Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential aspect of marketing your private practice, as it helps potential clients find you online. In this episode, Josephine Hughes demystifies SEO, breaking it down into practical tips that even those intimidated by technology can easily understand. She emphasises the importance of having a clear and relevant URL, effective keywords, and engaging content like blogs to boost your website's visibility. Additionally, she highlights that while SEO is valuable, building trust through personal connections and networking within your community is equally crucial for gaining referrals. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of how to optimize your online presence while reminding listeners that authentic relationships are key to a successful practice.

Takeaways

• SEO can be intimidating, but it's manageable.
• Understanding how search engines work is key to SEO.
• Your website's URL should reflect your services clearly.
• Using keywords effectively can improve your website ranking.
• Blogs help keep your website active and relevant.
• Alt text for images can enhance SEO.
• Internal and external links are important for SEO.
• Networking in your community builds trust and referrals.
• Personal connections are vital for gaining client trust.
• SEO is just one aspect of a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Keywords

SEO, search engine optimization, counselling, marketing, private practice, online visibility, networking, trust, keywords, website optimization

Chapters:

• 00:14 - Understanding Online Counselling and SEO
• 02:37 - Understanding Search Engine Optimization
• 14:50 - Advanced SEO Strategies and Resources
• 21:38 - Building Trust Through Community Engagement
• 24:53 - Building Connections and Community

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine Hughes talks about quick and practical marketing tweaks you can make to your directory profile, website, and social media presence to attract more clients during the busy pre-Christmas period. If you've got a gap in your calendar, why not use it to audit your marketing materials? Josephine walks you through three key areas to focus on:

1. Your Directory Profile – Learn how to make your profile stand out with a compelling headline, clear and impactful sentences, and relevant keywords to catch the eye of potential clients, especially those facing seasonal struggles.
2. Your Website – Josephine shares tips for enhancing your 'About Me' section to connect with clients on a personal level and ensuring your services page clearly communicates what clients can expect from therapy.
3. Your Social Media – From ensuring your bio speaks to your ideal clients, to publishing posts about seasonal struggles (hello, Christmas stress!), this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you reach more clients on your social platforms.

By the end of the episode, you'll be ready to implement small but effective changes that could bring a big impact, just like they did for Sara, who landed eight new clients in a fortnight. Tune in to get your marketing ready for the festive season and beyond!

1. Audit Your Directory Profile: Your headline is crucial! Be specific about the clients you help and use keywords that resonate with people’s current struggles, like "difficult family relationships" during the festive season. Also, ask someone else to check if your profile makes sense to non-counsellors
2. Revamp Your 'About Me' Page: Your bio should highlight your personality and experience in a way that speaks directly to potential clients’ concerns. Remember, it’s not about you—it's about how you can help them.
3. Make Your Website Clear and User-Friendly: Is it obvious what you do and how clients can benefit from working with you? And don't forget that all-important call to action—make it easy for people to reach out!
4. Social Media Bio Optimisation: Make sure your social media bio includes key details like your location, the issues you work with, and a link to your website. It's all about getting found by the right people.
5. Don't Forget to Post About Your Availability: It’s easy to forget to let people know you're taking clients, but a simple post about available spots can create a sense of urgency and get those enquiries rolling in!

Keywords

counselling marketing, attract clients, directory profile tips, private practice growth, therapy website optimization, client inquiries, festive period counselling, social media for therapists, therapy growth group, mental health marketing strategies, counselling niche identification, effective therapy bios, client connection strategies, keywords for therapists, therapy marketing audit, increase client bookings, counselling services promotion, therapist visibility online, engaging therapy content, holiday season mental health support

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on

Does the thought of social media fill you with dread? Navigating social media can be particularly daunting for introverts, but in this episode, Josephine Hughes offers practical strategies for using social media platforms effectively while remaining true to oneself. The episode also contains creative ideas for December social media posts, highlighting ways to engage with followers during the holiday season while addressing the challenges many face during this time. Therapists are offered advice on how to maintain consistent posting over busy periods.

Takeaways:

• Introverts can find social media overwhelming, but it can be a valuable tool for sharing thoughtful ideas.
• Social media allows introverts to connect meaningfully with their audience without compromising their privacy.
• Creating a professional social media presence can help attract clients who resonate with your reflective nature.
• Quality over quantity is crucial for introverts; thoughtful posts can engage and connect deeply with others.
• Introverts can use social media to build a supportive community around shared values and interests.
• December offers unique opportunities for introverts to create engaging content while remaining true to themselves.

Keywords

introverts, social media, client attraction, authenticity, self-expression, mental health, December engagement, thoughtful posts, community building, privacy

Chapters:

• 02:30 - Intro to Social Media for Introverts
• 02:00 - The Dilemma of Sharing on Social Media
• 04:21 - The Power of Thoughtful Reflection
• 13:39 - Creating Community, Not Performance
• 18:44 - Using Social Media for December Engagement
• 21:04 - Navigating Holiday Challenges for Clients
• 27:42 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.