Branding and Marketing
Choosing a platform
There are so many platforms out there and almost all of them cost money, so if you are looking to save I would check with your chosen EHP to see if they offer website services (I know Simple Practice does) , or perhaps you already have an old website you could revamp and give a new domain. If not, I recommend Squarespace or Wix for extra customizability. Try a few different free trials to figure out what fits best with your style, web design experience level, and budget. Just don’t forget to cancel your free trial!
Branding your website
Use your logo as a starting point. Choose a color scheme and font that works well with your logo to begin. Sometimes simple is better with branding, but I also condone maximalism if it’s authentic to you. Just make sure your font is large enough for people to actually read (this is probably as small as it should get :).
What to include on your website
Contact Info: On your home page, there should be a way for clients to immediately contact you. The average person spends only 10-20 seconds on a webpage before moving on so you need to capture them from the start with an easy way to reach you. Your contact information should also be in the header or footer of your webpage, as well as have a separate Contact page from your site menu.
Your Specialties and Services: Clients want to know what you offer, for how much (though some therapists choose not to list this, I do recommend noting up front whether or not you take insurance), and what you specialize in.
About You/Your Practice: Why should clients trust you with their deepest selves? What do you believe as a therapist and how do you practice? Be specific but understandable to the general public whenever possible.
FAQs: FAQ pages boost your SEO (search engine optimization) making you easier to find online. More importantly though, it shows your clients you care to anticipate their questions, and saves you time on consults with clients who are not the right fit for your practice. This is a great place to list whether or not you take insurance (and what carriers if so), as well as cancellation polices, where your office is located, and any other questions clients frequently ask you on consults.
Your Notice of Privacy Practices: It is considered good ethics to have your notice of privacy practices available somewhere on your website (could be FAQ page or somewhere non-obstructive but accessible). Mine is under a dropdown tab so it doesn’t take up page space unless clicked.
