I’ve talked to several different therapists this week who are intent on growing their private practices.
They all want to know the same thing . . . “How do I get clients?”
The easiest answer is “. . . one step at a time!”
It’s important to know that almost all new clients will find you either online or will get your name from someone and then vet you by going online.
That means your website needs to be the hub of your marketing.
In order for your website to get found and then persuade potential clients that you are the right therapist for them, you need to have more than just a brochure-like website online.
Those never-changing, static websites don’t attract the clients that you are looking for.
And, they don’t give the few who end up on your website any reason to pass a link to your website on to colleagues and friends.
Instead, you want a website that is continually amassing new posts chocked full of information about your ideal clients’ needs and the solutions that you can provide.
A blog is the simplest and best way you can do this and that’s the answer that I’ve been giving this week in response to “How do I get clients?”
So . . . here’s my question for YOU . . . .
- If you are not already blogging, why not?
- And, if you are already blogging, is it getting you the results that you want?
Hi Tamara,
Thank you for this timely topic. I have had a blog ever since I started my practice — 2.5 years ago — and have posted new entries once a week since then (for the first year or so I posted several entries per week). This past year I have tailored my posts to my ideal client and my expertise area. I have heard from clients who’ve found me online that they have appreciated my blog and it has helped them get to know me. However, not many folks find me because of my blog. I have added some SEO to my posts but don’t think they come up readily when people are looking for therapists in my specialty area.
I do think that regularly updated content, as you mention, is helpful for google to find my site and for potential clients to know that I am continuing to write/post. I have heard that sometimes folks look at a blog post for information but don’t necessarily contact you as a client until they are ready, and this can take some time.
I’d love yours and anyone else’s insight on how they have made their blog searchable, attractive, and helpful to potential clients as well as anyone searching the web. Here’s my blog in case anyone would like to take a look: http://www.katedaiglecounseling.com/blog.
Thank you for YOUR blog – it is always so helpful!
Thanks, Kate, for letting me know what is and isn’t working well for you. That’s so helpful to me!
Your wish is my command! I am putting finishing touches on two tele-classes – one (4 weeks)for those brand new to blogging (or are just skeptical about taking their first tele-class:)and the other (12 weeks) for those, like you, who are ready to amp up the SEO and draw the clients to you.
Hope to be able to open registration for both next week and share details!
Tamara, thanks for this info! Looking forward to learning more 🙂
Hi Tamara. I just started my blog a few months ago. So far, I am enjoying it, but it has been a lot of work. Already, it has generated interest. It is fun telling contacts that I have a professional blog and referring them to it. It is a source of information for clients but also positions me as an expert.
I feel like I’m just writing, but others are impressed. Imagine that! I have enjoyed hearing how others are learning from it. Now if I could just get them to comment or share the posts.
Hi, Tawnya! Welcome back! I know exactly what you mean! I never expected blogging to be so much fun and effective, too! It absolutely does help position you as one of the few experts in your area and makes it super easy for potential clients to find you.
Ah, yes, the commenting and sharing! We’ll be spending one full week on commenting (both strategies for getting comments and leaving comments) and another week just on publicizing your blog and getting the word out about it. So much good info to share about these pieces!
Thanks for this great post, Tamara. Getting a blog up and running is on my goals list for this year, and your post has given me that extra nudge to push it up to my “sooner” rather than “later” list!
Oh, Jen, I’m excited for you! This is going to be so fun! So . . . I seem to remember that you are already on a WordPress site. Do I remember that correctly? If so, you are sitting on prime real estate there, my dear! Good for you! Perhaps you’ll join me for my 4 week class and be so excited that you’ll stick around for the longer one!:) It would be fun to have your energy and enthusiasm in the classes . . . (nudge, nudge:).
Tamara – this post couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I am just getting my private practice set up, and ventured into the blog/website world the other night with WordPress. The first thing I realized is how much I don’t know. This is important and I want to do it well. Learning from your post that I am on the right track is welcome affirmation and motivation to persist in learning. My thoughts right now are to begin blogging (I have not posted yet), building web pages as I learn more. Can’t wait to read all of the comments to come:) Thank you again for this online resource: it is my go-to for All Things Private Practice (imagine that)!
Karen! Thank you so much for taking time to let me know where you are on your blogging journey! So many people think about blogging as some narcissistic exercise in journaling for the world to see. However, for entrepreneurs, in general, and therapists, in particular, blogging can be an amazing tool to help you catch the attention of search engines and referral sources, too! It sounds like you are on the right track! And, if I can’ help in any way, just let me know!
And, I am honored that you think of Private Practice from the Inside Out as your “go-to” source for All Things Private Practice!:) THANK YOU!
Karen, I just want to take a moment to echo your sentiment that this is also where I go for information related to private practice. I love the community that is here.
