AI SEO, Content, Marketing, SEO Basics, SEO Tips, Training, Uncategorized

GEO Is Not Replacing SEO: Why the Future of Website Optimization Needs Both

If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) lately, you might also have seen bold claims like “SEO is dead” or “AI is replacing Google.”

For many helping professionals, therapists, coaches, dietitians, and other service providers, statements like these can feel overwhelming. You’ve already worked hard to get your website ranking in search engines. Now there’s talk of a whole new kind of optimization? And what about all the SEO work you’ve done so far — is it suddenly irrelevant?

Here’s the truth: SEO is not dead. It’s evolving.

GEO is not a replacement for SEO. Instead, it’s the next chapter in how we help people find you online — and the most effective approach in 2025 will combine both traditional SEO and GEO strategies to help you be visible to both humans and AI.

My Perspective After Digging Into GEO

Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of research into Generative Engine Optimization, or GEO, and how it impacts traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The consensus across the board is clear: both are necessary.

While some older SEO tactics aren’t as important as they used to be — such as relying solely on keywords or pushing out content purely for quantity — the foundation of traditional SEO still drives GEO success.

Here’s why:

Understanding how to write effective meta descriptions still matters.
Writing quality content that provides in-depth, concrete, and reliable information is crucial.
Maintaining a humanistic tone helps both human readers and AI models connect with your content.
Doing on-page optimization: proper page structure, heading hierarchy, and keyword placement ensures AI systems can parse your content correctly.
Optimizing images and other media improves accessibility, load speed, and search visibility.

Yes, GEO is changing how SEO functions, but it’s more of an evolution and merging of concepts than a replacement. GEO builds on the strong foundation of traditional SEO, adapting it for a world where AI plays a bigger role in how people find answers.

What Exactly Is GEO?

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of optimizing your content so it shows up and is cited in AI-generated answers.

Traditionally, when people search for something online, they type keywords into Google, scroll through the list of results (Search Engine Results Pages, or SERPs), and click on the link that seems most relevant. That’s where traditional SEO shines — helping your site rank higher so people click through.

But with the rise of AI-powered search tools like Google’s AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, many searches now skip the full results list. Instead, the AI generates a direct answer to the question, often pulling pieces of information from multiple websites.

GEO focuses on making sure your content is one of those sources — so when AI provides an answer, it cites (and ideally links to) your site.

GEO vs. SEO: The Key Difference

Think of it this way:

SEO: Competing for a spot on the results page to earn a click.
GEO: Competing to be part of the AI’s actual answer — visible even without a click.

With SEO, you measure success in rankings and clicks. With GEO, you measure citations, brand mentions, and visibility inside AI-generated summaries.

But here’s the kicker: AI still pulls from well-optimized, trustworthy sites — which means strong SEO is the first step toward GEO success.

Why GEO Builds on, Not Replaces, SEO

Here’s why the best results come from combining both approaches:

1. Traditional search is still huge

Billions of searches happen the “old-fashioned” way every day. Many of your potential clients still scroll through results and click links to learn more.

2. GEO depends on SEO signals

AI models tend to use high-authority, well-structured sites as sources. If your site doesn’t have those signals in place, your chances of being cited drop.

3. SEO helps both people and AI

Things like fast load speeds, mobile-friendly layouts, and clear navigation help real visitors — and also make it easier for AI to read your content.

4. GEO visibility boosts brand trust

Even if someone doesn’t click through, seeing your practice name in an AI answer builds familiarity and credibility.

How AI-Generated Answers Are Changing Search

Let’s say a potential client types:
“What is EMDR therapy and how does it help with trauma?”

Traditional search: They see a list of results, maybe your EMDR page ranks in the top five.

AI-powered search: They see a paragraph explaining EMDR, often followed by a few cited sources. If your content is clear, well-structured, and authoritative, you might be one of them, giving you visibility even without a click.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Blending GEO and SEO

You don’t have to choose between them. The best strategy in 2025 is to layer GEO tactics on top of your SEO foundation.

1: Keep SEO Fundamentals Strong

Keyword research to understand client search behavior
On-page optimization with clear titles, meta descriptions, and headings
In-depth content that thoroughly answers real questions
High-quality backlinks to signal authority
Technical health for speed, mobile performance, and navigation

2: Structure Content for AI

Use bullet points, numbered lists, and tables
Add FAQ sections with direct, concise answers
Include clear definitions for important terms
Use descriptive headings for each section

3: Implement Structured Data (Schema)

FAQPage for Q&A sections
HowTo for step-by-step guides
Article for blog posts
LocalBusiness for your practice details

4: Write for Humans in a Conversational Style

Use natural, approachable language
Anticipate follow-up questions within the same article
Explain jargon in plain terms

5: Monitor and Adapt

Test searches in AI platforms to see if your content appears
Track brand searches — increases may indicate AI visibility
Experiment with quick answers, videos, or infographics

If Someone Says “SEO Is Dead”… They are Dead Wrong

If someone approaches you, stands up, and loudly declares that SEO is dead — that it’s no longer a viable way to get your website, your practice, or your business seen online — they are sadly mistaken.

This kind of statement is often fear-mongering designed to grab attention and push people toward one narrow way of thinking. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we take a more measured approach. We do our research, test our methods, and look carefully at how both SEO and GEO work.

The reality? Both concepts are accurate in their own way, and when combined, they create a more powerful, comprehensive optimization strategy. Together, they help your website appear in traditional search results, AI-powered search answers, and beyond.

The Bottom Line: GEO + SEO = Full Optimization

Generative AI isn’t replacing SEO, it’s reshaping it. GEO is about speaking to AI while SEO is about speaking to people — and in today’s world, you need to do both.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we help Helping Professionals navigate this evolution without the overwhelm. We keep your SEO foundation strong while integrating GEO strategies that ensure you’re seen in both traditional search results and AI-generated answers.

Because the most effective optimization strategy in 2025 isn’t about choosing humans or AI, it’s about connecting with both.

Ready to Show Up Everywhere Your Clients Are Searching?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, our Done-For-You SEO Services go beyond traditional optimization — we integrate both Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so your website is ready for today’s search and tomorrow’s innovations.

We handle every step for you — from in-depth keyword research and on-page optimization to structuring your content for AI-generated answers — so you can focus on what you do best: serving your clients.

With our expert team on your side, your practice won’t just rank higher in Google search results, it will also earn visibility in AI-powered answers, helping potential clients find you faster, trust you sooner, and choose you with confidence.

Don’t get left behind in the shift toward AI-driven search. Let us make sure your online presence works seamlessly for both humans and AI.

Schedule your free consultation today and discover how our DFY services can help you stand out everywhere it matters.

Services Offered at Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we provide a range of services to help helping professionals achieve their goals and grow their practices:

Done for You SEO: Comprehensive SEO services managed entirely by our team.
Do It Yourself SEO: Learn to implement SEO strategies with expert guidance.
Strategy Sessions: Personalized sessions to develop a tailored SEO plan.
Consultation Sessions: In-depth advice to optimize your online presence.
Technical SEO: Improve your website’s structure and performance.
Local SEO: Enhance visibility in specific geographic areas.
Stand-Alone Copywriting: High-quality, SEO-optimized content for your website

About the Author

Mary Walker is the owner and lead strategist at Simplified SEO Consulting, a nationally recognized agency specializing in helping therapists, coaches, and other helping professionals increase their online visibility. With years of hands-on experience in both the technical and human sides of marketing, Mary has guided countless private practices to measurable growth through ethical, results-driven SEO.

Armed with Master’s degrees in Digital Marketing and Psychology, Mary brings a unique advantage to the field — the ability to combine data-driven optimization techniques with a deep understanding of how people search, decide, and connect. She is widely regarded for her ability to translate complex SEO concepts into clear, actionable strategies that empower clients to thrive in competitive online spaces.

As a business owner herself, Mary knows the demands of balancing leadership with real life. That’s why she has built Simplified SEO Consulting around principles of collaboration, psychological safety, and mutual support, ensuring both clients and her team feel seen, valued, and set up for success.

Beyond rankings and analytics, Mary’s mission is to help helping professionals grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose — creating sustainable visibility that leads to lasting impact. When she’s not advising clients or mentoring her team, you can find her cheering on her favorite football teams, spending time with her five kids, or unwinding with crochet projects that bring a moment of calm to her busy life.

August 13, 2025/0 Comments/by Mary Walker

Content, Copy Writing, SEO Basics

What Makes an SEO Company Right for Therapists?

Finding the right SEO company when you’re a therapist in private practice isn’t always easy. You might already know you need SEO support leading you on your own Google search. Maybe you’ve Googled “SEO services for therapists” or “therapist SEO company” but the results weren’t what you thought. They left you feeling overwhelmed or unsure who actually gets what you do. The thing is, not every SEO company is built with counselors in mind. And that matters more than you think. Because it’s not just about getting traffic. It’s about getting found by the right people, and making sure your website reflects the depth and nuance of your work.

Why Therapists Need a Specialized SEO Approach

Your work is relational and about building a connection. It’s warm, often tender. To sum it up, it’s not cold and sterile, it’s human. That’s what your website content needs to reflect. However, a lot of SEO companies take a one-size-fits-all approach. They tend to focus on technical checklists and high-volume keywords yet don’t really ask or focus on what your ideal client actually needs to hear. You might hear things like “SEO is SEO, it doesn’t matter what your industry is,” or “as long as you’re using high-volume keywords, it’ll work.” But that’s not entirely true. Keywords do matter, don’t get me wrong. But if they’re not paired with intentional language, clinical understanding, and relevance to your niche? They will not connect with the right people.

So, yes all of that does matter. For example, let’s say you’re a trauma therapist working with religious deconstruction. Or you support high-achieving women dealing with burnout and people-pleasing. Those are layered, emotionally charged experiences. If your SEO company doesn’t understand your niche, then the content they write might feel off, too vague, too salesy, or too shallow to connect. And if the wording is off, your ideal client won’t stick around, even if they find you. This is where a therapist SEO company makes all the difference.

Red Flags When Choosing an SEO Company for Counselors

So how do you know when an SEO company might not be the right fit? Here are a few red flags:

Promising “fast” or “guaranteed” first-page rankings.
They don’t ask about your specialties, approach, or target audience.
Content feels robotic or generic, as if it could haven been written for anyone.
Prioritizing traffic volume over engagement or conversion.
Don’t explain what they’re doing or why it matters.

These red flags aren’t just annoying, they can waste your time and money. Worse, they can lead to SEO and content that doesn’t reflect you or support your business goals. And often, the lack of transparency only adds to the frustration. Some SEO companies aren’t forthcoming about what they don’t know, and they may avoid asking clarifying questions so you won’t notice. But when your provider won’t admit gaps in understanding, it breaks trust. And if they skip involving you in the process, the content often ends up sounding off, missing the mark, and ultimately turning potential clients away.

What to Look for in a Therapist SEO Company

A good SEO company for counselors understands that your website isn’t just a marketing tool, it’s an extension of the work you do. Your website is a place for ideal clients to learn, feel heard, and begin building trust with you before they ever reach out. And it needs to reflect that work with clarity and intention. All so your potential clients not only find you, but feel understood the moment they land on your site. Here’s what to look for:

A thoughtful SEO company will ask about your ideal client, your clinical approach, and your niche.
Your content should sound like you, not like a marketing robot.
They need to understand how people search for therapy and how that varies depending on your specialty.
A solid SEO strategy includes structure, internal linking, and intentional keyword placement.
You want someone who offers blog strategy or done-for-you copywriting tailored to your goals.
Keyword research only works when paired with content that feels genuine and helpful.
Progress should be measured by meaningful data: impressions, rankings, and actual consults—not just pageviews.

