How to Prepare Content for Your New Website: A Therapist/Counsellor’s Guide
Hey there! So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a shiny new website for your mental health practice. Congratulations! Now comes the fun part – preparing content for it. I know, I know, you're probably thinking, "Can't I just wave a magic wand and have it appear?" Well, while I’m all for magic, a bit of thoughtful planning will go a long way. So open up your notebook or Google Doc and let's dive in with some key questions to ask yourself about what to write on your website.
Who Are My Clients and What Do They Need?
Before you start typing away or searching for photos, take a moment to think about your clients. Who are they? What are their needs, concerns, and goals? Are they more likely to respond to a formal tone or something a bit more relaxed?
Imagine you're in a session. What are the common questions or concerns your clients bring up? Use these insights to tailor your content. Remember, your website should speak directly to them – it’s like a virtual hug for those looking to connect with your services.
Ask yourself:
What problems are my clients looking to solve?
What kind of language and tone resonates with them?
How can I make them feel understood and welcomed right from the homepage?
At Teekko Design, I support you through the content creation process by offering prompts and forms for you to complete before your project starts. This ensures all your website information is organized and stored in one place.
What Makes Me Stand Out?
Now that you've got your clients in mind, it's time to think about you. Yes, you! This is your time to shine. What makes you the fantastic mental, emotional and personal development professional you are? Is it your unique approach, your years of experience, or perhaps your uncanny ability to make anyone feel at ease?
This is where you get to toot your own horn a bit (just don’t get too carried away, we still need to keep it humble). Your potential clients want to know why they should choose you over the business down the street.
Ask yourself:
What are my unique qualifications and experiences?
What are my specializations and certifications?
What personal qualities or professional practices make me a standout mental health professional?
What Services Do I Offer?
Next up, let's talk about your services. Be specific and clear about what you offer. If you specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, couples counseling, or play therapy, make sure that’s front and center.
Think of your services page as a menu – your clients need to know exactly what they can order. And while we’re at it, let’s make it a bit fun. Throw in a metaphor or two. After all, therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and neither is your services page.
Ask yourself:
What specific services do I offer?
Are there any unique methodologies or techniques I use?
How can I describe my services in a way that is both informative and engaging?
How Do I Want to Present My Success Stories?
Testimonials and success stories can be incredibly powerful. They’re like the cherry on top of your professional sundae.
Real stories from real people can help potential clients feel more confident in reaching out to you. It’s like saying, “I understand what you are going through.”
Ask yourself:
Which client stories highlight my strengths and successes?
How can I share these stories while maintaining confidentiality?
What do these stories say about the impact of my work?
How Can I Make Connecting with Potential Clients Simple for Them?
Imagine finally deciding to reach out for help, only to spend ten minutes hunting for a phone number. Frustrating, right? Let’s not do that to your clients. Make sure the way potential clients can connect with you is simple and straightforward.
Ask yourself:
Do they fill out a form, send a text or sign up for a call time?
How can I make the process of reaching out as welcoming as possible?
What FAQs Can I Address?
You probably get a lot of the same questions over and over again. Why not save everyone some time and put those FAQs on your website? This can help potential clients get a better understanding of what to expect before they even step into your office.
Think about the questions that pop up during initial consultations or phone calls. The more you can address upfront, the more confident your clients will feel about booking their first session.
Ask yourself:
What are the most common questions new clients ask?
How can I answer these questions clearly and reassuringly?
Are there any concerns I can preemptively address to ease client anxieties?
How Can I Showcase My Office and Atmosphere?
A picture is worth a thousand words. If you have a welcoming office space, show it off! Photos can help potential clients feel more comfortable and familiar before they even walk in the door.
And don’t forget about your professional headshot. A friendly, approachable photo can go a long way in making a great first impression.
Ask yourself:
What images best represent my office and therapeutic environment?
How can I make my online presence reflect the warmth and professionalism of my practice?
Do I have a professional headshot that conveys approachability and trust?
Ready, Set, Write!
Preparing content for your new website doesn't have to be a daunting task. By asking yourself these key questions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a site that truly reflects your practice and connects with your clients. Remember, your website is often the first impression potential clients will have of you – make it count!
And if you ever feel stuck, just think about the advice you'd give a client: take a deep breath, break it down into manageable steps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
To make things even easier, I’ve put together a free content guide to help you craft the perfect content for your website. This guide includes not only detailed tips on writing engaging and effective content but also advice on selecting the right photos to enhance your site’s appeal.
Click here now to get your free guide and take the next step towards an outstanding online presence.
Happy writing!
