Why is my Psychology Today Profile Not Showing up? 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Psychology Today Profile
Does anyone else recall the days of phone books? Ah, the iconic Yellow Pages – talk about a nostalgic throwback! (Although it's worth noting that the Yellow Pages has gracefully transitioned to a robust online platform nowadays 😉 )
The contemporary world has truly embraced the digital realm. From effortlessly ordering groceries for pickup to seamlessly scheduling doctor's appointments, virtually everything is at our fingertips. Need to choose the perfect shampoo? Or perhaps you're deliberating on the ideal primary care physician? In both cases, online profiles provide an elegantly streamlined solution.
When it comes to shampoo options, each brand offers a dedicated space showcasing intricate specifications, genuine reviews, and insightful ratings. Similarly, medical practitioners' offices create spaces to present their qualifications, authentic reviews, and valuable ratings.
Interestingly, this practice extends to therapists as well, with Psychology Today serving as the dedicated hub for this information.
-PS. If you’re just getting started writing your profile, check out this blog first – then come back here to learn how to optimize your psychology today profile.
Several common missteps can hinder the effectiveness of your profile.
Here, I’ll discuss 5 common mistakes that therapists should steer clear of when crafting your Psychology Today profile.
1. Viewing Your Profile as a Resume Showcase
Think of your Psychology Today profile as your chance to go beyond the usual resume format. Sure, it's still important to highlight your qualifications, but imagine if your profile was all about listing every little detail of your professional life – that might scare away potential clients, right? So, let's take a different approach.
Imagine you're meeting someone for the first time, at a casual get-together. You wouldn't start by listing all your degrees and certifications, right? Instead, you'd probably start with a friendly "Hey, nice to meet you!" and maybe chat about what you do in a way that makes it interesting and relatable. That's the vibe you want for your profile.
So, go ahead and introduce yourself like you're talking to a friend. Highlight your skills and experience, but keep it down to earth. Share a bit about what makes you passionate about your work.
Your profile isn't just about showing off your professional side; it's about making a connection. Potential clients want to know that you're not just a walking resume, but a real person who understands their struggles and wants to help. So, go ahead and let your personality shine through. You're not just a list of qualifications – you're someone who cares about making a difference in people's lives.
2. Speaking in 3rd Person
Crafting your profile in the third person might seem like a professional choice, but it can create a sense of distance between you and your potential clients. Clients seeking therapy often desire a personal connection, and using first-person language allows you to establish rapport right from the start.
Use "I" and "my" to create a sense of authenticity and approachability.
Check out the difference in the way this feels:
“Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in grief and trauma in children”
VS
“In my practice, I work with kids who have experienced significant grief and trauma.”
Doesn’t option 2 sound so much more relatable?
3. Writing in Clinical or Academic Language
Here's the deal: your potential clients might not be on the same page as you when it comes to understanding these specialized terms, like EMDR, CBT, ACT…. and the list goes on. So, the key is to opt for clarity over complexity. Imagine you're explaining a complex idea to a close friend or family member who isn't part of the therapeutic mental health world – you'd likely want to break it down into simpler, relatable language, right?
If you're at a gathering, and someone asks you about your work. You wouldn't dive into a whirlwind of technical terms. You'd probably give them a down-to-earth explanation that they can grasp easily. The same approach applies to your profile.
Your profile is like that first conversation – an opportunity to establish a connection. By using clear and relatable language, you're not just making your approach accessible, but you're also showing potential clients that you understand where they're coming from.
You're not simplifying your expertise – You're bridging the gap so that anyone, regardless of their background, can appreciate the value you bring.
Hint: I like to aim for a 6th-grade reading level on all that I write. You can use a website like Hemmingway Editor to analyze your current reading level.
4. Undefined Ideal Client Audience
Not clearly defining your ideal client can lead to a lack of focus in your profile. It's essential to know who you work best with and tailor your messaging accordingly. Are you passionate about helping adolescents struggling with anxiety? Or perhaps you specialize in couples navigating relationship challenges? Outline the specific types of clients you excel in assisting to attract those who resonate with your expertise.
Check out step 1 in my blog here for lots of example questions to use to define this audience for your therapy practice.
5. Lack of Keyword Strategy
In the vast digital landscape, visibility matters. Without a strategic use of keywords, your profile might get lost among the myriad of therapist profiles. Research relevant keywords that potential clients might use when searching for therapists in your area of expertise. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your profile to increase the likelihood of showing up in search results.
In the big online world, being seen is super important. There are so many fish in the sea… So how do you make sure you get seen?
When people are looking for a therapist with your specialized skills, they're likely to type in certain words or phrases into their search. These words are your keywords. If you have those keywords in your profile, your profile could show up in their search results.
But wait, how do you find those keywords? That's where keyword research comes in. You want to figure out the words that people type when they're looking for help. Once you have those words, sprinkle them naturally in your profile.
But don’t just stuff in those keywords. You want your profile to be a smooth read. If you're chatting with a friend – you wouldn't talk like a robot, right? The same goes for your profile. Make those keywords part of your story, so your profile shines bright and catches the eye of folks who need your help.
So, what’s next? Craft the perfect profile and avoid these mistakes and surely your ideal clients will be well on their way to beginning a life-changing therapeutic journey.
Need some extra support? I’d love to chat.
Xoxo,