A therapist-specific SEO company isn’t guessing at what works, instead they’re building strategy from a place of insight, not assumptions. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we work closely with you. Our goal is to understand the unique voice of your practice, your clinical focus, and the kinds of clients you hope to reach. We take all of this and translate it into an SEO plan that reflects your values, your expertise, and the language your ideal clients actually connect with.

What Happens When an SEO Company Doesn’t Understand Your Practice?

What happens if your SEO provider doesn’t understand types of therapy? Or how search intent and clinical language need to work together to attract the right clients? Then your SEO strategy may look fine on paper, but underperform in practice. You absolutely might rank for certain terms, however if the content isn’t aligned with your ideal client’s experience or language? You won’t get impressions, clicks, calls, or conversions. SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords (we highly recommend not to do that). It’s about creating a strategy that aligns your content with what your clients are actually searching for and how they think about their struggles and goals.

SEO that’s built only on keywords can miss the intent of your website’s message. When that happens, it’s really apparent to ideal clients. Now, you may still see impressions or rankings. But if the language doesn’t resonate with your ideal client, you’re not building connection or trust. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we approach things differently. We don’t just optimize for search, when we write your content, we write with your audience in mind. That means taking the time to understand your voice, your clinical lens, and what your ideal client needs to hear. Because SEO is about more than visibility. It’s about making sure you’re found, and chosen.

SEO Services for Therapists Should Be Collaborative, Not Cookie-Cutter

A strong SEO strategy for therapists is both technical and relational. You bring the clinical expertise and client insight, while your SEO company should bring structure, research, and optimization. But the best results happen when those two pieces work together. That’s why always say that your content should sound like you. Even if you didn’t write it! When we support your SEO, we use your notes, your tone, and your specialties to write content that feels aligned but is also built to perform. But content is only one part of SEO.

The structure of your website, the way we use internal links, technical site health, and how we approach on-page SEO all play a role in long-term success. Whether you’re writing blogs on perfectionism, optimizing service pages for trauma therapy, or building cornerstone content around burnout recovery, we make sure your SEO strategy has a strong foundation.

The Technical Side of a Strong SEO Strategy

That foundation includes thoughtful keyword integration, clean site architecture, internal linking, mobile optimization, and meta descriptions that speak to both your client and search engine intent. At Simplified SEO Consulting, our team combines expert-level optimization with thoughtful collaboration. And when needed, copywriting as an add-on. Because SEO that actually works isn’t just about technical wins or keywords; it’s about strategy that’s aligned with your practice and built to support your long-term growth.

How the Right SEO Company Supports Your Ideal Client Journey

Good SEO doesn’t just bring in more traffic. It helps the right people find you, and take that next step. That’s why we prioritize:

Using real search phrases your ideal clients are actually typing into Google.
Setting up strong internal linking so your site is easy to navigate and encourages exploration.
Optimizing technical SEO elements like site speed, mobile responsiveness, and page structure.
Making sure your cornerstone topics reflect your values and specializations.

And when you add on copywriting support with Simplified SEO Consulting, we take it a step further. We write content that feels like you and supports the client journey from search to contact. When a therapist SEO company gets this right, your website becomes more than just a digital business card. It becomes a trusted resource. Rather, a place where potential clients start to feel understood, even before they meet you.

Why We Do Things Differently at Simplified SEO Consulting

We’ve heard from so many therapists who were burned by other companies. Maybe they paid for blog content that didn’t sound like them. Or their SEO strategy focused too much on numbers and not enough on people. We’ve occasionally even had people share that the company they hired wouldn’t tell them what they were doing. No reports, no updates, and no explanation of their strategy. That’s why our SEO services for therapists are rooted in clarity, transparency, and long-term strategy. We want you to feel confident in what’s happening behind the scenes. But also know and trust that the work being done is aligned with both your goals and your values.

Whether you’re:

Brand new to SEO and want a personalized roadmap
Looking for blog support that reflects your voice and goals
Ready for a done-for-you SEO package that takes it all off your plate

We’re here to help you show up online in a way that actually feels like you. However, we don’t believe in quick wins or generic content. We believe in building something that lasts, and that feels true to the work you’ve already done in your practice.

You Deserve an SEO Partner Who Gets It

Choosing the right SEO company as a therapist isn’t about flashy marketing promises or who ranks highest in a Google search. It’s about finding a team that understands your clinical lens, values transparency, and knows how to align strategy with the real work you’re doing in the therapy room.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we know what it takes to help therapists show up online with clarity and confidence. If you’re looking for an SEO company for counselors that sees the full picture—strategy, intention, and humanity—we’d love to be your team. Because SEO is about more than rankings. It’s about helping the right clients find the support they’re already looking for, and making sure your voice is part of that conversation.

Wondering If a Therapist SEO Company Could Actually Understand Your Practice?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we’re not just another SEO agency, we’re a therapist SEO company that gets what you do. From technical optimization to content that speaks your clients’ language, we build strategies rooted in collaboration, clarity, and your clinical lens. No matter whether you’re just getting started with SEO or looking to strengthen what you already have. We’ll help you show up online in a way that’s aligned, intentional, and effective. Let us take the guesswork out of SEO, so your website can do what it’s meant to do, connect with the people who need your help.

Schedule Your Consult!
Learn About Our Team!
Follow us on Instagram and Connect with us on Facebook
Let’s build something sustainable, together.

Additional SEO & Marketing Services at Simplified SEO Consulting

Whether you’re just starting out or refining a long-term strategy, we offer therapist-centered services to meet you where you are. From SEO to content to social media, our goal is to support your growth with tools that actually make a difference. Want expert insight without doing it all yourself? Try a Strategy Session or our SEO Consulting Package. Need ongoing support? Our Maintenance and Done-for-You Programs help you stay visible and consistent. Prefer to outsource writing? Our Stand-Alone Copywriting Services deliver content that reflects your voice and connects with ideal clients. Looking to build your presence beyond your website? Our Social Media Strategy Sessions help you align your online voice with your clinical work, and our Social Media Package provides done-for-you posts to keep you active and engaging.

Wherever you’re starting, we’re here to walk with you—so you can spend more time focused on your clients, and less time figuring out how to market to them.

About the Author

Lynsey is the SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. She partners with therapists and online therapy practices to craft copy that sounds like you, reaches your ideal clients, and supports long-term SEO strategy. Whether you’re requesting a service page, a blog post, or a complete site refresh through our stand-alone copywriting services, Lynsey helps you translate your clinical voice into content that connects, and converts.

With your notes and insight guiding the process, the final result still feels like your words. It might feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s one of the most effective ways to take writing off your plate without sacrificing quality or connection. And when paired with strong SEO, that content does more than fill a page, it becomes a tool for building trust and visibility online.

July 10, 2025/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett

Content, Copy Writing

How Strategic Blogging Supports Long-Term SEO Success

If you’re showing up online as a therapist, you’ve probably heard that blogging is ‘good for SEO.’ Or maybe you’re just now hearing about things like copywriting for therapists—and wondering if it actually makes a difference. Either way, you’re not behind. No one told you that once you were licensed and seeing clients, you’d also need to learn how to market yourself online. That’s not a failure on your part, it’s the reality of private practice. And while it’s true that blogging can help your website rank, that only happens when your content is created with strategy, clarity, and your ideal client in mind.

Let’s break down what that really means. Especially if you’re navigating private practice life, balancing a packed caseload, or just wondering if a blog is really worth the effort. (Spoiler: it can be, if done well.)

Blogging Isn’t About Chasing Keywords Anymore

Search engine optimization has come a long way from keyword stuffing and clickbait titles. These days, Google’s algorithms are designed to prioritize relevance, clarity, and quality. So yes, keywords still matter! But only when they support meaningful content that answers a real question your client is searching for. That means not just copy and pasting whatever ChatGPT, or any other AI, writes for you.

Not having vague and generic content is especially important if your practice focuses on nuanced topics. Think things like trauma, relational healing, or identity work. The niches that clients may be hesitant to talk about at first. When your blogs offer clarity, normalization, and validation around these searches, your content becomes a bridge, not just a billboard.

As a Therapist, That’s Your Superpower.

You understand what people are struggling with. Strategic blogging helps you use that insight to create clear, client-centered content. Content that not only Google can find but also content that your ideal client can connect with. It’s not about chasing trends, even though it definitely feels like it sometimes. Writing quality content is about creating depth, consistency, and visibility in a way that feels aligned with your work.

Your content should speak to your ideal client. It should tell them how you can help, how you SEE them, and what’s possible when they take that first step toward working with you. This starts by offering them information, answering the questions they have, and creating a sense of safety and clarity in how you show up. That’s how connection, and eventually conversion, begins.

What Does Strategic Blogging Actually Do for SEO?

When you blog with the intent to inform and connect with your ideal clients, blogging can play a critical role in long-term SEO success. Not only in relating to clients, but technically as well (check out Local SEO and you’ll understand). But the real question is, how? Let’s talk about it:

Blogging Consistently Shows Your Website is Active

I’m sure you’ve written a blog to only think, “No one is going to see this.” But that’s not true. Google notices when you publish, update, or add any kind of content (or technical tune ups). It actually favors websites that are active and frequently updated. When you blog consistently, it tells Google that your website isn’t sitting stagnant.

It shows you’re engaged, keeping things up to date, and paying attention to what your potential clients may need right now. Not just what you wrote about a year ago. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to post weekly, even though we definitely recommend it or more depending on your SEO Rankings. Even a single well-written blog each month tells Google, and your clients, that your practice is active, thoughtful, and worth paying attention to.

It Allows You to Target Long-Tail Keywords

The great thing about blogging is that you can incorporate keywords that you are wanting to rank for. Especially the specific, lower keyword difficulty long-tail keywords that your ideal clients are typing into Google. Think “therapy for perfectionism in New York” or “how trauma affects relationships”. These phrases might seem oddly specific or even a little awkward at first, but that’s exactly why they work. They reflect the real, often vulnerable language people use when they’re searching for support.

Which makes them powerful tools for connection and visibility. Using these phrases and highly asked questions as blog titles, headings, or keywords, you’re expanding your reach. Plus, you’re drawing in clients who are looking for someone like you by answering the questions they really want to know.

You’re Able to Build Internal Links That Guide Visitors

Have you ever read a book series and wondered if there was another book, or realized the story made more sense when you read them in the right order? That’s what internal linking can do for your blog content. It helps guide readers through a logical flow and answers their next question before they even ask it. Not to mention it keeps them engaged on your site longer. Strategic blog posts create opportunities to internally link to your service pages and other blog posts. That’s not just good for SEO, it’s good for your reader. Internal links help guide visitors through your website, keep them engaged longer, and show Google how your content is connected.

Clients, and Google, like to see that you’re linking other blogs or pages that are relevant. For example, an ideal client is reading your relationship trauma therapy page. They might want to read a blog that breaks down how attachment wounds show up in adult relationships. Or they may be looking for something that explores how trauma can affect boundaries and communication. When you link to that next post, you’re not just helping your SEO, you’re supporting your client’s journey by anticipating what they need next.

