Back in January, I posted an updated list of online directories for therapists.
In response to that post, Yosh wrote in to share his thoughts . . . .
There is no information here to suggest how effective these actually are at bringing in new clients. I have been on Psychology Today’s 6 month free trial profile listing for two months now and have received all of about 3 clicks to my website, even though they claim I have several thousand impressions. Maybe my ad is just poorly written.
Still, I would be interested in seeing some statistics on the effectiveness of these services. Especially since they are pay-sites.
Thank you for compiling this list too. Your work is appreciated.”
Yosh makes a really good point in that just because a service or opportunity for advertising is available, that doesn’t mean that it’s worth your time or money.
I do not have independent statistics on any of these directories.
And, even if I did, I’m not sure that would be of use to any individual therapist.
Statistics are just funny that way – they represent the whole, but aren’t as useful in telling you any thing about the individuals.
My rule of thumb is that you should pursue any advertising or any marketing effort you undertake for a full year.
Think about it . . . .
You have some months that are slower than others and some feel like a feast.
By committing to an effort for a full year, you are able to see the full potential of your work.
I am listed on Psychology Today’s directory.
I chose it over another directory only because it was the first one that contacted me.
I, too, would like to received more clicks and more clients from the listing.
However, my minimum criteria is to receive only one paying client per year from my listing on Psychology Today because I can recoup my entire annual fee with just one reliable and happy client.
I use the same standard to evaluate any of my marketing efforts whether it is advertising, networking, or other strategies.
If I can financially break even in one year, then it’s worth the investment for me.
If your website or directory listing has received clicks but you have not been contacted by potential clients, then it’s time to take a look at the content on your website / directory listing.
(That is just one of the consulting services that I offer – reviewing content and offering strategies to maximize search engine optimization. If I can help, just let me know!)
If you have other thoughts or experiences related to listing in online directories for mental health professionals, I hope you will share them here!
Good stuff. This is what I like to tell people.. even if it’s one session gained, the marketing expense is well worth it.
Hi, Brett! Thanks for taking time to check out my website and comment! I believe that before counselors decide “it’s not worth it” . . . whatever “it” is . . . they need to spend 12 months with a strategy (and make sure they are doing it “right.)
A brief and sloppy online directory listing (or networking effort or whatever) is not only not worth your time and money . . . . It’s actually costing you time and money and turning clients off.
However, if you spend the time (or hire someone) to craft an authentic representation of who you are and what your work entails, it can be an alluring invitation to a different (and better) life.
Brett, best wishes on your new business! I hope you’ll drop back in often to join the conversation here at Private Practice from the Inside Out!
An interesting perspective. I recently cancelled my subscription with PT. Might re-evaluate that decision as a result of this post. Thank you.
Hi, Jen! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out! I think you’ll find the community here to be open and welcoming:)
Thanks for dropping in to chat. I hope you’ll be back to let us know what you decide and how that works for you.
I taken a look at a lot of PT profiles through the years (at eople’s request) and have seen a lot of poor copy. An online listing is useless if the listing itself isn’t done well.
Hi, Peggy, and welcome back! You’ve been away for a while!
Thank you for taking a moment to point this out. Poor copy on an online directory is the equivalent of trying to get on a managed care panel without managed care-friendly language.
They will both kill your chances to get what you want in a heart beat.
If you aren’t 100% confident in the text that you are using – either place – you need to be committed enough in your business to hire a marketing coach or a copywriter familiar with online marketing to get it right.
I’m just one of many who can help you polish this up!
Peggy, I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll make it back to North Carolina later this year to work with therapists.
Hope to see you then!
In the mean time, I look forward to finding you back here often!