Getting poor results with Psychology Today? Try these profile boosting tips!

As a therapist or mental health professional, you might choose to subscribe to a Psychology Today profile to promote your practice online and gain access to prospective referrals that hopefully convert to paying clients.  

These directory listings are a great way to gain visibility especially when you are just getting started in private practice, and haven’t yet built up your own website or online presence. 

However, with so many therapists and counselors out there, it can be tough to stand out in a sea of online profiles. Adding some flare to your profile and thinking outside the box can really help you improve your profile performance..

If you are in a market where a search result produces hundreds of therapist profiles, it may seem impossible to pop-up on the first page of results, but I have a few tips that can help you make the most of your listing.

Let’s get your profile in front of potential clients who need your services!

Top Tips to increase visibility of your Psychology Today Profile

Change your zip code

If you’re in a highly populated city, consider changing your zip code to a nearby area with less saturation in therapist profile listings.  Choosing a nearby suburb rather than the big city or including a small town with few listings can really pay off.

Research locations popular with your ideal client

Use demographic tools to research areas your ideal client is located.  If you are searching for parents, seek zip codes in residential areas or suburbs.  If you are looking for more private pay clients input zip codes with higher median incomes making it more likely they can afford to pay privately for your services. 

Targeting zip codes where your ideal client lives or works makes it more likely they will see your profile. Your goal is to reach those who have an interest in service, making it worth your while as a private practice owner.

At the moment, Psychology Today allows providers to select 3 zip codes where your profile will appear.  You can update these at any time.  If your profile is in a lull, swapping out the zip codes you target might be a helpful boost.

I’ve often swapped zip codes when referrals slow.  From my personal experience, I noted significant results in new contacts or inquiries within a day or two of changing my zip code targets.

Include videos 

Videos give your client an idea of how you will show up in therapy.  I know the idea of a video might be intimidating, but it’s worth working through. 

Videos are an excellent way to show your personality and differentiate yourself from the competition. 

Psychology Today encourages you to add a 15 second video to your profile.  The site also prioritizes and suggests profiles that include a video introduction.

Create an introductory video that showcases your experience, approach, and specialties. This boosts that know/like/trust factor that, increases engagement and helps potential clients feel more comfortable scheduling an appointment with you.

Optimize your photos

 High-quality photos that are inviting and professional are a must-have for your profile. 

Avoid using selfies or photos of you that aren’t current or an accurate depiction of how you show up for clients.

 Instead hire a professional photographer or use a high-quality camera. Images should showcase your office space, you, and anything else that may be relevant to your practice.

 Optimize your copy 

Your written content should reflect your areas of expertise and speak directly to your niche market. 

Use keywords that highlight your specialties, such as trauma therapy, mindfulness practices or couples therapy. The clearer you make your message through language, the more likely your ideal clients will find you.

Avoid adding too many specialties or trying to appeal to a broader audience.  It generally has a negative impact on results.  

The idea is if you try to appeal to everyone you are speaking to no one.  Thus, they don’t connect with you or reach out to become a client. 

In conclusion

Creating a standout Psychology Today profile takes time and perseverance, but following these steps will help optimize your profile, improve your results, and ultimately grow your private practice.

Need more Tips?

Check out this helpful blog post Online Directory Success Tips for Therapists

Schedule a complimentary 1:1 connection call to talk about how coaching can help you grow your private practice with confidence. No pressure or sales tactics, I promise!