3 Things to Know About SEO for Therapists
Are you hoping to grow your practice through digital marketing? Service Engine Optimization is one of the most popular and effective ways to go about doing that.
Not too long ago, I had a conversation with Kristie Plantinga, Founder of TherapieSEO, who came on as a guest for Episode 94 of my podcast The Entrepreneurial Therapist. We had a really productive conversation about SEO for therapists and she shared some helpful insights that I want therapists to know.
If you’re considering investing in SEO for your practice, here are three things you should know before doing so.
SEO is an ongoing process, not a task to check off your list.
Of all the marketing strategies, SEO is going to be your “long game” option. In other words, there aren’t any SEO shortcuts–you simply have to put in the time. And the effort.
With SEO, you are essentially revealing yourself to be an expert (therapist) to Google and other search engines, which involves creating quality content on your site to support that. Because Google is getting smarter and smarter, with ever-changing algorithms, SEO strategies are also constantly changing. Which means you have to be ready to switch gears and adapt as needed. So, if you’re going to commit to SEO, make sure you’re seeing it as a commitment–the “long game.” It may take you a year or 18 months to get your desired ranking on Google and attract more clients.
Along those same lines: if you hire someone to do SEO for you, make sure they also see it as a process and not a box to tick! Consider it a red flag if you hear someone say they can boost your site in no time.
2. If you have a smaller budget, it’s better to start sooner rather than later.
Because SEO is becoming more competitive, it is more difficult to be successful with a lower budget and/or not putting in a lot of time and energy. So, if you don’t have as much money to invest in SEO, it’s better to get started as soon as possible. Even just ten years ago, all of this was a lot easier and less expensive. But now, as everyone is vying for those top ten spots on Page 1, the whole process is more difficult. Growing your practice is certainly doable through SEO, but it’s best to get started now–especially if you have less to spend.
3. SEO isn’t going to be for everybody–and that’s OK
Something I notice a lot with my clients is that they feel pressure to do what everyone else is doing. While I totally understand the impulse, I also tend to ask them to pause. Does X thing–becoming a group practice owner, for instance, or investing in SEO–align with what you want for your business? Does it align with your schedule, or how you want to spend your time? Sometimes the answer is “no,” and that is completely OK. If you don’t want to commit to the long-term process that SEO entails, there are other marketing tactics you can invest in.
You don’t have to do everything! It’s better to do what’s right for you and your unique business, in your unique season of life.
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For more tips on SEO, digital marketing, and more, check out my podcast The Entrepreneurial Therapist hosted by me, Danielle Swimm. I’m passionate about helping therapists scale their private practices while taking care of themselves and the people they love.
Listen to Episode 94 with Kristie Plantinga here!
Hi- I’m Danielle Swimm,
a Business Coach for Therapists
I’ve helped hundreds of ambitious therapists like yourself start, grow and scale their private practice. I love being a therapist, but hate the rhetoric that you need to sacrifice your energy and income to help your community. Let’s build your dream practice that allows you to make six figures and live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
