One of our most frequently asked questions is whether or not we host websites and our answer is a resounding NO. Why? We want you to have full ownership of your website. In fact, it’s one of our core values to ensure that you as a client have full control over your entire online presence: website to social media.
But wait, let’s back up. What is web hosting? The way we like to explain it is hosting is like buying the land to put your house (your website). You have to have some place to put your website. So, you rent a piece of Internet real estate to put your house on. You have to have a hosting plan in order to have a website.
The problem that we see many therapists come up against is that they pay hosting providers to build them a cookie cutter therapy website. And the provider hosts the website. But when the time comes that the therapist wants to make changes or move their website in order to grow their practice, they find that they don’t actually own anything that the provider set up.
In many cases, it could cause a small fortunate to even get your domain name back. Can you imagine losing the rights to the name of your practice for your domain? And many therapists would lose their entire website if it wasn’t built on a platform that could be moved.
It happens! Listen to Janessa’s story below to hear how she had to pay $2,000+ to get the name of her private practice domain back from one of these companies.
We were guests on the podcast “Latinas Empowering Latinas” with host Janessa Borges, Business Coach for Therapists. Janessa is a first-generation Cuban-American who teaches therapists how to build 6-figure and above private practices. Click here for her free masterclass: The 4 Behind the Scenes Secrets for Private Practice Success.
It is important that you own your website. It is a crucial part of your business that cannot be forfeited if changes are made for your business.
That is why we usually recommend our therapists to set up a basic hosting plan through Bluehost. And then we build their website using WordPress. It’s easy to edit, easy to move, and easy to OWN.
Entrusting your content to a web development company might seem convenient, but it comes with risks that can compromise your autonomy and long-term success.
Haven’t convinced you yet? Here are some more reasons why owning your website content is essential and how it empowers your therapy practice:
1. Full Control of Your Narrative:
Your therapy website serves as a platform to communicate your expertise, values, and therapeutic approach. By owning your content, you retain the power to shape and refine your narrative, ensuring that it accurately represents your practice’s ethos and resonates with your audience.
2. Flexibility to Evolve:
As a therapist, your practice and approach may evolve over time. Owning your content allows you to adapt your website to reflect these changes without any limitations. You can add new services, update information, and pivot your messaging to align with your current focus, all without depending on external parties.
3. Timely Updates:
Clients seek therapists who are relevant and up-to-date. When you own your content, you can promptly publish blog posts, articles, or resources that address current mental health trends or emerging topics. This real-time engagement keeps your website dynamic and demonstrates your ongoing commitment to clients’ well-being.
4. Mitigating Dependency:
When your website content is under the control of a web development company, you become reliant on them for any changes. This dependency can lead to delays, misunderstandings, and frustration. Owning your content eliminates these bottlenecks, giving you the autonomy to make updates as needed.
5. Protecting Your Brand Identity:
Consistency is key to building a recognizable brand. By owning your content, you maintain consistent branding elements, including colors, fonts, and imagery, that reflect your practice’s identity. This consistency fosters trust and recognition among your clients.
6. Avoiding Ongoing Costs:
Relying on a web development company often entails ongoing costs for updates, maintenance, and support. These costs can accumulate over time, straining your budget. When you own your content, you have greater control over your expenses and can allocate resources more efficiently.
7. Preventing Lock-In:
The risk of being locked into a contract with a web development company is real. If you decide to switch providers or manage your website independently, you might face challenges in migrating your content. Owning your content from the start ensures that you have the freedom to switch platforms if needed.
8. Security and Data Control:
Owning your content enhances your ability to secure sensitive client data and maintain compliance with privacy regulations. You can implement security measures and control access to your data without relying solely on a third party.
Owning your therapy website content is akin to maintaining ownership of your therapy practice. It’s about preserving your autonomy, adapting to change, and aligning your digital presence with your professional growth. While working with web development companies can offer expertise, remember that the ultimate authority over your content should rest in your hands. By taking control, you’re not only safeguarding your practice’s integrity but also ensuring that your online presence remains a genuine reflection of your commitment to helping others.
If you would like to talk about what TME can do for you and your website, book a call with us today.