I’m not quite ready to begin blogging yet because I’m still waiting to finalize documentation that is necessary before I can accept clients, but I can’t wait to begin blogging! I have very much enjoyed being a part of some of the conversation here. So many great minds!
Hi, Lauren! That’s so nice of you to say! As for ” . . . not blogging yet . . .,” I want to suggest that there are quite a few things you can do to get ready to blog before you hit “publish” on your blog – there is planning and focus, subject matter and topics for blog posts, there’s the actual writing and formatting, even finding the right images . . . . And, while you are working on all of that, you can certainly increase your brand recognition by commenting and guest posting elsewhere.
So . . . if you are nearing the end of that documentation phase of private practice, perhaps it’s time to re-focus on that new blog of yours!:) (nudge, nudge)
Lauren,
I have not finished my documentation yet, either, and decided to go ahead and start blogging before posting my business info on the site. I am enjoying the break from the task of creating professional documents and forms, and will probably start using “blog time” to reward myself for completing some “document time.” Thanks so much for sharing – it’s so good to hear from someone else who is getting ready to open a practice:-)
Karen
Hi Karen, I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one getting ready to start as well. My hesitation with actually posting live blogs right now is that I wanted to use the blog as a way to gain clients. Unfortunately, the delay in documentation is not entirely in my control, as I’m waiting on someone’s opinion on my informed consent and I would also like to get a lawyer’s opinion on my disclosure statement before any blogs are active.
Are you using your blog as a way to increase your client base? If so, how are you telling people that you’re not ready to see clients if you’re still working on documentation?
By the way, I think your reinforcement strategy of using blogging time as a reward for other more meticulous work (I know blogging can be meticulous, but I’m lacking a better word) is totally brilliant!
Best of luck to you!
Hey, Karen! That’s really great to hear! Just remember that even though you are blogging before all of your business info is up on the web, readers will be able to find those posts in the future and they will reflect on you as a therapist. Sometimes those new to the web don’t realize that your digital footprint is solidified with every post, every tweet, and every update that you add. It can all be accessed, passed on, and shared by future clients and referral sources, too!
Point taken – thanks, Tamara!
I started blogging right after grad school, before I had a job, and before I had any licenses. I also landed a publishing contract for my book. I started using blogger, which is nice, but am working on upgrading. What I found is that people are interested, if you write good content they will read your site even if you dont have “it all together yet.” I think sooner rather than later, that way you already have a relationship with your readers who may either call you or refer to you later down the road. My main thing is why wait? plus it takes a while before you find your true voice and I find that mine is much different place than it was four years ago. I have learned which posts generate interest (ones with techniques and tips) and which ones don’t (the ones that didn’t really fit my niche).
Jill, you are exactly right – there is no reason to wait! I will add though that graduate students should blog as if they are already a professional rather than as if they are a student.
I’m not suggesting that they misrepresent themselves in any way. However, unless your niche is going to be working with college students, don’t spend four years blogging about being a student.
Instead, focus on subject matter that you know about that can start to establish you as an authority to your potential clients. An example would be rather than discussing your child development course from the perspective of a student, blog about child development and how that knowledge can be of use to parents or educators. By doing so, you are positioning yourself as a resource in the community.
Tamara,
My only problem with my blog is that there is SO much to write about! I have amassed over 50 articles in about 5-6 months and have definitely had clients contact me because of the articles. As long as I can keep my eye on the ball my blogging is a wonderful adjunct to my marketing, and my writing is getting attention (I was recently made a feature writer for OmTimes Magazine and I have been invited to write for PositiveMed.com as well), I am interested in ideas on how can I leverage these opportunities that have grown out of my blogging? Here is my blog for reference http://carolyntuckertherapist.wordpress.com/
Carolyn, I’m not sure how I missed your comment here. So sorry! In our longer blogging series, we will definitely be talking about ways to leverage the opportunities that you your blogging presents . . . and there are LOTS of them!
Stay tuned for details!
Hi Tamara! Thanks for this post. It was an answer to my silently asked question. I’ve had a blog for 2years now and it has been a wonderful experience. The way I’ve, made it searchable and interesting is that I have information in there that I knew no one else had on the web. I don’t have a private practice yet, but that is my goal for this year. So, my target has been my colleagues. It’s been interesting because everytime I go to an event and I come in contact with counselors, they say to me aren’t you Mariana. Oh, I’ve read you page! And then that opens up a conversation. When I finally open my practice I will use the same name of the blog and logo. This will make me recognizable among my colleagues, which ultimately I hope results in referrals.
The way I drie traffic to my page is by synchronizing the page with several social media accounts. Currently, I am in facebook, twitter, and linkedin. Hope this helps!
BTW, my blog is http://consejeriapractica.com and I am also an eMarketing consultant.