It Showcases Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness

Let’s be honest, there are a lot more therapists who provide therapy in your area. It doesn’t matter where you’re located, your potential clients still have options. There are therapists nearby, as well as those licensed to see clients across multiple states through telehealth. What makes you stand out isn’t just location. It’s your voice, your approach, and the way you connect with your audience through your content.

Blogging gives you a chance to show your potential clients how you think and what your approach to therapy looks like. It’s a space where you can highlight your values, personality, and clinical style. Which is something that’s hard to capture on a standard service page. That familiarity builds trust before they ever reach out. And often, that trust is what turns a curious visitor into someone ready to schedule.

Supporting Blogs vs. Cornerstone Blogs: What’s the Difference?

When we talk about strategic blogging, we’re not just throwing content at a wall to see what sticks. A smart content strategy includes both cornerstone blogs and supporting blogs, and each plays a different role. Besides service pages, cornerstone and supporting blogs are how therapists build out a content ecosystem that actually supports long-term SEO growth. They help organize your website in a way that’s both user-friendly and Google-friendly. answering you to answer big questions through cornerstone blogs, and get into the details with supporting posts that link it all together.

However, I often get asked what the difference is besides the length.

I wrote a blog about it, but here is a quick rundown:

Cornerstone blogs are your foundational pieces (being 2,000 words). They cover a big, central topic (like anxiety therapy, attachment theory, perfectionism, or burnout) in-depth. This content serves as a way to explain your overall niche in depth and touch on different aspects of it. These are the posts you want to rank highly and serve as an anchor for related content. Remember, always link your cornerstone in your supporting blogs.

Now, supporting blogs are smaller (generally 850-1,000 words) and more specific posts that link back to your cornerstone blog but focus on a specific aspect of it. They explore subtopics or answer specific questions. These questions can be like “What does high-functioning anxiety look like at work?” or “How does people-pleasing affect relationships?”

When three supporting blogs all link back to a cornerstone post, it sends a strong signal to Google that the cornerstone content is valuable and central to your site. It’s a way of creating structure and relevance that search engines (and clients) can follow more easily.

Where a SEO Copywriting Service Comes In

Most therapists aren’t short on insight, but they are short on time. Between client care, notes, and running your practice, writing consistent blogs can feel impossible. Maybe it’s the one thing on your list that never quite gets checked off, or the task you avoid because writing feels draining, even though you know it matters. That’s where a professional SEO copywriting service can help.

If you’re already using or considering copywriting for therapists, you’re probably looking for someone who can step into your voice and understand the complexities of your work. You want content that sounds like you, but also supports your SEO goals. This person needs to understand the clinical depth and the marketing purpose. You shouldn’t have to choose between the two.

For example, here’s what different levels of blogging support might look like:

For a supporting blog you can choose the topic and provide some context or notes, and your copywriter turns it into a polished, thoughtful post.
Another option for a supporting blog is getting keyword research and writing support. These are great for smaller topics or to build out the structure around a cornerstone.
For a cornerstone blog you can get deeper SEO strategy and a comprehensive, well-organized post. One that targets a highly-searched topic your ideal clients care about.

The goal of a good SEO copywriting service isn’t just to write pretty blogs, it’s to make sure your content is working for you. Hiring someone to write your blogs can feel weird at first—like handing over something that should come directly from you. But with your input, your notes, and your clinical insight, the content is still yours. A good copywriter doesn’t replace your voice—they help you shape it clearly and consistently. This is one of the easiest ways to take content creation off your plate while still getting the long-term SEO results you want.

What Long-Term SEO Success Looks Like

The beauty of strategic blogging is that its impact builds over time. When you consistently publish content that’s helpful, relevant, and tied together by a smart internal linking structure, a few key things start to happen:

Your website gets more organic traffic.
Your pages start ranking for a variety of related keywords.
You build authority in your niche.
Visitors stay on your site longer and are more likely to convert.

And now, with the rise of AI-generated search results, Google is evolving how it measures success. Instead of focusing only on clicks, impressions (how often your site appears in search results) are becoming an important benchmark. Google’s AI may pull content from your site to help answer a user’s question directly.

That means your blog is still doing its job, even if the user doesn’t click through right away. More impressions mean more chances to be seen, recognized, and eventually chosen. It’s not about instant results. It’s about laying the foundation now so your content continues working behind the scenes—boosting visibility, building recognition, and supporting your long-term growth.

If You’re Just Getting Started…

Don’t stress about doing everything at once. Start with a cornerstone blog on a topic you care about. Think about what your ideal client is searching for, and what questions they need answered before they reach out for support.

From there, build out a few supporting blogs to add depth and internal links. And if writing isn’t your thing, or you’re just too overwhelmed, that’s where a copywriter (hi!) can help.

Let Your Content Work for You

Blogging doesn’t have to be a chore, and it doesn’t have to be random. With the right strategy, your blogs can do more than fill space. They can build trust, boost your SEO, and bring the right clients to your door. If you’re looking for support with copywriting for therapists or need a thoughtful SEO copywriting service, you’re in the right place. Because the work you do matters, and your content should reflect that.

Looking for Copywriting for Therapists That Feels Like You, And Works for SEO?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we offer copywriting for therapists that balances your clinical voice with strategy. Our team creates thoughtful, SEO-informed content that builds trust with your ideal clients and helps you show up in search results. Whether you need one blog, a cornerstone post, or a full content plan, we’ll help you share what matters in a way that’s clear, grounded, and true to your practice. If writing feels overwhelming, but you still want your website to reflect the work you do, schedule a consult today. We’ll help you create content that supports your clients and your long-term SEO goals.

Schedule Your Consult!
Learn About Our Team!
Let us take the writing off your plate, so your website can connect with clients, reflect your voice, and rank on Google.

Additional SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting

Whether you’re just starting with SEO or refining a long-term strategy, our therapist-focused services are designed to meet you where you are. We’re here to help your content work smarter—not harder. Want to stay involved but need a little direction? Our Strategy Sessions and SEO Consulting Package offer personalized guidance without the overwhelm. Need steady support? Our Maintenance and Done-for-You Programs keep your site active and optimized over time. Just want someone to take the writing off your plate? Our Stand-Alone Copywriting Service is ideal for therapists who want thoughtful, SEO-informed content without the stress of writing it themselves.

Wherever you’re starting, we’re here to help you create content that reflects your voice, connects with clients, and grows your online presence.

About the Author

Need content that sounds like you and still gets found on Google? Lynsey is the SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting who helps therapists and online providers write content that feels aligned, grounded, and strategic. Whether it’s a single blog or a copywriting full cornerstone series, she works with you to turn your insight and notes into clear, SEO-informed content that supports your practice and resonates with the clients you’re meant to serve. Through our stand-alone copywriting services, Lynsey helps you get your message out—without having to do it all yourself.

June 12, 2025/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett

Content, Copy Writing

5 Therapist Website Mistakes That Hurt Your SEO—And What to Do Instead

As a therapist, you know that your website is often the first impression you make on a potential client. It’s more than just a digital business card, it’s your chance to build connection, trust, and clarity before someone even reaches out. But if your content isn’t pulling its weight, you may be missing opportunities to reach the people who need your help the most. That’s where intentional copywriting for therapists becomes essential. Even the most caring, insightful clinicians can struggle with writing about what they do. That’s completely understandable. Most therapist training programs don’t include modules on copywriting or search engine optimization (SEO).

But the truth is, how you write and organize your website content plays a huge role in how well your site ranks on Google. It also affects how well it resonates with your ideal client once they land on it. Below, we’ll walk through five common therapist website content mistakes that can hurt your SEO and make it harder for people to find you online. Plus, we’ll talk about how intentional writing and professional copywriting services can help you turn things around.

1. Using Vague Language That Doesn’t Speak to Your Ideal Client

You offer compassionate, expert care. But is your website content making that clear to the people you want to reach? One of the most common mistakes therapists make is writing in vague, general terms that don’t speak to a specific audience. Phrases like “I help people navigate life challenges” or “I offer a safe space for healing” may feel authentic, but they don’t paint a clear picture of who you help or how you help them. When potential clients read your website, they should feel like you understand exactly what they’re going through, and that you know how to support them.

How to Fix It:

Start by getting crystal clear on your ideal client. Who are they? What are they struggling with? What are they searching for online? Once you know that, use your website content to speak directly to them. For example: Instead of: “I help people through anxiety and stress.” Try: “As a therapist based in Austin, I specialize in helping ambitious women in their 30s who appear to have it all together on the outside, but are overwhelmed, overcommitted, and exhausted on the inside. Together, we work on managing high-functioning anxiety and learning to set healthy, guilt-free boundaries that honor their time, energy, and emotional needs.”

This kind of copy doesn’t just connect emotionally, it also helps Google understand what your site is about. That’s the sweet spot where copywriting and SEO work hand-in-hand.

2. Ignoring Location-Based Keywords

If you work with clients in a specific geographic area, your website needs to reflect that, plain and simple. One of the most frequent SEO copywriting mistakes therapists make is not including their location enough (or at all) in their copy with keywords. If someone searches for “trauma therapy in Denver” but your site only says “I provide trauma therapy” with no mention of location, you’re missing a huge opportunity.

How to Fix It:

Use your city or region in natural ways throughout your content. This includes:

Your homepage headline or subheading
Service page introductions
Meta descriptions and title tags
Blog content and supporting headings

For example: “I offer EMDR therapy” becomes “I offer EMDR therapy in Chapel Hill, NC, to help adults process trauma and build emotional resilience.”

It’s a simple change, but one that makes a big difference in local search visibility.

3. Writing Without Structure (No Subheadings or Formatting)

No one likes reading a wall of text, including your potential clients. Large blocks of unformatted content are hard to skim, especially on mobile devices, and can cause visitors to click away before they find what they need. Plus, search engines rely on structured content to understand the hierarchy and relevance of your page. If your content lacks headers and logical flow, it’s harder for Google to know what to rank you for.

How to Fix It:

Break your content into smaller sections with clear, relevant subheadings. This helps both your readers and search engines. Think about how someone might scan your content. Can they quickly find answers to their questions?

Use H2s and H3s to organize your ideas, and include keywords where appropriate (without forcing it).

For example:

What to Expect in Therapy
My Approach to Anxiety Treatment in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Counseling

Good structure = better readability and stronger SEO.

4. Letting Stale Copy Linger

Therapists are busy. It’s easy to let your website content sit untouched for months or even years. But if your content is outdated, inaccurate, or no longer reflective of your practice, it could be doing more harm than good. Search engines prioritize websites that are active and up to date. If your last blog was published in 2021 or your service descriptions don’t reflect your current specialties, Google (and your potential clients) might overlook you.

How to Fix It:

Review and update your content regularly. Make a habit of revisiting key pages at least twice a year. Add new blog posts or refresh older ones with updated insights, statistics, or links to newer articles.

If you’re offering new services, changed locations, or refined your approach, make sure your copy reflects that. This is where working with a copywriter who understands SEO can make a huge difference. Our copywriting services can help you keep your site fresh without you having to rewrite everything yourself.

