Therapist Website Mistake: Not Explaining How Visitors Can Get Started
Most therapist websites get this wrong: they don’t fully explain how potential clients can get started. The explanation ought to include
- what action a potential client should take
- and what happens when they do take that action
Your potential client is in crisis. Don’t make them guess what to do. Don’t give them the responsibility of figuring it out. Don’t make them have to climb a wall of unknowns and mysteries, walking blindfolded into a dark room. It’s likely the last thing that they need when they are seeking therapy to deal with the unknown of “what happens next?”
Here Are The Types Of Questions You Need To Answer
What is the first step? Do you offer a consult call? What happens during that call? How long is it? How do I schedule it? Does that need to be scheduled?
Or can I ask questions via email? Or if there is a contact form, what should I put in there? What happens when you get it? When will you get back to me? When you get back to me what happens then? Do we talk on the phone or do I need to come in?
Or should I be requesting a first appointment and we can see how we fit during that appointment? If I do that, how do I schedule that appointment?
What happens when I call you? If you don’t pick up, why not? Should I leave a voicemail? If I do what should I say? When will you call me back?
And Where To Answer Them
- Put a clear and concise call to action on every page of your site consistently (I recommend in the header and footer). The call to action could be something like, “Call for your free 15 minute consultation [phone number]”
- Put a more in-depth description of what happens next and what to expect on the contact page for those seeking further details “When you reach out, this is what to expect…”
- And put more in-depth descriptions at the end of most pages in the end of the content area. “How To Get Started… Call for a consultation and then this happens next…”
They Are On Your Website, Now Guide Them
You are responsible for guiding your website visitors on what to do next. Don’t leave this vital information out. Make sure you are shining a light on the steps – making it easy and predictable as to how to get started and start healing.
