How Therapists Can Get More Clients
Anne 
As a therapist, having a full client diary is vital to the success of your therapy practice. So is have a good reputation as a professional therapist.
How Therapists Can Get More Clients
As we start 2023 I thought it might be helpful to recap some of the ways therapists can market their therapy practice to gain and retain clients.
Having a full appointment schedule is vital to the success of your therapy practice. Thinking about how you are going to get more clients can feel a bit daunting. Many therapists don’t like the thought of promoting their services.
Attracting and retaining clients can be a challenge, especially for therapists who are just starting out or who are looking to expand their practice.
Marketing Strategies for Therapists
Have a strong online therapy presence
One of the most effective ways for therapists to attract new clients is to have a strong online presence.
This includes:
having a professional website that provides information about the therapist's practice, services, and contact information.
having an active social media presence, as this can help therapists connect with potential clients and showcase their expertise.
Be focused on who you want to help as a therapist
Making sure that your website is fully optimised with the relevant key terms for the clients you want to work with. This is where having a niche of some form can make it easier to write and post information that is relevant to that type of client.
You might consider using targeted advertising to attract potential clients. For example, therapists can use Google AdWords to target specific keywords related to their practice, or can use Facebook Ads to target specific demographics and interests.
By investing in targeted advertising, therapists can reach a wider audience and increase their visibility online. If you do go down this route do your research and test your adverts. If you don’t have the knowledge, find someone who does. There are other marketing and promotional options I would try first.
Networking as a therapist to attract referrals
Networking and building relationships with referral sources can also be an effective way for you to get more clients. Building relationships with doctors, other healthcare professionals, organisations in the community and even businesses that serve the same type of customer, can provide a steady stream of referrals and help therapists build their practice. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients are also a great way to build your practice.
Developing and offering workshops and other events
Offering workshops, seminars, or other educational events can also be a valuable way for therapists to attract new clients. These events can provide you with an opportunity to showcase your expertise and build relationships with potential clients.
Offering educational events can help therapists establish themselves as ‘thought leaders’ or experts in their field, which can further enhance their reputation.
Building a strong reputation and brand as a therapist
Establishing a strong reputation and brand is important for therapists who want to attract and retain clients. A strong reputation can help a therapist stand out in a crowded market. It can also help build trust and credibility with potential clients.
There are several ways you can build a strong reputation. One of the most effective ways is to provide high-quality services and build strong relationships with clients. This can involve taking the time to listen to clients, being responsive to their needs, and maintaining a high level of competence and expertise.
Testimonials and reviews
Online reviews and ratings are also important in helping a therapist build a strong reputation. Positive reviews on websites, such as your Google Business Profile, can help therapists stand out and build credibility with potential clients. It is important to regularly monitor your online reviews and respond to any negative feedback in a professional manner.
Ask therapy clients to provide testimonials, if they don’t feel comfortable giving a testimonial on Facebook or Google, you can collect them directly and put them on your website and just use a client's initials.
Providing exceptional services as a therapist
As a therapist, how do you provide exceptional service? It’s useful for therapists to think about the whole client journey. From the prospective client deciding to seek help and contacting you to how you complete the final session. How do you interact with clients?
As a therapist do you:
create a welcoming and professional environment, maintain a high level of competence and expertise, and are responsive to client need
offer flexible appointment options? Holding sessions in the evening or weekend means you can be available to those who may be working full time or have family responsibilities. If you do this you need to consider your own health and well-being and how it fits with the rest of your life.
invest in continuing education and stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in your field? This helps therapists maintain a high level of expertise and provide their clients with the best possible care.
Being responsive and accommodating client needs, allows therapists to create a positive and supportive environment that helps clients feel comfortable and valued. This can be especially important for clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Being responsive and caring can be an important factor in building strong relationships and retaining clients.
Have a plan to create your thriving therapy practice
As a therapist it’s important to have a plan of some form to help you attract and retain clients.
As we’ve discussed there are a number of ways that you can use to get more clients, including:
having a strong online presence
networking and building relationships with referral sources
offering educational events
building a strong reputation and brand
providing exceptional services
Using some of these ideas, therapists can increase their visibility and credibility, and build a thriving practice. They will help therapists get found and get hired so they can have a positive impact in the lives of their clients and make a meaningful difference in the world.
How are you investing in your marketing efforts? What do you do to build strong relationships with clients? How do you provide an exceptional service?
Let me know what you think works best for you.
P.S. If you are feeling overwhelmed about how to grow your therapy practice, maybe I can help. Get in touch for a chat.
Categories: Marketing, Private Practice, self-employment