5. Skipping Calls to Action or Internal Links

Your website isn’t just there to inform, it’s there to guide your reader. What do you want them to do next? Book a consult? Read another blog? Contact you? If your content doesn’t include clear calls to action (CTAs) or internal links, you’re leaving your site visitors at a dead end. That not only impacts your engagement rate, but it can also hurt your SEO.

How to Fix It:

Make sure every page has a clear, accessible CTA. These don’t have to be pushy. A simple line like, “Ready to get started? Contact me today to schedule your free consultation” goes a long way.

Also, use internal links to guide readers to related content. For example, link a blog about panic attacks to your anxiety treatment service page. This improves site structure and helps search engines crawl your site more effectively.

Bringing It All Together: Copywriting and SEO That Work for You

Your website should work as hard as you do. Avoiding these five common missteps can help ensure that your site not only ranks well but also connects with the clients who are already searching for support. And if writing all of this sounds like… a lot? You’re not alone. That’s why we offer professional copywriting for therapists, so you can focus on your clients while we handle the words that help them find you. Whether you want a content refresh, blog support, or fully optimized service pages, our copywriting services are designed to support your practice and grow your visibility online. Because when copywriting and SEO work together, your message reaches the people who need it most.

Ready to Get Strategic with Copywriting for Therapists?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in copywriting for therapists that does more than sound nice, it works. Our team creates SEO-optimized content that builds connection, improves search rankings, and helps your ideal clients find you online. Whether you’re looking for blog support, service page rewrites, or a full site refresh, we’re here to help you tell your story in a way that’s clear, compelling, and client-centered.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck with what to say, or just want your website to finally reflect the heart of your practice, schedule a consult today. Let’s create content that works for you and the people you’re meant to help.

Schedule Your Consult!
Learn About Our Team!
Let us take the writing off your plate, so you can have therapist website copy that connects with clients, reflects your voice, and ranks on Google.

Additional SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting

No matter where you are in your SEO journey, we offer therapist-centered services to help you grow. Whether you’re new to SEO or looking to deepen your strategy, we’ve got you covered.

Want expert insight without doing it all yourself? Try a Strategy Session or our SEO Consulting Package. Looking for ongoing support? Our Maintenance and Done-for-You Programs help you stay visible and consistent. Just need someone to write the words? Our Stand-Alone Copywriting Service delivers content that connects—and converts. Wherever you’re starting, our team is here to support your growth with strategic, therapist-centered SEO support.

About the Author

Need support writing content that truly reflects your practice, and gets found on Google? Lynsey is the SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting who helps therapists and online therapy providers craft copy that connects with clients and ranks well online. From SEO-friendly blogs to optimized service pages, she helps you say what you mean without the stress of figuring it all out on your own. Through our stand-alone copywriting services, Lynsey helps you build a website that feels like you and brings in the clients you’re meant to help

May 6, 2025/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett

Content, Copy Writing

Copywriting Services for Therapists: From AI Tools to SEO Experts—What’s Right for You?

When you think about the words on your website, do you feel confident they’re working as hard as you are? No matter whether it’s your homepage, a blog post, or a service page. Your website content should do more than just explain what you do. It should reflect the heart of your practice, build trust with your ideal clients, and help search engines like Google understand how to rank your site. Did you just stop and think, “What now?” Trust me, you’re not the only one. Many therapists feel unsure about where to start when it comes to writing content. Especially, content that connects with both humans and algorithms.

Which let’s start with: this is valid. You were never told that along with being a therapist, you were going to be a one person marketing team. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go back to school for a marketing degree. You just need some guidance and tips on how to effectively write content that engages your audience and boosts your online presence. Good news, there are plenty of ways to tackle copywriting for therapists! You can use AI writing tools, handle the writing yourself, or bring in a team like ours at Simplified SEO Consulting. Each option has its perks. In this blog, we’ll break down what each approach involves, help you decide which one is the best fit for your private practice, and show you how our SEO copywriting services can take the stress off your plate if writing isn’t your thing.

Why Copywriting Matters in Private Practice

The words on your website matter. They’re your first impression, your credibility, and the difference between a client feeling understood or not. Plus, they tell Google exactly what your site’s all about. When you write multiple cornerstones and supporting blogs it shows Google that you know a lot about this topic. It makes Google look at your website and go “Wow! This person knows a lot about this.” Which established your experience, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (otherwise known as your E-E-A-T score) in Google’s eyes.

Not everyone loves blogging, and that’s totally fair. You’ve got enough on your plate running a business or managing a website. But here’s the thing: content is essential for your site’s success. It boosts your E-E-A-T score and helps with SEO. By consistently creating quality, relevant content with the right keywords, you improve your chances of showing up in Google searches. More visibility means more traffic. Simple as that. But this doesn’t mean only write for the sake of SEO. Think of this as a way to answer ideal clients’ questions and provide valuable information to potential customers. Your content should be informative, supportive and strategic in order to build trust with your audience and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. But how do you achieve this? Let’s talk about it.

Why Cornerstones Matter

Cornerstone content is key for SEO and can seriously boost your website’s Google ranking. These blogs are usually around 2,000 words, packed with information and keywords. They dive deep into a broad topic, giving readers everything they need to know. Think of them as the cornerstone content on your site, acting as the central hub for all related posts. It starts off about a generic topics such as “What is IFS Therapy in Idaho?”, but then moves on to all of the related niche topics in your industry.

This can be talking about how it works, the benefits, success stories, and even comparison to other therapies. These blogs are just for just creating filler content, even though it might feel like this when you’re writing. The cornerstones are intended to be high-quality, in-depth blogs that you’re not only showing Google your expertise. That you’re also providing valuable information to your readers. This can lead to more backlinks and shares, which are key factors in determining a website’s ranking.

Supporting Blogs

Cornerstone content is key to building authority, but it’s not the whole picture. Supporting blogs play a big role in driving traffic and adding depth to your content strategy. These shorter, focused posts dig into specific subtopics from your cornerstone articles, giving readers more value while broadening your audience. For example, if your cornerstone piece is “The Ultimate Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),” a supporting blog could explore “5 CBT Techniques to Manage Anxiety.” These smaller pieces can be shared on social media or in newsletters, attracting readers who might not immediately dive into a comprehensive guide. It’s all about creating more entry points to your content.

Revisiting and Updating Cornerstone Content

Keeping your cornerstone articles up to date is key. It’s not just about making sure the info is accurate, it’s also a chance to show search engines that your site is active and well-maintained. For example, if you’ve got a cornerstone article about “Therapy Basics,” you could add a new case study about how a specific therapeutic approach, like CBT, helped clients manage anxiety. Include updated research or examples to keep it fresh and relevant. It’s also a great time to add internal links to newer articles. Let’s say you’ve recently written about “How to Find the Right Therapist,” link it to your cornerstone piece to help readers explore related topics. Bonus: this improves your website’s structure and navigation. And don’t forget, updating content can give you a search engine ranking boost. Freshness matters, so regularly refreshing your cornerstone articles can help drive more organic traffic to your site.

But How Do You Choose the Right Topics For Content?

Great question! One strategy is to think about commonly asked questions (or find them on Google) or pain points that your ideal clients talk about in therapy. Another approach is researching popular and relevant keywords can help guide your topic selection process. If you know your ideal clients are searching for “therapist for trauma” you can write blog about the benefits of therapy for trauma or what to expect in trauma therapy. Here’s an example, let’s say you’re a trauma therapist in Houston. You know your ideal client is someone struggling with complex PTSD who wants to work with a clinician using EMDR.

A strong blog that uses relevant phrases like “trauma therapy in Houston” and “EMDR for PTSD” not only speaks to the client directly, it also helps Google recognize what your page is about. Don’t underestimate the value of the questions you hear all the time in your practice. These highly asked questions aren’t just helpful for consults, they’re also a powerful tool for shaping your content strategy. Whether they come up in sessions or show up frequently in search results, they reveal exactly what your ideal clients are curious about. Copywriting services can be a great way to help you integrate these.

Use Questions From Clients Effectively

Instead of trying to squeeze a long FAQ section onto every page, think about how you can use these questions more strategically. One client question could inspire an entire blog post. Others might work perfectly as headings or subheadings that guide your reader through a blog. For example, rather than titling a section “Benefits of Therapy,” you might use a question like “How Can Therapy Help Me Manage Anxiety?” It’s more engaging and aligned with how real people search. By weaving these questions naturally into your content, you’re not only improving readability and connection—you’re also increasing the chances that your website will show up when someone types that exact question into Google.

Use Highly Asked Questions to Highlight Your Unique Approach

If you want your ideal clients to understand your approach, answering their most highly asked questions is a great place to start. These are the questions that come up again and again in consults, intake sessions, or even casual conversations about therapy. When you respond to these directly in your content, you’re not only making your website more helpful, but also more personal and engaging. For example, if clients often ask how your holistic approach compares to more traditional therapy models.

You can use that as an opportunity to clearly explain what makes your method different and why it might resonate with certain clients. This way you can weave in your favorite tools or techniques, share how you work with specific populations, or clarify what sets your process apart. These real-world questions are gold when it comes to creating content that builds trust and positions you as the expert your clients are looking for.

How AI Tools Can Help You Get Started

Staring at a blank screen can feel overwhelming, but AI tools can be a great way to get the ball rolling. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or SurferSEO are designed to generate quick drafts, giving you something solid to work with. If you’re a therapist who tends to overthink or get stuck in perfectionism, these tools can help you get started. For example, you could ask ChatGPT to draft a blog post titled “How to Cope with Anxiety Before Your First Therapy Session.” It might give you an outline with an introduction, tips like practicing deep breathing or preparing questions for your therapist, and a simple closing. From there, you can tweak it, add your voice, share specific techniques you recommend, or include personal insights that align with your approach. It doesn’t have to be perfect from the start, just enough to get the ideas flowing!

AI-Generated Content Isn’t Something You Can Just Copy and Paste.

It needs editing. Sometimes it feels too generic, too polished, or just misses the mark. But as a starting point? It’s a real time-saver. Think of it like a rough draft that can help you go from concept to final content much faster. For example, let’s say you’re writing a blog post about “10 Tips for Avoiding Burnout”. AI can help you naturally include keywords like “work burnout” or “emotional exhaustion without sounding forced. But be careful, if you repeat “work burnout” 20 times in the same post, Google might ding your rankings. AI is great for generating ideas and laying a foundation, but you still need to bring in SEO best practices (which our copywriting services can help with) and your own expertise to make the content shine.

The Case for DIY Copywriting for Therapists

Writing your own content can be incredibly empowering. After all, no one understands your clients, your approach, or your philosophy better than you do. DIY copywriting lets you stay in full control of your brand voice and messaging while creating content that genuinely reflects your work. But, as you may know, it can also take a lot of time. Many therapists end up writing late at night, overthinking every word, or struggling to make it sound “just right.” That’s where a little strategy (and the right tools) can make all the difference. If you’re going the DIY route, start by considering what your ideal clients are actually searching for.

Pay attention to the questions clients ask during consultations. Are they asking if therapy is covered by insurance or the difference between EMDR and talk therapy? Boom! Those are your blog topics. Also, check your Google Analytics. Look at your top pages, where people drop off, and what keywords are bringing them in. That is a great source of information for creating targeted, relevant content. It tells you exactly what your audience wants. Then, weave your keywords in naturally. Instead of cramming “therapy in Atlanta” into every sentence, say something like, “As an anxiety therapist in Atlanta, I help clients manage panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and chronic stress.” The keyword’s there, but it reads like it’s written for actual humans, which is what Google loves.

