Why You Need A Website for Your Therapy Practice and The 6 Essential Web Pages
I’m sure you’ve thought... “Do I even need a website? Is it that important for my therapy practice?”
I mean you can rely on means of referrals, word of mouth, and even in-person marketing strategies where you hand out *gasp* actual business cards. But if you want to be seen as a legitimate, expert practitioner in your field, having a website is also incredibly important.
What are the benefits of having a website for your private practice?
Think about it, you own your website. (Well, technically you own your domain…). It is YOURS. It is constantly running, active, and busy marketing your therapy practice. Think of your website as one of those people who stand on the corner of a busy intersection waving your favorite restaurant sign around. [Do people even do that anymore?!] (laughing face)
You do not own your Instagram followers or even your Facebook group. If the platform crashes or you lose your following – oops. There goes your marketing strategy.
But your website is YOURS. It is the online face of your therapy practice where people can see who you really are. You are free to discuss your services and display your business how you want it to be seen. You can tailor the fonts, photos, feel, design – everything – on your therapy website to fit your unique brand. It is yours.
Ok, now that we have established why it’s important to have a website…
What web pages should you include in your private practice website?
Homepage
This is the first page that your visitors will see. Make it work for you.
Include an H1 header that includes your main keyword(s).
Begin with a HOOK - something that draws your readers in and captures their attention. For example, you could discuss with empathy the main presenting problems that your clients come to therapy for.
Include a brief introduction to you and your practice - your name, title, the mission/purpose of your therapy practice, and how they will benefit from working with youIntro to services with a link to the services page
FAQ section
About Me Page
The most important thing to remember is that the about me page is still about your client – not you.
On this page, you can talk about who you are – your name, credentials, and background. Discuss your mission and values, and goals. Talk about what your clinical personality is like. Highlight the population that you work with and your area of expertise.
Most importantly, emphasize how your clients feel after working with you. What benefits do they experience – short-term and long-term? At the end of therapy, what do your clients say about their experience and transformation?
Here you can also include any relevant training, licensure, and certifications.
Services Page(s)
You can display the specific types of therapy that you specialize in or the specific issues that are in your area of expertise.
For example, family therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, EMDR, depression, anxiety, PTSD, postpartum, etc.
Resources Page
I am a firm believer in including a relevant resources page. This provides value to your visitors and also displays your expertise in your field. Include the suicide and crisis hotline. Include links to books about services that you offer or links to sites on the types of therapy you offer like EMDR or ethical non-monogamy.
Blog
Here is your chance to become an expert in your niche to really serve and educate the general population about mental health subjects. A blog is SO important for SEO (let’s talk about this later). Incorporate keywords. Repurpose this content for other marketing channels. Post blogs regularly.
Contact Page
Your contact page contains all the information your visitors need on the next steps – how your visitors can schedule an appointment with you. Link to this page as your call to action (CTA) throughout the website (contact me, or schedule a free consult)
*Please note that this must be HIPAA compliant. Do not collect PHI through your site, unless you are using a secure portal*
Questions? I’m here to help.
Ready to start or revamp your website? Let’s do it.
XOXO,
Ashley
