In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial, especially for online service based industries. Within the therapy industry alone, there are more and more clinics opening online/virtual practices and services.
With a low barrier to entry, this increases competition within the space significantly. By implementing effective SEO strategies tailored specifically for therapists, you can enhance your online visibility, attract more ideal clients, and generate quality leads for your practice -- making your business stand out from the rest.
Let’s dive into a few quick, but key components you can do to help generate more leads for your therapy practice.
SEO For Therapists: Optimize Your Google Business Profile Listing
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to improve your local SEO for therapists is by optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing. This is a simple yet underrated strategy that a lot of businesses aren’t capitalizing on. Make sure your GBP profile is complete with accurate information about your practice.
A few key details can make a significant difference:
Address
Phone Number
Hours of Operation
Services Offered
Adding Photos
Optimizing your description
Adding Social Links
Only to name a few, these are a few easy things to implement but an important hidden gem for your SEO!
Quick tip: Google offers a short, free self-paced course on optimizing your Google Profile → Skill Shop Google My Business Course.
Create Dedicated Service Pages
(This is a BIG one!)
Oftentimes, many therapists group all their service offerings into one page. While this is great to see everything in one place, having individual service pages that outline each type of therapy service offered is essential and best practice when it comes to SEO for therapists.
These pages should provide detailed information about what each service entails and how it can benefit potential clients.
To put things into perspective...
If a teen is looking for “teen therapy services” the information on the page that they land on should be fully dedicated to that service – providing a breakdown of what is it, the approach to therapy used, key skills they will learn, all while resonating with what they are feeling vs. landing on a singular service page with cluttered information about teen therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, trauma therapy, etc. making it difficult to find the information they need.
This also makes it easier for Google to match people's searches with content on your website when you have a single page about one topic/service that matches their search.
Not only does this help with SEO for therapists by targeting specific keywords, but it also allows clients to understand the range of services you provide. Make sure each page is optimized with relevant keywords, alt tags and broken out into skimmable and readable content that potential clients might use to search for those services.
The page that users land on needs to communicate clear messaging with best landing page and CRO practices. For more information, you can read here.
Implement Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Your website (and every page on your website) should guide potential clients toward taking action. Implementing clear CTAs on every page allows a user to take the next step. Without any sort of direction, a user is 5x more likely to click away.
Think about the next step that you would like that user to take. Signing up for an email? Filling out a form? Booking an appointment?
Make it easy for clients to reach out and schedule a session (our clients who use online booking receive 4x more bookings than our clients who don't').
Most therapy clinics use the third party platform for bookings, we suggest Jane App. If you are using an external booking system, make sure to have many clear buttons linked throughout your website making it easy to book.
Remember: the more clicks a user has to take, the more likely they are to click away.
SEO Blogging for Therapists: Mind-Body Connection Topics
A powerful way to attract clients is by writing blog posts about physical, emotional and mental symptoms that potential clients may be experiencing.
A lot of the people who are searching for solutions to their problems on Google, may not even be aware yet that therapy can help them. This is why it's important to blog about "symptom aware topics" opposed to only writing about "problem aware or solution aware".
These people will find your blogs by searching about their symptom, then through reading your blog post they become problem aware and solution aware (as well as practice aware), then ideally book an appointment!
The goal is to resonate with your audience and put yourself into their shoes. For example, you can create content on topics like tips to sleep better, causes of migraines, or how to relieve neck pain.
Within these posts, discuss how therapy and processing emotions can help improve these physical ailments. Highlight the mind-body connection and how mental health treatment can help alleviate physical symptoms.
Utilize Long-Tail Keywords on Your Therapy Website
When crafting content, remember to do your keyword research! It can be easier than you think – focus on long-tail keywords that are specific to the services you provide and the issues your clients face.
Instead of targeting broad terms like "therapy," (which are highly competitive) use phrases like "cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in [Your City]" or "couples counseling for communication issues."
These targeted keywords are less competitive and more likely to reach individuals seeking your specific expertise.
Regularly Update Your Website Content & Links
Search engines favor websites that are regularly updated with fresh, relevant content - hello blogging!
Make it a habit to update your blog with new posts and ensure all your service pages reflect the most current information about your practice. This will not only improve your SEO but also demonstrate to potential clients that your practice is active and engaged with current mental health trends.
The last but simple tip you can do is link throughout all your platforms. Have an Instagram account? Link your website in your bio. The footer of your website? Link to all your social media profiles and Psychology Today.
This helps create a halo effect and allows all your channels to work cohesively together.
Where To Start With SEO
Implementing these SEO strategies for therapists can significantly enhance your practice's online presence and lead generation. By optimizing your website and content, you ensure that those in need can easily find the support and services you offer.
Remember, a well-optimized website is not just about attracting clients—it's about helping those who need your expertise find the guidance and care they are seeking.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to building a successful SEO therapist presence that resonates with potential clients and helps your practice thrive.
Want help making sure you are fully optimized? Take at look at our SEO services designed to support your practice growth.
Laura Whitelaw
Virtuwell Balance SEO Specialist
P.S. We have a WEEKLY RESOURCE for Clinicians and Practitioners who are seeking genuine yet effective ways to market their business.
If you're ready to transform your marketing approach to align with your values, stay ahead of trends, and join thousands of like-minded practitioners who are learning to market their business in a way that FEELS GOOD, click here to join us!