you offer, so they feel more confident reaching out to book that first appointment.

I often recommend Squarespace for therapists starting out with their online presence. With Squarespace, it’s easy to build a website on your own or find an expert to bring your practice online.

3. Harness the power of great website copywriting

Your website needs to clearly explain your services in the ways people prefer to consume online content. Sure, you can write your counselling website yourself. But it may be worth hiring a copywriter to ensure your words bring the right clients to your practice.

Copywriters understand the wording, formatting, tone, and marketing techniques to appeal to your ideal clients. You can even find a mental health copywriter who understands the challenges of your industry and applies empathy to each message you share.

4. Choose photos that reflect your ideal client

You can instill confidence in your services by including pictures of your target client in your online content. For example, if you specialize in helping women navigate pregnancy, including stock images of this specific client tells visitors they’re in the right place.

Plus, human faces engage our brains unlike any other sight. They help us establish a sense of trust and familiarity, and make decisions that feel safe from there. Seeing themselves reflected on your website helps clients feel understood and confident before stepping through your office doors.

5. Create a free consultation offer that stands out

Even if your online presence is warm and welcoming, prospective clients still need time to develop trust in you and your services. You can provide peace of mind by listing a commitment-free consultation offer on your website.

This first meeting removes perceived risks that may cause prospective clients to resist contacting you. They’re free to get to know you, ask questions, and decide if you’re a good fit before committing to therapy. The more clients feel empowered to reach out for a free consultation, the more clients you’ll be able to help.

6. Start writing a monthly therapy advice blog

Blog posts allow you to offer free value and share your approach to mental health. You can use a blog to share personal stories that humanize your practice and educational content to position yourself as an expert in your field.

Regular blog content gives you a chance to nurture relationships with new and current clients. You can share your posts on social media or in an email newsletter to continue supporting your audience outside of the therapy office.

7. Increase your Google ranking with Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a process that helps your website appear at the top of Google’s search results. For example, if a prospective client searches “therapist near me,” SEO can boost your website toward the top of the results list.

A smart way to incorporate SEO into online marketing for therapists is by adding relevant keywords to your website content. Other factors that can affect your Google ranking include:

• Your website’s loading speed

• Easy-to-read page formatting

• The ease of navigating your site on a smartphone

• The number of links to your site from reputable sources

• Valuable content that encourages visitors to stay longer

8. Guest blog on other sites

Guest blogging is an easy way to reach a completely new audience. It involves publishing content you’ve written on mental health publications and similar websites.

When you contribute work to these sites, you can link back to your website to improve its Google ranking. You’ll also build relationships with other professionals, which can lead to referrals down the road.

9. Create a Google Business profile

Your Google Business profile appears in the ‘map pack’ section of Google search results. If you’re unsure what that means, go ahead and type ‘counsellor near me’ into Google. You’ll likely see listings of local therapists, including their contact information, ratings, and a link to their site.

To create a similar profile, claim your business on Google Business. You can add all of your business details, including photos, business hours, and a description of your services.

10. Be active on social media

Social media can be a great point of connection with potential and current clients. It allows you to share your resources, blog posts, special offers, and announcements about your practice.

You can also use social media to answer questions, give advice, and build relationships with others in your field. Some popular social media sites for therapists include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

11. Use Google Ads to get client leads

Google Ads is a paid advertising platform that allows you to place ads on Google and other websites. When people search for keywords related to your therapy ad, it will appear at the top of the Google search results.

This can be an effective way to generate leads, as you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. Google also lets you set a budget, so you don’t have to worry about overspending.

12. Network with other therapists for client referrals

A classic way to get more clients is by connecting with other mental health professionals. Not only do more connections lead to more referrals. But the effort allows you to create invaluable connections in your field.

There are many ways to go about networking, so you’ll want to find an approach that works best for you. Some excellent avenues for networking are:

• Joining organizations or associations

• Joining local support groups

• Attending professional events

• Exchanging value through guest posts or sharing resources

• Connecting with other therapists and counsellors on social media 

13. Join online directories

Online directories are websites with professional listings that help clients find your services. When people search for mental health support in a particular city, these directories often appear in the search results.

You can add your listing to general online directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Nextdoor, Facebook, and LinkedIn. There are also directories specific to your industry, like Psychology Today and Good Therapy.

 

14. Start a monthly newsletter

A monthly newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with current and potential clients. You can use it to share the latest updates or offer valuable resources to people on your email list.

If you don’t have an email list, an easy way to start one is by offering a lead magnet. This is often a free downloadable resource visitors can get in exchange for submitting their email address. Examples of lead magnets that can help build your email list include:

• A free e-book

• A free masterclass

• A self-guided workbook

• Guided audio meditations

• A daily mental health checklist

15. Track your website's performance

Tracking web performance offers valuable insights to help you fill the slots in your schedule. You can do this by using Google Analytics, a free tool that shows information about your website traffic and how people are finding your site.

This is another reason I recommend Squarespace for therapists. It lets you connect your website to Google Analytics and track valuable details from one convenient location.

Final Thoughts

Here’s a quick summary of how to get more clients for your private practice.

• Align your therapy services with your interests

• Create an engaging therapist website

• Write great copy to help your private practice stand out

• Use images that represent your ideal client

• Offer a commitment-free consultation

• Post monthly blogs to boost visibility

• Incorporate SEO to rank higher on Google

• Write and publish guest blog posts

• Set up your Google Business profile

• Post consistently on social media

• Use Google Ads to get more client leads

• Get more client referrals through networking

• Add your listing to online directories

• Create a regular email newsletter

• Monitor your website’s performance

Creating a therapy website and marketing your services may seem daunting at first. Luckily, these straightforward steps can save time and help you reach clients who’d benefit from your expertise.

Book a free consultation to discuss how a Squarespace website for therapists can help you connect with the right clients. I’m here to listen to your goals and offer clear steps to help you build a thriving private practice.