Blending SEO and Copywriting for Therapists

It can often feel like they are separate, but copywriting and SEO are not separate strategies. However, it works best when it’s seamless. Writing for search engines isn’t about cramming in keywords even though integrating those is important. It’s about creating content that’s helpful, engaging, and uses the right words in the right spots. Such as titles, meta descriptions, subheadings, and naturally throughout the text. Let’s say you’re a couples therapist in Denver. You write a blog called “How to Rebuild Trust After Infidelity,” covering topics like emotional challenges and how therapy can help. By naturally including phrases like “couples counseling in Denver” or “trust issues in relationships,” your blog has a better chance of appearing when locals search those terms. That’s how thoughtful writing and smart SEO work together.

When SEO Copywriting Services Are the Best Fit

Writing your own content can be rewarding, but let’s face it, it’s a lot of work. Especially when you’re already busy running your private practice. If writing feels like just another thing on your growing to-do list, or you’re not sure how to make it work for SEO, that’s where we step in. Our SEO stand-alone copywriting services do more than just give you something to post. We handle the entire process, from brainstorming to delivering a fully optimized draft, so you can focus on your clients and your practice. As your copywriter, I don’t just create content that sounds nice. I write with SEO in mind from the start. That means naturally incorporating keywords and structuring content around what your ideal clients are searching for. Plus, everything we write reflects your voice while staying aligned with SEO best practices.

Looking for Quick and Affordable Copywriting Services?

Our AI-assisted blog package is a great way to get consistent content out there. We use AI tools to create a foundation, then I step in to refine the voice, improve readability, and ensure the piece reflects your brand and speaks to your ideal client. Want something completely custom? We offer fully tailored blogs and service pages written from scratch. After a 30-minute strategy call where we get clear on your goals, specialties, and audience, I craft content that reflects your practice, integrates strategic keywords, and sets you up for long-term visibility. Whether you’re looking to rank for a phrase like “narcissistic abuse recovery therapy” or highlight a niche like “child anxiety treatment in Orange County,” we’ll create copy that’s optimized and deeply aligned with your practice.

Choosing What Works for You

Love writing and want to own your content? DIY copywriting might be your thing. Prefer to speed things up with AI but still keep your voice? AI-assisted content could be the way to go. Or maybe you’d rather hand it all over to a pro so you can focus on your work. SEO copywriting services have you covered. Whatever path you take, remember: great content is an investment. It builds better rankings, drives more traffic, and helps clients connect with your message from the very first click.

Ready to Invest in SEO Copywriting Services?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we help therapists and other helping professionals create content that reflects who they are and helps them show up online. From blogs to service pages, we provide high-quality, SEO-optimized content that builds trust with your audience and improves your visibility in search results. If you’re ready to stop worrying about what to write and start seeing better results, schedule a consult with us today to talk about copywriting services. Let’s work together to make your website a place where your ideal clients feel understood, supported, and ready to take the next step.

Schedule Your Consult!
Learn About Our Team!
Get content that connects with clients and climbs the rankings, without the writing stress.

Additional SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting

Whether you’re just starting to explore SEO or are looking to refine your strategy, Simplified SEO Consulting offers a range of services designed with therapists in mind. Our specialized solutions are tailored to the unique needs of mental health professionals and online therapy providers, ensuring your content connects with your ideal audience. If you’re new to SEO, our Strategy Sessions are the perfect way to build a strong foundation. For those seeking ongoing support, our SEO Consulting Package provides customized guidance to help you optimize your content. We also have our Local SEO packagefor those looking to expand their online presence and connect with local clients. Or our Technical SEO package for those wanting to improve website speed and user experience.

Maybe you’re a past client or someone who needs consistent help, you can benefit from our SEO maintenance packages. They are designed to keep your content performing well over time. Prefer a hands-off approach? Our Done for You Programoffers comprehensive support from our experienced team, so you can focus on your practice while we handle the optimization. Or, there’s our Stand-Alone Copywriting Service for those who just need help with writing engaging and SEO-friendly content. Whatever your needs may be, Simplified SEO Consulting has a solution to support your journey towards online success as a helping professional.

Listen to Our From Keywords to Connections Podcast: Marketing With Heart – How Helping Professionals Can Stay True to Their Values Online

About the Author

Struggling to create content that connects with your ideal clients and ranks well on Google? Meet Lynsey, the SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. She helps therapists, counselors, and online therapy providers craft content that speaks to their audience while boosting search rankings. Whether it’s writing SEO-friendly blogs, optimizing service pages, or creating engaging website copy, Lynsey takes the stress of content creation off your plate. All with our stand-alone copywriting services. Her approach ensures your content is clear, strategic, and designed to grow your online visibility. If you’re looking for advice or need hands-off copywriting services tailored for mental health professionals, Simplified SEO Consulting is here to help. Let’s turn your website into a powerful tool for attracting the clients you want!

April 3, 2025/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett

AI SEO, Content, Copy Writing

Content is Still King; It Just Looks a Little Different: An SEO Truth for 2025

The mantra “Content is King” has been around for quite a while—and has probably been true for even longer. However, how we define “content” and what makes it effective have evolved significantly over time. From the early days of keyword stuffing to the era of long-form blogs and now into the AI-driven landscape of 2025, content creation continues to be the cornerstone of SEO success. The key is understanding how it has changed—and why it still wears the crown.

Content: From Quantity to Quality

Not long ago, the focus on blogging and website content was about quantity. Marketers pumped out long blogs filled with repetitive keywords, often sacrificing clarity and usefulness. The idea was to signal relevance to search engines through sheer volume.

That approach has since gone by the wayside. With advances in Google’s algorithm—especially through initiatives like Google Generative Search—the emphasis is now squarely on quality, context, and user experience. Google has become much better at understanding what users are actually looking for and matching search results to their intent, especially through features like voice search and AI-driven snippets.

Quality now means comprehensive, well-organized, and easy-to-navigate content. Google evaluates content not just by length or keyword density but by how well it satisfies a user’s query. Pages that answer questions quickly and thoroughly offer valuable insights and links to related resources tend to perform better in search results.

Content Creation in 2025: What Matters Most

So, is content still relevant in 2025? Absolutely. In fact, it’s more important than ever. But creating effective content today requires a different approach:

1. Topical Authority Over Single Posts

Google now evaluates how comprehensively a website covers a specific topic. This means that instead of writing one massive blog post, it’s better to develop a series of smaller, well-structured blogs that dive into specific subtopics. Interlinking those blogs with each other—and with related service pages—helps Google understand that your site is a trusted source of expertise.

Building topical authority takes planning and consistency. Consider organizing your content into clusters around core themes. For example, if your core topic is anxiety treatment, you might write a hub page and then internally link to subtopics like panic attacks, CBT, and grounding techniques. Each page supports the others and demonstrates depth of knowledge.

2. User Intent is Everything

Content should be designed to meet users where they are in their search journey. Are they looking for quick definitions, how-to guidance, in-depth information, or comparisons? Write with that intent in mind. An 800-word blog that directly answers a user’s question may rank better and drive more traffic than a 2,000-word post filled with fluff.

Understanding intent means doing keyword research differently—looking at questions, people also ask questions, and analyzing the language people use when searching. If a user is looking for “how to start therapy,” they’re probably seeking simple, approachable guidance—not a textbook-level explanation. Align your tone and structure accordingly.

3. Optimizing Content for Voice Search

Voice search continues to grow as smart speakers, mobile devices, and virtual assistants become more integrated into daily life. People are now speaking their queries more conversationally—for example: “What are the signs of burnout in therapists?” or “How do I find a trauma therapist near me?”

To optimize for voice search:

Use natural language and a conversational tone.
Structure your content around questions and answers.
Include clear, concise headings and subheadings.
Incorporate FAQs to mirror common voice search phrasing.
Use schema markup when possible to highlight key answers.

This type of content also helps you show up in featured snippets, position zero, or AI-generated answers, making it more likely that your content will be seen and clicked.

4. Simplify, Don’t Overwhelm

Remember: you are writing for your audience, not for other experts in your field. Avoid jargon and break down complex concepts into digestible, easy-to-understand content. A clear, friendly, and informative tone will outperform overly technical or dense writing every time.

This is especially important for service-based businesses like private practices. Your ideal client likely doesn’t know what “somatic processing” or “schema therapy” means. But they do know they feel stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed. Speak to those experiences and guide them gently toward solutions using accessible, compassionate language.

5. Write Content for AI as Well as Humans

With the rise of AI-generated snippets and featured results, your content needs to serve both human readers and machine learning algorithms. One of the best ways to do this is by including FAQ sections that answer common questions. Think about the inquiries you hear from clients and address them in your blog. Doing so increases the likelihood that your content will be pulled into AI-generated search answers.

You can also structure content using bullet points, numbered lists, and tables—all of which are easier for AI to parse and summarize. Include definitions, quick answers at the top of the page, and content that anticipates the “next question” a reader might ask.

The Bottom Line: Content Still Reigns—But It’s Smarter Now

The truth is that content will still wear the SEO crown in 2025. But today, it’s not about how much you can say—it’s about saying the right things, in the right way, to the right people. High-quality, well-structured, user-focused content that aligns with AI and voice search trends is what wins in today’s SEO landscape.

As search technology advances, so too must our approach to content creation. It’s not just about ranking—it’s about creating meaningful, useful experiences for your audience. And that means embracing the evolution of content with strategy, empathy, and a commitment to delivering real value.

Content is still king—but it’s a more refined, intentional ruler now. Invest in creating value, building trust, and speaking directly to the needs of your audience. That’s the kind of content that ranks, converts, and grows your business.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in helping private practice owners and small business entrepreneurs harness the power of strategic content. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your site’s authority with high-quality, optimized blog posts, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

If writing content feels overwhelming or you simply don’t have the time, let us take it off your plate. From copywriting to advanced SEO strategies, we’ll help your content work smarter—so you don’t have to work harder.

Let’s turn your expertise into content that gets results. Reach out today to learn more about our copywriting and content creation services.

Services Offered at Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we provide a range of services to help helping professionals achieve their goals and grow their practices:

Done for You SEO: Comprehensive SEO services managed entirely by our team.
Do It Yourself SEO: Learn to implement SEO strategies with expert guidance.
Strategy Sessions: Personalized sessions to develop a tailored SEO plan.
Consultation Sessions: In-depth advice to optimize your online presence.
Technical SEO: Improve your website’s structure and performance.
Local SEO: Enhance visibility in specific geographic areas.
Stand-Alone Copywriting: High-quality, SEO-optimized content for your website

About the Author

Mary Walker is the proud owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, a company dedicated to helping private practice owners and small businesses grow through strategic search engine optimization. Since taking the helm, Mary has continued to build upon the company’s strong foundation, guiding the team to empower hundreds of businesses to connect with their ideal clients and achieve sustainable growth.

With Master’s degrees in Digital Marketing and Psychology, Mary brings a unique blend of expertise to her work, combining a deep understanding of human behavior with advanced SEO techniques. Her leadership ensures that Simplified SEO Consulting remains a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

When Mary isn’t leading her team or strategizing SEO solutions, she’s a proud wife, a mom of five, an avid crocheter, and a devoted football fan. Her passion for ethical practices, meaningful connections, and creating balance in life shines through in everything she does.

