10 Easy Ways to Market Your Private Practice Online
The long list of things required to market your private practice might feel overwhelming—especially when you're juggling a full client load, constant paperwork, or just getting started. But here's the truth: marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective.
Putting a few simple strategies in place will help you get started, helping you create visibility, attract ideal clients, and feel like things are heading in a profitable direction. And despite what might seem popular, marketing doesn't require you to try out the latest TikTok trend to be successful.
Here are 10 easy ways to market your therapy practice online
1. Optimize Your Website:
Your website it like your digital office. Ask yourself these following questions: Is it warm and inviting? Does it clearly communicate who you help and how? Make sure your homepage and service pages clearly outline your specialties, approach, and how clients can contact you or schedule an appointment.
Tip: Add a professional headshot, use client-friendly language, and be mindful of mobile-friendly design.
2. Set Up a Google Business Profile:
Google is full of free resources meant to help your business. Their Google Business Profile option is a tool that helps your practice show up in local searches like "therapist near me," but is useful for virtual businesses too. Make sure your name, address, hours, and services are accurate. Add photos, post updates, and invite clients to leave reviews (keeping in mind ethics and state/license rules).
A snippet of mine below (clickable), to give you an idea of what it can offer.
3. Use SEO for Your Content:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps clients find you when they use search engines such as Google to ask questions or find services. Using meaningful keywords like “trauma therapist in [your city]” or “online therapy for anxiety” naturally on your website and in blog posts will help you show up in those searches.
Tip: Consider adding a blog to your website. Blog content also improves SEO over time and positions you as an expert in your field.
4. Create a Free Resource (Lead Magnet):
Every website needs a lead magnet. These are free resources typically linked to your newsletter sign-up form to help generate leads and build your email list. Offer a downloadable worksheet, guide, or mini eBook in exchange for an email address. This builds your email list and offers value upfront, helping potential clients get to know you better.
See mine below, which is on my homepage, in a pop up, and on my about page; it's geared towards both of my audiences.
5. Start an Email Newsletter:
While social media is great, what would happen if it disappeared tomorrow? You don't own those connections and would have no way to get in touch with those you spent time cultivating relationships with. Newsletters are a way to stay connected with your audience (even those not ready to book yet) without the worry. Send short, helpful emails with tips, seasonal reflections, or links to your latest blog post. Keep it conversational and consistent.
Tip: Always offer value in your newsletter to help lessen the amount of people that unsubscribe. This does not need to be monetary, but you want your reader to feel like it's worth their time to have you in their inbox.
6. Utilize Social Media for More Than Just Posting:
Consistency in posting on social media is one thing, but there's more to successful social media marketing than just posting. Of course you want to share behind-the-scenes moments, quotes, tips, or blog links to humanize your brand and connect with potential clients. And it's also okay to share promotional posts in moderation. But be sure to engage with your followers as well as other brands, businesses, and people on their posts. Luckily, you don’t need to be on every platform; just pick one where your audience hangs out and post and engage consistently.
Below is an example of how I made sure to engage when someone commented on one of my early posts.
7. Use Testimonials or Case Studies (With Consent):
Hearing others' experiences builds trust. If clients have given written permission or you’ve collected anonymous feedback, consider sharing short quotes on your website or social posts. You can help maintain privacy by using initials, first names only, or even 'Client from 2021.'
Tip: If your state/license board allows for it, get creative on how you collect testimonials. Leave feedback cards in your office, with a checkbox asking if you can use it publicly or provide links to review you on your Google Business Profile, where reviews are public, etc.
8. Collaborate with Other Professionals:
While sharing ideas may seem like you're helping a competitor, those that do actually end up benefiting more often than not. Partner with nutritionists, coaches, or wellness providers to cross-promote each other's services. You can be a guest on podcasts, their blog, do lives on social media, or share each other’s content. You might also consider finding other professionals to connect with on places like LinkedIn or Alignable.
Below is an example of one group I'm in on Alignable. Another good example is my resource page, which has some links to other professionals I recommend.
9. List Your Services in Online Directories:
Make sure your practice is listed in directories like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or TherapyTribe. These often show up high in Google search results and can drive steady traffic to your site. While some cost money, there are others that are free or offer free tiers.
Tip: Type in a therapists' name in the search bar online and see what pops up in the results. See if you can find any new directories you might not have known about.
10. Track What’s Working and Tweak What's Not:
Another helpful Google tool to the rescue! Setting up Google Analytics, Google Search Console, or other free tools can give you valuable insight into how your website is performing. You can also try tools like Linktree or Bitly to see what content gets clicks. This helps you focus on what’s resonating, which will mean spending less time spinning your wheels.
Conclusion
Marketing doesn’t have to feel like shouting into the void. It really comes down to 3 simple things:
Start small, choosing one or two strategies from this list, and then build from there.
👉Need help figuring out where to start? I offer marketing support and content creation tailored just for therapists. Reach out today or schedule your free consultation call via our services page.