Mariana, it sounds like you are well on your way! Good for you! Just tried to check out your blog but unfortunately I don’t read Spanish. 🙁
What you and I both know is that using social media to drive traffic to your website / blog is a really simple and smart thing to do. Of course, if you are in using social media, it can also be the demise of your business. Sounds like you know exactly what to do to build your business. I look forward to networking with you Mariana!
Tamara,
I’m not sure where this falls in the conversation, but it occurred to me while I’ve been planning my site and blog. Anything we do online must be compatible with mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android etc). WordPress is (yippee), but I’ve found several therapist sites that are not which makes it more difficult for potential clients to access information. It’s something for all of us to keep in mind. As I find more info on mobile compatibility, I’ll be sure to pass it on.
As always, thanks for creating this amazing community.
Kyle
Hi, Kyle, and thank you for mentioning this! It’s true! All websites need to be compatible with mobile devices in order to maximize effectiveness. If they aren’t compatible, then websites show up partially falling off the screens or looking wonky.
WordPress does a terrific job of this (and it’s one of the reasons it’s the only platform that I recommend these days). And, no, I don’t earn anything from endorsing WordPress. It’s simply the standard bearer on so many different levels.
There are so many charletans out there ready to take advantage of people-pleasing therapists who don’t have a clue about technology. (I know because I’m one of them!)
I was just talking to my favorite geek today about double-checking to make sure that my site is looking good on each of the mobile devices. So . . . if you notice anything wonky looking on my site, I hope you’ll let me know what you are looking at – an iPhone, iPad or whatever – and what you are seeing so I can clean it up.
I appreciate you taking time to bring this up, Kyle!
Hi Tamara….
Argh… why am I not blogging is the question… the answer (for today!) is lack of time management. I’m guessing that if I knew/believed the value this would add to my practice, I would make time for it. The saying by Jim Rohn speaks well to my point: “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
I’ll be watching for more information on your blogging class, Tamara, to help me take my practice to the next level.
Hi, Barbara! I can so relate to the time management thing! So here’s one thing that I have learned that gives me more time . . . . I look for opportunities to recycle, repurpose, and reuse my information and tools. In fact, I look for at least 3 ways to repurpose everything – training, blog posts, handouts to clients, etc.
So . . . what I know is that in your work you often focus on grief and loss. If you are repurposing your efforts, you might give a workshop to professionals, take the handouts from the workshop and rework them for your counseling clients, and chunk that same content down into short blog posts that you would then schedule to show up on your blog at one week intervals.
Or, instead of creating handouts for your clients, you might simply post the info on your website so that they can easily access it from home, repurpose the same info by offering a tele-class on the topic, and also share it as a downloadable white paper.
I completely get that if you want to do something, you’ll find a way. And, it’s entirely possible that you don’t really want to blog . . . at least not right now . . . not today. And, that’s definitely true if you have all the clients that you want, Barbara . . . and I suspect this may be true.
But, if you do want to be booking more clients into your practice, it’s important that you be taking the steps to help them find you in the first place. Blogging is a really good way to make that happen. It’s not the only way . . . but it’s a proven way to gain the favor of the search engines thus boosting where you website shows up on Google . . . and, in that way, helping clients to find their way to you.
What readers don’t know is that you have helped me flesh out the details of one of my two blogging classes for therapists. Thank you, thank you! I hope you will keep watching and let me know if / how to make it more useful to you and other therapists who are interested in blogging to build their businesses!
Hi Tamara! I have been blogging for about 3 or 4 years and I enjoy it. I first opened it to promote a book I wrote, Sam Feels Better Now! and now I am in the process of upgrading it to a more flexible site. Also I opened a new blog devoted to spiritual issues. What I am looking for now is some ideas on how to get nice header/banners on a budget (or free) that still look professional?
Jill, When you’re talking about free or low-cost banners, I think you’re talking about images for a web site. If that’s what you mean, you might want to consider contacting a local college or university with a graphic design or arts program. I haven’t done this, but I remember from my time in college that art students are always trying to increase their portfolios.
Yep – We’re going to be talking about images in the longer of the two blogging series coming up. Lauren’s suggestion is one that I’ve often used – finding graphic arts students and new grads then vetting them to find the right one for me. That’s exactly how I got the banner for this website and my letterhead and business card for Private Practice from the Inside Out. I lost access to this designer about a year or two ago and I’m still saddened by it. She did such a great job for me and was so reasonably priced.
Wonderful web site. Plenty of helpful info here.
I’m sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thank you to your effort!
Marriage Counseling San Jose CA, thanks for dropping in and leaving such a lovely comment! I hope you and your pals will be back often to join in the conversations here!
Melinda! Thank you so much for visiting our community here at Private Practice from the Inside Out and sharing it with your blogging community! I’m honored and hope you’ll be back often to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with us here!