April 2, 2025/0 Comments/by Mary Walker

Content, Copy Writing, SEO Tips

What Is a Cornerstone Blog & Why Does It Matter for SEO?

If you’ve been creating content for a while, you probably know that blogs are a key part of a strong SEO strategy. But here’s the thing—not all blogs have the same impact. Some posts answer quick questions, while others serve as the foundation of your entire content strategy. That’s where cornerstone blogs come in.

Think of a cornerstone blog as the ultimate guide to a topic you want to rank for. It’s the go-to resource that ties together all your related content, builds authority, and helps search engines understand what your site is all about. If you want to rank for competitive keywords, cornerstone blogs are your secret weapon.

Search engines, like Google, rely on cornerstone blogs as authoritative pillars that help them understand the depth of your website’s content. A well-crafted cornerstone blog doesn’t just talk about a subject—it serves as an anchor for your entire site’s SEO strategy, boosting your chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) by establishing your practice as a leading authority in your field.

In this post, we’ll break down what a cornerstone blog is, why it’s so important for SEO, and how to create one that actually helps you rank.

What is a Cornerstone Blog?

A cornerstone blog is a foundational piece of content that covers a broad, high-value topic in depth. Unlike short-form blogs that may answer a single question, cornerstone content is comprehensive and highly informative—designed to be the best resource on the topic. These blogs are usually longer than standard posts. We aim for 2,000-word cornerstone pieces.

For example, if your website focuses on depression treatment, a cornerstone blog might be “The Ultimate Guide to Depression Treatment Options in Houston, Texas.” Then, supporting blogs could dive into subtopics like DBT for Depression, Mindfulness Techniques, or Medication vs. Therapy.

The goal? To establish authority in your niche, improve SEO rankings, and make it easier for search engines (and readers) to find your most important content.

Why Does a Cornerstone Blog Matter for SEO?

If you’re a therapist or helping professional trying to reach more clients online, a cornerstone blog can be a game-changer. Instead of several posts on similar topics, this blog serves as a foundational piece that establishes your expertise and helps potential clients find you more easily. Here’s why it matters:

Boosts Authority & Rankings – Search engines favor well-structured, authoritative content. A cornerstone blog helps Google recognize your site as a trusted resource, making it easier for clients to find you.

Supports Internal Linking – By linking your other blog posts back to this main resource, you create a strong site structure that improves SEO and keeps readers engaged.

Improves User Experience – Potential clients often have a lot of questions. A cornerstone blog gives them a comprehensive, go-to resource that answers those questions in one place, building trust before they even reach out.

Targets Competitive Keywords – Ranking for broad, high-traffic keywords (like “trauma therapy” or “anxiety counseling”) is tough, but a cornerstone blog makes it possible by strengthening your site’s overall relevance.

How to Identify & Optimize Cornerstone Content

When it comes to creating effective cornerstone content, it’s all about strategy. Here’s how you can identify and optimize it for maximum impact:

Choose the Right Topic

Your cornerstone blog should focus on a broad, evergreen topic that aligns with your practice’s core services or expertise. Think of topics that provide lasting value to your audience and are likely to attract consistent search traffic. For therapists and helping professionals, this could be something like “How Online Therapy Can Help with Anxiety” or “The Benefits of Couples Therapy in Seattle, WA.” These are the kinds of topics that will resonate with both your ideal clients and search engines.

Optimize for Keywords

To make sure your cornerstone blog gets the attention it deserves, you need to target the right keywords. Start by selecting a primary keyword that reflects the topic and includes common search terms your audience is likely to use.

For effective keyword research, tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help you identify primary and secondary keywords. Once you have your list, make sure to naturally incorporate them throughout your blog. Use primary keywords in your title and header, while secondary keywords can be scattered throughout the content to capture variations of search intent.

Structuring your blog with clear headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs also helps both your readers and Google easily navigate the content.

Strengthen Internal Links

Internal linking is one of the best ways to enhance SEO and improve your site’s structure. Link relevant supporting content—like related blog posts or service pages—to your cornerstone blog. This not only helps drive traffic to your cornerstone content but also improves the flow of information across your website, signaling to Google that your site is well-organized and comprehensive.

Keep It Updated

A cornerstone blog isn’t a “set it and forget it” type of content. Over time, you’ll need to refresh the content to keep it relevant and valuable to your readers. Updating with new insights, statistics, or client testimonials can also signal to Google that your content is fresh and authoritative, which can help maintain or improve your rankings.

Are Readers Really Going to Read This Whole 2,000-word Blog?

Probably not—but that’s okay.

It’s true that most people aren’t going to read a long blog word for word. In fact, they’re usually skimming for specific answers to their questions. However, this is why the structure and formatting of your cornerstone blog are important!

Headings make it easier to navigate.

By breaking up the content with clear headings and subheadings, you allow readers to quickly scan the post and jump to the section that answers their exact query. This gives your audience the flexibility to engage in the way that best suits them—whether that’s jumping straight to a particular section or reading the entire post from start to finish.

Bullet points and lists are also great tools. They help highlight key information in bite-sized chunks, making it easier for both skimmers and detailed readers to find what they need.

Building your EAT score

From an SEO perspective, the longer content (around 1,500 to 2,000 words) signals to Google that your post is in-depth and authoritative. Google’s algorithms love long-form content because it generally means your post covers a topic thoroughly, which increases the chances of ranking for more competitive, broad keywords.

However, it’s important to note that quality matters more than quantity. A 2,000-word blog won’t help if it’s filled with fluff. You need meaningful content that provides value. But when written well, the longer length gives you more room to cover important details, incorporate SEO-friendly keywords, and address various aspects of the topic in one place.

So, while not every reader will take the time to read every word, the structure of your cornerstone blog ensures that both your human audience and search engines can easily digest and benefit from your content.

How Can I Get Ideas for Cornerstone Blogs?

Coming up with ideas for cornerstone blogs can feel a bit daunting, but with a little strategy, it’s actually easier than you might think. Here’s how to generate ideas that are not only relevant to your audience but will also help your SEO efforts:

1. Think About Your Core Services or Expertise

Start by thinking about your main services and the topics you’re most knowledgeable about. For therapists, this could include topics like “How to Manage Anxiety,” “What is Trauma Therapy?” or “Understanding Couples Therapy.” The key is to choose a topic that is broad enough to cover multiple aspects but specific enough to attract people searching for the exact solution.

2. Identify Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your clients probably ask you the same questions over and over. Those FAQs can be great jumping-off points for cornerstone blogs. For example, if you often get asked about how therapy works or what the differences are between types of therapy, these are all solid ideas for cornerstone content. Use tools like Google Search Console or forums like Reddit and Quora to see what questions people in your niche are asking.

3. Focus on Evergreen Topics

Cornerstone content should be evergreen—topics that are always relevant and continue to drive traffic over time. Avoid trending topics or one-time events, and instead focus on subjects that will remain valuable for months or even years. For example, rather than a blog about a specific event, consider writing about how people can cope with stress or what to expect during their first therapy session. These are topics people will always be searching for.

4. Think About Your Client’s Journey

Consider the different stages of your ideal client’s journey. A cornerstone blog should answer their most common questions and guide them along their path to seeking therapy or support. For instance, if your practice focuses on marriage counseling, a cornerstone blog might cover “Everything You Need to Know About Marriage Counseling,” which helps potential clients understand the process, benefits, and what to expect. Tailoring your content to meet your audience where they are is a great way to ensure relevance.

Final Thoughts

Creating cornerstone blogs is one of the best ways to improve your website’s SEO and reach your ideal clients. By choosing the right topic, optimizing your content with relevant keywords, and using smart internal linking strategies, you can build authority, improve user experience, and make it easier for both search engines and potential clients to find your most important content.

But we get it—not everyone has the time or expertise to tackle SEO and content creation on their own. That’s where Simplified SEO Consulting comes in. We offer stand-alone copywriting services tailored to helping professionals like you craft SEO-optimized content that resonates with your ideal clients. Whether you’re looking to create a cornerstone blog or refine your existing website copy, our SEO specialists are here to help you build content that supports your practice and boosts your online visibility.

Ready to Boost Your SEO with Cornerstone Blogs?

If you’re ready to take your website to the next level with well-crafted, SEO-optimized content, we’re here to help! At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in creating powerful, cornerstone blogs that drive traffic and build authority. Whether you need help with a single post or a full content strategy, our stand-alone copywriting services are designed to get you noticed by your ideal clients.

Ready to get started? Let’s work together to create content that works for you!

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your goals.
Learn more about cornerstone blogs and copywriting by exploring our blogs.
Discover how we can help you create content that not only ranks but also connects with the people you’re meant to serve!

Other Services Offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

In addition to our core offerings, we provide a variety of services to help you strengthen your online presence and drive meaningful results. Our Done for You SEO service delivers comprehensive SEO management, handled entirely by our experienced team, so you can focus on other aspects of your business. If you’re looking for a more tailored approach, our Strategy Sessions provide personalized consultations to develop a custom SEO plan for your needs. We also offer Consultation Sessions for in-depth advice on optimizing your website and online presence. For clients looking to improve their website’s performance, our Technical SEO service enhances your site’s structure and functionality. Our Local SEO helps boost visibility in specific geographic areas, ensuring you connect with local customers. Lastly, our Stand-Alone Copywriting service offers high-quality, SEO-optimized content tailored to your website’s needs.

March 11, 2025/0 Comments/by Olivia Ferguson

AI SEO, Content, SEO Tips, Technical SEO

The Myth of “Set It and Forget It” SEO: Why SEO is a Continuous Process in 2025

In the world of search engine optimization (SEO), one of the biggest misconceptions is that SEO is a one-and-done task. Many business owners and professionals believe that once their website is optimized, they can sit back and enjoy the benefits indefinitely. However, SEO is not a static process—it’s a continuous strategy that requires regular updates, monitoring, and adaptation to remain competitive.

While a strong foundation can set your website up for success, search algorithms, user behaviors, and industry trends are constantly changing. If you don’t stay ahead of these changes, you risk losing visibility, traffic, and ultimately, potential clients. Let’s dive into why SEO in 2025 demands ongoing effort and what you need to focus on to maintain a successful online presence.

SEO is a Long-Term Investment, Not a One-Time Fix

Many people think of SEO as a checklist—conduct keyword research, optimize meta tags, create some blog posts, and call it a day. But SEO doesn’t work that way. Google’s algorithms evolve regularly, and what worked a year ago might not be effective today. In fact, failing to update your SEO strategy can cause your rankings to decline, making it harder for your ideal clients to find you.

To maintain SEO success, you must continuously:

Monitor your rankings and traffic to spot trends and adjust accordingly.
Update content and optimize for new search trends to stay relevant.
Refine technical SEO elements, such as site structure, mobile-friendliness, and schema markup.

The Growing Importance of Schema Markup in 2025 SEO Trends

One of the clearest examples of SEO’s ongoing evolution is schema markup. Just two years ago, schema markup was useful but not a high priority for many website owners. However, with the rise of AI-driven search and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), schema markup is now a critical component of SEO success.

