Are top search engine results worth the effort? Being #1 for “metro area therapist” is great – but it is not the only way that you will get new clients and it is, likely, not the best way. In fact, aiming for #1 may lead you to an expensive, frustrating, exhausting arms race with huge therapist directories and very large practices.
Instead, think about what potential clients want. Think about specific search terms that a client might use. Here are some examples: “Avoiding panic attacks.” “Help parenting.” “Dealing with depression.” “Save my marriage.” “I’m nervous all the time.” “My child is being bullied.” What examples might be relevant for your practice? Click here to schedule a no-obligation consult about what search terms are important for your practice.
⏩Reminder:
Once clients do get to your website, make sure that you engage them with interesting content that talks to their pain points. Getting clients to your site is just the first step. Getting them to reach out to you for an appointment or consult is the goal!
Typical top search engine results for therapists
Typically, when a potential client launches a therapist-psychologist related search, the results include:
- 1-3 paid search spots at the top (often, more paid results over on the right for desktop searches)
- 3 organic spots below — usually held by directory type sites such as Psychology Today or Good Therapy.
- map listings
- remaining organic listings
The good news is that people are looking at, and clicking on, links lower on the search results page. (This has been amply documented in an eye tracking study prepared by Mediative.) We don’t know for sure why people often scan past the first few links, but it may be that some potential clients don’t want a directory. They want a solution. If you are able to make a connection with those clients, establish empathy and competence, then you are on your way to getting a reach-out from that potential client.
Go for issue-related keywords and phrases
Getting the top search engine results for therapists is great. But, for your practice, the more practical and effective goal may be getting top search engine results for specific issue-related search terms.
The great thing is that there is more than one category in which you can be visible in search. Google and Bing give your site multiple opportunities for specific searches, such as “help co-parenting,” “blended families,” or “medication assisted treatment.” Each search phrase offers you a chance to be found.
The more specific your website content and the more specific the search terms, the more likely you can bypass directories.
– Katriel Reichman, TherapyEverywhwhere.com
Learn more about how to improve your site’s search results (SEO).
Reach out for help in making your website more effective
The practice growth experts at TherapyEverywhere have a single focus: delivering more clients to your practice. Call now, or just fill out the contact form for more information. Or, just click here to schedule your no-obligation consult.
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