*Before you jump into this blog about what your therapist website should include, if you are struggling with your website and already know you need some help beyond these simple tips, click below to take our Online Visibility Quiz and see where your site stands.
We can’t say it often enough, having a strong online presence is CRUCIAL for therapists looking to connect with potential clients and build their practices. Take a minute. Let that sink in. We know it may seem like a total cliche but in reality, if you aren’t online and you are seeking new patients and referrals aren’t working then, my friend, it is your time to get online!
Your therapist website should include a way for visitors to get a glimpse into your therapeutic approaches, expertise, and the benefits of working with you. It is also where you want to showcase your vibes and get straight to the point of who you work with. That means YOU must know who you work with. Do you want to work with couples? Do you offer services for kids? Maybe you love working with families? Maybe your passion is working with individuals or men or women! Whatever that ideal client looks like to you is who your website should directly talk to.
So, if you read that last paragraph and could not think of a certain person or people you want to work with then you need to take a step back and focus on that first.
If you don't know your Ideal Client then you don't need to go further just yet. Your first step is to figure out who you want to work with the most!
If you know your Ideal Client and you are ready to get that site up and running then let’s go!
First and foremost you need a clear and engaging homepage. Your website’s homepage is the digital front door to your practice. It should be inviting, easy to navigate, and immediately convey your purpose and expertise. Start with a warm welcome message, perhaps accompanied by a professional photograph of yourself, to establish a personal connection with visitors. Use simple language to describe what you offer and the problems you can help clients address. Be sure to include a call-to-action (CTA) that guides visitors to take the next step, such as scheduling an appointment or signing up for your newsletter. See example below from our client Down To Earth Therapy.
Next up is a detailed about page. The “About” page is your chance to introduce yourself to potential clients. Share your professional background, qualifications, and experience. Be sure to emphasize what sets you apart from other therapists and why clients should trust you with their mental health and well-being. Personal anecdotes or stories that illustrate your approach and philosophy can be compelling, as they humanize your practice and make you relatable. If you have any testimonials you love that relate to you as a therapist, share that on this page too. The key is to be professionally relatable.
From there you can move on to your services and specializations. This is a great place to talk to your ideal client more. These services are made for them, essentially. The goal is to make it easy for visitors to understand the range of services you offer and your areas of specialization. Create a dedicated page where you outline your therapy modalities, treatment options, and any niche populations you work with, such as couples, adolescents, or trauma survivors. Use concise, jargon-free language to help potential clients understand how your services can benefit them.
*pro tip - if you are a scholarly person and have a hard time writing in a way that can speak to people of all education levels, consider seeking writing assistance.
THIS IS OUR FAVORITE SECTION! Your BLOG section! A blog section on your website not only showcases your expertise but also provides valuable information to visitors. We highly encourage all of our client to update this section regularly with informative articles, tips, and resources related to mental health and well-being. Sharing your knowledge through blog posts demonstrates your commitment to client education and can help you establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field. Just remember, there is always help out there if you need writing assistance!
We have noticed that Testimonials and Reviews can be a trigger point for some of the therapists we’ve worked with. But, one of the most powerful ways to build trust and credibility is by featuring testimonials and reviews from your clients on your site. It can be daunting to consider adding a dedicated page or section where clients can share these, so we like to encourage our clients to share those beautiful testimonials throughout the site. Start small, encourage your clients to leave an anonymous review by going to a link you provide, on your site, and if you need more suggestions, pop over to this article we wrote!
And last but certainly not least, your Contact Information and Online Booking needs to be all over your site in a noticeable way. Ensure that your contact information, including your phone number and email address, is easily accessible on every page of your website. (in the footer) If you offer offering online booking options make sure that is on your dedicated Contact page as well as your info and maybe a form for how to get in touch. See example below from our client Well Minds Counseling:
Let’s recap! Your business website plays a vital role in attracting and engaging clients as a therapist. By incorporating the essential elements we highlighted above, you can create a website that not only reflects your professionalism but also helps you connect with individuals seeking your expertise. Remember, your website is a dynamic tool, so regularly update and refine its content to stay current and relevant in the ever-evolving field of therapy. As always TME Brand Marketing is here to help you build your website, refine your website, or just do a digital audit of your site and give you pointers for updating. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!