Schema markup provides search engines with structured data that clearly defines what your content is about. This structured data helps Google:

Understand your content more efficiently
Display rich snippets in search results
Recognize and showcase your content in AI-generated answers

If you’re not actively implementing and updating schema markup, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities to enhance your search visibility and connect with your target audience. Staying on top of these technical SEO elements ensures that your website remains competitive in AI-driven search environments.

Content SEO Trends: Quality Over Quantity

For years, the mantra in SEO has been “content is king.” While that still holds true, the definition of quality content has shifted. In the past, SEO strategies leaned heavily on keyword stuffing and excessively long blog posts packed with repetitive information. Google has since refined its algorithms to prioritize impactful, informative, and engaging content that directly answers user questions.

Today, effective content strategies focus on:

Addressing user intent by answering real questions your audience is asking.
Creating engaging, well-structured content that provides value.
Incorporating FAQs that align with search queries and enhance readability.

Google now favors content that is insightful, well-researched, and genuinely helpful over content that is just lengthy for the sake of ranking. If your content strategy is outdated, Google may ding your rankings in favor of competitors who provide more useful, up-to-date content.

Why Regular Monitoring SEO Trends and Implementing Updates Matters

SEO is not a one-time project; it’s an ongoing commitment. Businesses that neglect continuous optimization will fall behind competitors who actively adapt to search engine updates and industry trends. The key areas requiring consistent attention include:

Technical SEO Updates – Keep up with evolving best practices in mobile optimization, core web vitals, structured data, and page speed improvements.
Content Refreshing – Update existing blog posts, refresh outdated statistics, and ensure your content remains relevant.
Keyword Strategy Adjustments – Search trends change, and so should your keyword strategy. Identify emerging keywords that align with your audience’s evolving needs.
Monitoring Analytics & Performance – Regularly track your rankings, user engagement, and traffic sources to identify areas for improvement.
Competitor Analysis – Keep an eye on what competitors are doing well and adapt your strategy to maintain a competitive edge.

Final Thoughts: SEO is a Continuous Journey

If you’ve been treating SEO as a one-time project, it’s time to shift your perspective. SEO is a long-term investment that requires regular updates, strategic adjustments, and continuous learning. Trends like schema markup advancements, AI-driven search results, and evolving content expectations prove that businesses need to stay proactive to remain competitive in search rankings.

By keeping up with best practices, maintaining a user-focused content strategy, and staying ahead of algorithm updates, you’ll ensure that your website doesn’t just rank well today but continues to thrive in the future.

Need Help Keeping Up to Date on SEO Trends?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, our team specialize in helping businesses—especially therapists and helping professionals—maintain and grow their online presence with evolving SEO strategies. We stay on top of the latest industry trends so you don’t have to.

Want to make sure your SEO remains strong in 2025 and beyond? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you stay ahead in the search results!

SEO is not a “set it and forget it” strategy. It’s a continuous process that requires effort—but with the right strategy, the rewards are well worth it. Stay informed, stay proactive, and watch your online presence thrive!

Services Offered at Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we provide a range of services to help helping professionals achieve their goals and grow their practices:

Done for You SEO: Comprehensive SEO services managed entirely by our team.
Do It Yourself SEO: Learn to implement SEO strategies with expert guidance.
Strategy Sessions: Personalized sessions to develop a tailored SEO plan.
Consultation Sessions: In-depth advice to optimize your online presence.
Technical SEO: Improve your website’s structure and performance.
Local SEO: Enhance visibility in specific geographic areas.
Stand-Alone Copywriting: High-quality, SEO-optimized content for your website

About the Author

When Mary isn’t leading her team or strategizing SEO solutions, she’s a proud wife, mom of five, an avid crocheter, and a devoted football fan. Her passion for ethical practices, meaningful connections, and creating balance in life shines through in everything she does.

March 10, 2025/0 Comments/by Mary Walker

Content, SEO Basics, SEO Tips

The Intersection of SEO for Mental Health Professionals and Social Media

It’s almost unheard of for anyone to not have social media or form of online presence in this day and age. It has even become essential for mental heal professionals to establish a strong online presence. Not only on search engines but on social media. The internet has completely changed the way people look for information and connect with services. Even mental health support. As a therapist, especially one with their own private practice, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of maintaining an active and visible online presence. This way you are able to reach those who may be in need of your expertise.

As a mental health professional, having a large online presence has a lot of benefits. It allows you to reach your ideal clients that don’t necessarily live within walking or driving distance. Now, how do you enhance your online presence during this time when individuals often turn to the internet for information and resources? Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, can help! In this blog, we are going to talk about the intersection of social media and SEO for mental heal professionals.

How SEO Can Improve Your Rankings and Social Media Visibility

Whenever you have a question about something, where do you turn? More than likely, it’s to Google or another search engine of your choice. Just like you, that’s what your potential and ideal clients do, too! That’s why having a large online presence is beneficial as a mental health provider. You want your ideal client to type in keywords you rank for and your website to pop up with the answers they are looking for. Or, even enough to support them until they can see you for therapy.

This Can Be The Same Way For Social Media!

Social media is a great opportunity to connect with potential clients and build meaningful relationships. Your platforms allow you to share valuable content, such as information about the types of therapy that you offer or mental health buzzwords that are popular in mainstream media. This allows you to engage in conversations and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field. All of the content that you post can even reach individuals who are not actively seeking therapy but could still benefit from your posts.

Using Social Media as a Mental Health Provider

You may be thinking, “But there are so many options! Which platform should I choose? Or which platform is better for what?” Those are great questions to ask! Take into consideration the goal for the platform and your audience.

Facebook

Facebook is a platform that allows you access to a diverse range of users and to users far and wide. Making a profile for you as a provider or your practice isn’t too complicated and it allows you to create groups and events. This platform can make it easier for you to build up your community of clients, clinicians, and even mental health advocates in your area.

Instagram

This platform is mostly known for its graphics and now reels (the internet has really evolved, hasn’t it?). It’s ideal for sharing content that is engaging and often targets a younger audience. Not quite TikTok young, but close. On this platform, you will see inspirational quotes, reels about what a day at a therapist’s office looks like, cute infographics, etc. It helps to show off your or your clinic’s personality while also providing content that is engaging and informational. Or just fun!

TikTok

This platform is a newer one that professionals have been joining. Whether it’s to weigh in on weird trends or to make videos giving information about various topics. For example, ADHD TikTok is a huge part of the mental health side of Tiktok where mental health providers talk about symptoms, etc. It not only targets a younger audience but also allows for your practice to make informational videos and reach many potential clients.

LinkedIn is more for connecting with professionals and networking. It can be valuable for mental health professionals to connect with colleagues, share industry insights, and establish professional credibility. It’s also a great place to share blogs, published articles, or even research papers you have written to establish credibility.

Incorporating SEO techniques on social media platforms

As you would for your website, you can implement SEO techniques with your social media. You can use your keyword research to search for relevant hashtags and keywords to use for your social media posts. To work smarter and not harder, you can even use some of the keywords that you use for your website! It will help increase your visibility so that your content will reach more people.

Another way to implement SEO practices is to optimize your posts as you would your website. Ensure your content is visually appealing but that it also showcases your expertise, services, and important information. Making sure that your profile, bio, and any other content area that can be optimized have targeted keywords in it. This also includes when you are creating posts. Use relevant keywords in your captions and even your hashtags.

User Reviews

As a therapist or practice owner, you have probably encouraged or asked a client to leave a review. Maybe not quite outright, but maybe subtly. Through social media, you can encourage your followers to share their experiences at your clinic, such as when they attended therapy with you as their therapist, etc. With users sharing their positive feedback, it can boost your credibility and attract more potential clients.

Another way to gain engagement is to ask your followers to share their experiences in general of times they’ve gone to therapy and it was great or a time when their therapist made them feel validated. Then, thanking those who respond, whether it’s a positive review or just with an experience can foster a positive relationship within this community.

Integrating SEO and Social Media

To maximize your online presence as a mental health professional, it’s important to implement your SEO strategies on both your website and social media. By integrating these two powerful marketing tools, you can significantly enhance your visibility, engage with a wider audience, and attract more potential clients. Here are some ways you can go about that!

Integrating Your Keywords and Optimization

Making sure your SEO strategies are the same on both your websites and social media when it comes to your keywords and content optimization is important. It allows your online presence to appear cohesive and allows your SEO efforts to be effective across the board. By identifying keywords that resonate with your target audience and incorporating them in not only your website’s copy and blogs but also your social media posts. By consistently optimizing your content for search engines like Google, you increase the likelihood of being discovered by individuals seeking mental health services.

Promoting Between Your Website and Social Media

Promoting your content on both your social media accounts and your website can be beneficial. It can help them complement and reinforce each other but also your credibility. You can promote your blog posts or resources from your website on your social media and then encourage your followers to visit your website for more information. But also to explore your services or learn more about the topic of the post! By doing this, you’re not only driving traffic to your website and social media but strengthening your branding.

Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media allows you to see what your audience’s preferences are, their behaviors, and even their engagement patterns! For example, Meta Business Suite even analyzes your audience’s patterns and will tell you when to schedule posts based on user engagement. Using this data to your advantage will help you learn more about your ideal clients and target them. From what type of content they engage with and what platforms they prefer. By integrating this information with your SEO strategy, you can target your website’s content, keywords, and optimization to better resonate with your ideal clients.

Collaborate with Other Professionals

The best part of having an online presence is the ability to make connections with other professionals in your industry or industries that work alongside yours. By collaborating with other mental health providers and professionals, you can increase your reach online and your credibility. Seeking out opportunities for collaborations, such as guest blogging or participating in podcast interviews with other experts in the mental health field. These collaborations can introduce you and your brand to a new audience, drive traffic to your website, and enhance your reputation. Additionally, professionals in complementary fields can provide valuable backlinks to your website, which can improve your SEO rankings.

Let Us Help You With SEO For Mental Health

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we are dedicated to supporting mental health professionals like you in optimizing your online presence and reaching your ideal clients. Our team of experts specializes in SEO for mental health professionals. Ensuring that your website and content are effectively indexed and ranked to enhance your visibility throughout the year. To assist you on your SEO journey. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a well-optimized website but need assistance with content creation, we have the perfect solution for you. Investing in your website means investing in the future of your practice. Want to learn about SEO? Sign up for our SEO Course for Therapists and learn how to use the power of blogs and SEO to reach more clients and grow your practice! Or want to outsource it? Check out our SEO Consulting packages and schedule your consult today! Ready to get started?

Please schedule your consult today!
Learn about our team
Begin reaching more clients on social media!

Other SEO Services At Simplified SEO Consulting

If you feel as if you are already an expert in SEO but want to see what other services we offer, know that we also provide other services. We offer options such as DIY online courses, technical SEO services, and standalone copywriting. Our strategy session can be a great option if you need support getting started with SEO or doing a site move or redesign. These can also be helpful to find better keywords, evaluate your current SEO performance, and more. Or, if you’re ready to work with a passionate and skilled team, our Done for You Program may be a great following approach.

About the Author:

Lynsey, an SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting, is passionate about crafting exceptional content that embodies her clients’ brand voice and practice. With expertise in mental health-related subjects, she understands the impact of high-quality content on therapists’ search engine rankings and attracting ideal clients. Lynsey’s primary objective is to leverage her copywriting expertise to assist therapists in maximizing their ROI by harnessing the power of blogs as effective tools in SEO marketing strategies.

