Standing Out in the Online Therapy Market
In today’s competitive online therapy market, making your business stand out is challenging. There are numerous companies offering various types of therapy, from mental wellbeing to life coaching and spiritual healing.
Gone are the days when a therapy license and a physical office were all you needed. Now, over 70% of patients use the internet to find their next therapist. In this competitive landscape, your branding skills need to be as strong as your therapy skills.
The Importance of Branding
The key to standing out is to remember that you are a brand. You are the product you are selling. Managing your branding becomes easier when you think of yourself this way. One of the first things consumers see online is a picture, and they make their judgment in the first 3 seconds. A professional image that positively reflects your brand is vital.
A clear brand voice is also important. An “About You” page on your website that shows your values helps establish this voice. Speaking to your clients in the first person builds your brand voice and makes a personal connection.
Offer Something for Free
Offering something for free is a proven marketing strategy. Potential clients are more likely to contact you if you offer a free consultation. Providing quality free advice builds trust with potential clients, helping them feel comfortable with you as their therapist.
Free consultations also help you determine if a client is a good match for your expertise. If not, referring them to another therapist can still reflect positively on you.
Make Your Clients Feel Valued
Responding promptly to clients shows that you value them. Replying within 24 hours demonstrates real interest in their needs, which is crucial in a competitive market. Many potential clients will choose a therapist who responds quickly over one who does not.
Good customer service and people skills are essential for building trust and gaining referrals. Clients will return and refer others if they believe in you and trust your services.
Plan a Marketing Budget
Determining a marketing budget can be daunting. Start by calculating the average revenue each client brings to your business. For instance, if patients visit a therapist between 10 and 15 times on average, multiply the cost of each session by this number to find your customer value.
Base your marketing budget on how many clients you want to attract. Investing in advertising upfront can save money in the long run.
Website Design
A well-designed website is crucial for attracting clients. Allocate part of your marketing budget to creating a user-friendly site. Your photo and website are the first impressions potential clients have of you, so they need to look professional.
Ensure the customer journey on your website is seamless. The site should be well-written with clear calls to action. Large buttons leading to contact pages or scheduling tools are essential. The site should not be cluttered, and the tone should be empathetic but not patronizing. Services should be clearly listed, and actionable buttons should be easy to find.
Effective Marketing is Key
Successful marketing is the key to your success. No matter how skilled you are as a therapist, those skills are wasted if no one knows about them. By investing in strong branding, offering valuable consultations, responding promptly to clients, planning a budget, and designing a professional website, you can stand out in the online therapy market.
