Why it’s important for therapists and counseling practices to have a website
Throughout my years of work, there are certain professions where I see a real need for websites - and therapists are one of them! While you may think you can get by without one, you don't know how much you're missing out on.
Think about it... clients want to learn more about you, they want to read about your experience, who you're looking to work with, and so on. They want to know they're the right fit before they even call to schedule with you or someone at your practice.
So often, potential clients will call and be redirected or referred out because they're not the right fit -- so... how can we combat this? By providing an organized and professional website with FAQs, up-to-date biographies, information about your specialties, educational resources, and more, you’ll be able to provide potential clients with a seamless and organized experience, from researching to scheduling.
There's a whole world outside of PsychologyToday (or wherever you’re posting your services), so let’s dive in and cover the reasons why therapists can benefit from a professionally built website.
Online presence & credibility
With social media, having an online presence is a great way to reach a wider audience, including potential new clients who are in need of your counseling services. Having a website also shows that you’re a credible source of information, and someone they can trust and would want to work with.
Therapy, for most, is an investment. Not only of time, but money. Your potential clients need to be sold on your services and feel confident with scheduling with you or your team.
Source of information
Speaking of being a source of information - having a website is a great place to store it all! Share your work and services in an orgainzed and professional manner where potential clients can be referred to learn more.
Sure, free phone consultations are a great way for clients to touch base with their preferred therapist, but that also takes time away from both the client and therapist, especially if it ends up not being a good fit. Providing potential clients with thorough information, and answers to frequently asked questions, your clients can go into this process well-informed and confident with what you offer.
Appointment booking
Whether you have your clients book directly through your website using a contact form, or have an online scheduler provided, having a convenient and easy way for potential clients to schedule helps to boost your practice’s appeal.
Oftentimes, clients have spent hours, if not days, researching and calling around to different practices in the hopes that someone is accepting new clients. Or, they’re simply waiting for a response back so they can move on to officially schedule an appointment.
Imagine the relief a client would feel when entering your page and seeing a 24/7 online scheduler there for them! Providing seamless, do-it-yourself options for clients not only provides a user-friendly experience (which is something a lot of clients appreciate), but it shows that you have put thought into your website and the functionalities it offers.
Educational resources
The possibilities are endless! Provide helpful resources, including online guides about mental health, local hotlines, blogs, books, videos, and more for your clients (past, present, and future) to utilize.
Even if someone doesn’t schedule with you, knowing that you are a source of information is a great way to get your practice’s name out there! Share your resources on social media to help reach a larger audience. The more people you reach and impact, the more potential clients you will come across!
Targeted marketing
If you, or your practice, is niching and have an ideal client, optimizing your website to target your ideal client is a great way to attract the right people looking for counseling services.
Whether you’re offering individual counseling, couples counseling, or counseling for children and teens, use what you offer as a way to market yourself and find your ideal demographic through search engines.
Another great way to target your ideal client is to identify the pain-points that your ideal client would research more about. If you, or your practice, specialize in a particular modality (such as EMDR, Brainspotting, DBT, or CBT), or in particular areas of concern (such as depression, anxiety, or trauma).
Frequenty asked questions
Your potential clients likely have questions, and YOU have the answers! What’s better than providing answers to some commonly asked questions right on your website, so potential clients can be informed prior to calling and scheduling.
Showcase your specialties
Share your areas of expertise and treatment modalities, as well as the type of clients you are looking to work with. Having your website be personable to you and your practice builds trust between you and your potential client(s).
Showcase your brand with an affordable Squarespace or Wix website
Is the thought of creating your own website overwhelming? Are you having a hard time figuring out where exactly to start?
Finding help has never been easier and more affordable! I’m Madison, and I offer Squarespace and Wix website design and re-design services for small business owners both locally — in the Baltimore, MD area — as well as nationally.
Being a business owner can be costly, and you may be wondering whether having a website is worth it. I’m here to tell you that it is! And, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. I work closely with clients to help them identify their website vision and execute it so they have a well-designed website that speaks to their ideal clients.
Not ready to commit just yet? Know that I offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you figure out whether or not I may be the right fit for you and your business!
Let’s make it happen!