Schedule your consult if you’re ready to see how Simplified can serve you!

March 6, 2025/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett

Analytics, Content, Copy Writing, SEO Tools

A Therapist’s Guide to Google Analytics: Understanding User Behavior to Improve Your Website Content

As a therapist, your website is often the first introduction potential clients have to your practice. The content you create—whether it’s blog posts, service pages, or other resources—helps them understand who you are and how you can help. But how do you know if it’s actually doing its job? Are visitors engaging with your content, or are they clicking away before they even have a chance to connect? This is where Google Analytics comes in. It’s a powerful tool that helps you track how people interact with your website so you can make informed decisions about your content strategy. Instead of guessing what’s working, you can see real data on which pages people visit, how long they stay, and whether they take action.

This insight helps you make informed choices about your content rather than relying on trial and error. In this guide, we’ll break down how therapists can use Google Analytics to fine-tune their online presence. We’ll also explore ways to refresh and repurpose existing content, identify what’s working, and pinpoint areas that need improvement. The goal? To create a website that genuinely supports your practice and helps potential clients find the information they need.

Why Therapists Need Google Analytics for Content Strategy

Many therapists create content based on what comes up in sessions—the questions clients ask, the struggles they share, and the topics that seem to resonate most. That’s a great place to start because it ensures you’re speaking directly to real concerns. But how do you know if the way you’re presenting those topics online is working? That’s where Google Analytics comes in. It helps refine your content strategy by showing you exactly how visitors engage with your website—what they’re clicking on, how long they’re staying, and where they’re dropping off. By combining your clinical expertise with actual website data, you can create content that’s not just relevant but also structured in a way that gets in front of more potential clients and keeps them engaged.

By analyzing user behavior, you can identify which topics attract the most visitors and engagement, improve website usability to make navigation easier, and strengthen your SEO and content writing strategies to boost visibility in search results. Instead of guessing what works, therapists can use Google Analytics to refine their approach, ensuring their website not only attracts potential clients but also keeps them engaged and encourages them to take the next step.

Key Google Analytics Metrics for Therapists

Pageviews & Unique Visitors – Measuring Interest in Your Content

Pageviews tell you how many times a page on your website has been visited, while unique visitors show the number of individual users who have accessed that page. If your pageviews are high but unique visitors are low, it could mean the same people are returning to your content, but you’re not reaching new audiences. This might be fine for existing clients or those who frequently reference your resources, but if growth is the goal, it’s a sign to adjust your SEO strategy.

For example, if your blog on coping with anxiety in North Dakota has thousands of pageviews but very few unique visitors, it’s likely being revisited by the same people rather than attracting new readers. In this case, updating keywords, refining meta descriptions, or repurposing the content into other formats (like social media posts or videos) could help expand its reach. On the other hand, if a service page has low pageviews overall, it might mean it’s not ranking well in search results—something that could be improved by stronger SEO optimization or more internal linking throughout your website.

Bounce Rate & Average Session Duration – Understanding Engagement

Bounce rate measures the percentage of visitors who leave after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate might mean your content isn’t engaging enough, isn’t answering the visitor’s question, or doesn’t guide them to a clear next step. But context matters. If someone lands on your contact page and leaves, that might mean they got exactly what they needed—your phone number or email.

On the other hand, if your blog on managing anxiety has a high bounce rate, it could signal that visitors aren’t finding the information helpful, or that the page is overwhelming or difficult to read. Maybe the introduction doesn’t hook them, or the text is too dense. Average session duration helps clarify this—if people are leaving quickly, it’s a sign your content isn’t holding their attention. Breaking up long paragraphs, adding subheadings, and making your call to action crystal clear can help keep visitors engaged and encourage them to stay on your site longer.

Traffic Sources – Where Your Visitors Are Coming From

Knowing where your website visitors are coming from—whether through search engines, direct visits, referrals, or social media—gives you a clearer picture of what’s driving traffic to your site. If organic search traffic is low, it could mean your SEO strategy needs work. Maybe your keywords aren’t aligned with what potential clients are searching for, or your site isn’t ranking well for relevant terms. On the other hand, if referral traffic is strong, take a look at where those links are coming from. Are you getting traffic from directory listings, guest blogs, or features on other websites? If so, you might want to focus on building more partnerships or contributing to industry-related content to expand your reach.

Writing Blogs for SEO with Google Analytics Insights

Google Analytics gives you a real-time look at what’s working and what’s not when it comes to your blog content. If a particular post is getting a lot of traffic, that’s a clear sign that the topic resonates with your audience. Take advantage of that by creating similar content, expanding on related subtopics, or even turning the blog into a series. On the other hand, if a post isn’t getting much traffic, it may need some attention. Try updating it with more relevant keywords, improving internal linking, or refining the introduction to better hook readers.

Readability is another key factor. If visitors are clicking on your content but leaving quickly, dense paragraphs or unclear formatting could be the issue. Make your content easy to digest by using subheadings, bullet points, and concise, engaging language. Blogs that are clear and skimmable tend to perform better, keeping visitors on your site longer and improving overall engagement.

How to Reuse and Repurpose Old Content for Better SEO

Your older blog posts don’t have to just sit there gathering dust. If a post is still getting traffic, that means people find it useful, so why not maximize its reach? Start by updating it with new insights, relevant statistics, or case studies to keep it fresh. If the content is evergreen but could use a refresh, add in recent research or expand on certain points to make it even more valuable.

You can also repurpose existing content into different formats to reach a wider audience. Take a well-performing blog and turn it into an infographic, a short video, or bite-sized content for social media. This helps reinforce your message while making it more accessible to people who prefer different formats. Another effective strategy is internal linking—if a blog is performing well, link to it from newer posts to drive more traffic and improve your site’s SEO. The key is to make the most of what’s already working instead of constantly reinventing the wheel.

Identifying and Fixing Content That’s Not Working

Not every blog post or page will be a hit, and that’s okay—but it doesn’t mean you should ignore underperforming content. If a page isn’t getting traffic, start by checking whether it’s optimized for the right keywords. Maybe you’re targeting terms that are too competitive or too niche for your audience to find.

High bounce rates can also be a red flag. If visitors are leaving quickly, the content might not be answering their questions, or it could be overwhelming to read. Try making the page more engaging by breaking up long paragraphs, adding clear subheadings, or expanding on key points to provide more depth. In some cases, it may even make sense to consolidate multiple low-performing blogs into a single, more comprehensive resource. The goal isn’t just to have more content—it’s to have content that actually works for you.

Setting Up Google Analytics Goals for Better Content Strategy

Google Analytics Goals help you track the actions that actually matter—whether it’s contact form submissions, calls, or email signups. Setting up conversion tracking allows you to see which pages are driving engagement and which ones need improvement. If a page isn’t leading visitors to take action, take a closer look at your CTAs. Are they clear and easy to find? Do they encourage the next step in a way that feels natural? If not, refining the wording, placement, or even the design of your CTAs can make a significant difference in getting visitors to take action.

Using Google Search Console Alongside Google Analytics

Google Search Console works alongside Google Analytics to give you a fuller picture of how people are finding (or not finding) your content. While Google Analytics shows how visitors behave on your site, Search Console tells you how they got there in the first place. You can track keyword performance, see which search terms bring visitors to your pages, and identify opportunities to optimize your content further.

If certain pages are getting a lot of impressions but few clicks, it may be time to refine your titles and meta descriptions to make them more compelling. If you notice that unexpected keywords are driving traffic, you might have an opportunity to adjust your strategy and create more content that aligns with what people are actually searching for. Search Console also flags indexing errors, which can prevent your content from showing up in search results at all. Fixing these technical issues ensures your pages have the best chance of ranking and reaching potential clients.

Actionable Steps to Improve Your Therapy Website’s Content Strategy

Taking action based on Google Analytics data doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some practical steps you can start implementing today:

Regularly review Google Analytics reports: Keep an eye on trends in traffic, engagement, and conversions so you can make informed decisions about your content.
Use data-driven insights to plan new content: Look at which topics are already performing well and expand on them, rather than guessing what your audience wants.
Update and repurpose existing blogs: Instead of constantly creating new content, refresh older blogs that are still relevant, add updated information, and optimize them for better performance.
Optimize CTAs to improve engagement and conversions: If visitors aren’t taking the next step, refine your call-to-action buttons, forms, and messaging to encourage more interaction.
Monitor keyword performance and adjust your SEO strategy: Use both Google Analytics and Search Console to track which keywords are driving traffic and refine your strategy accordingly.

By making small, strategic changes based on real data, you can continuously improve your website’s effectiveness and ensure your content is helping potential clients find the support they need.

Bringing It All Together: Using Data to Strengthen Your Website

Google Analytics isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding what’s working, what’s not, and making informed decisions that help potential clients connect with your practice. By tracking key metrics, refining your content, and repurposing what’s already resonating, you can create a site that actually works for you. Instead of guessing what your audience wants, you now have the data to back it up. Take what you’ve learned, make strategic updates, and keep testing what works. And if this all feels like a lot to take on, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help optimizing your site, improving your SEO & content writing, or figuring out what’s next, professional guidance can make the process easier—and more effective.

Start Your Journey Towards SEO & Content Success Today

Your website should be working for you, helping potential clients find your practice with ease. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by SEO and content writing, you don’t have to tackle it alone. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in helping therapists, counselors, and online therapy providers optimize their content for both search visibility and client engagement. Whether you need help refining your existing content, optimizing your keywords, or developing a long-term SEO strategy, we’re here to support you. Let us take care of the technical side while you focus on what matters most—helping your clients. Ready to make your website more visible and impactful?

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Additional SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting

Whether you’re just starting to explore SEO or are looking to refine your strategy, Simplified SEO Consulting offers a range of services designed with therapists in mind. Our specialized solutions are tailored to the unique needs of mental health professionals and online therapy providers, ensuring your content connects with your ideal audience. If you’re new to SEO, our Strategy Sessions are the perfect way to build a strong foundation. For those seeking ongoing support, our SEO Consulting Package provides customized guidance to help you optimize your content. We also have our Local SEO package for those looking to expand their online presence and connect with local clients. Or our Technical SEO package for those wanting to improve website speed and user experience.

Maybe you’re a past client or someone who needs consistent help, you can benefit from our SEO maintenance packages. They are designed to keep your content performing well over time. Prefer a hands-off approach? Our Done for You Program offers comprehensive support from our experienced team, so you can focus on your practice while we handle the optimization. Or, there’s our Stand-Alone Copywriting Service for those who just need help with writing engaging and SEO-friendly content. Whatever your needs may be, Simplified SEO Consulting has a solution to support your journey towards online success as a helping professional.

About the Author

Meet Lynsey, the SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. She’s passionate about helping therapists, counselors, and online therapy providers create content that not only connects with the right clients but also ranks well in search results. Lynsey specializes in writing blogs for SEO, crafting optimized service pages, and developing content that blends readability with strong search engine strategies. Her goal is to take content creation off your plate so you can focus on what you do best—supporting your clients. With an approach that prioritizes both clarity and strategy, she ensures your content is engaging, accessible, and optimized to boost your online visibility. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we’re here to provide effective, hands-off SEO solutions designed for mental health professionals. Let’s work together to make your website a powerful tool for growing your practice!

March 4, 2025/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett