In today’s digital age, the legal landscape is evolving rapidly, and law firms must adapt to thrive. One of the key drivers of this transformation is marketing. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the crucial aspects of marketing for law firms, addressing questions like the necessity of marketers, the best marketing strategies for lawyers, determining the marketing budget, and understanding the investment in SEO. Follow Simplified Consulting as we discuss SEO for personal injury attorneys!
Do Law Firms Need Marketers?
The role of marketing in law firms has become increasingly important. In a highly competitive legal landscape, standing out is crucial. Marketers play a large role in differentiating a law firm’s services. Marketers can help attract and retain clients and foster strong client relationships that encourage repeat business. They also play a vital role in establishing a robust online presence, helping potential clients discover and engage with your firm’s services. In a nutshell, marketers are essential for law firms to not only survive but thrive in today’s online legal environment. Here are some more compelling reasons why law firms need marketers:
Competition is Fierce: The legal industry is highly competitive. To stand out in a crowded marketplace, law firms require professional marketers who can differentiate their services, highlight unique strengths, and create a compelling brand presence.
Client Acquisition and Retention: Marketing is instrumental in attracting new clients and retaining existing ones. A well-crafted marketing strategy not only helps in acquiring new cases but also fosters strong client relationships, encouraging repeat business and referrals.
Online Presence is Crucial: With the majority of potential clients seeking legal services online, a robust online presence is non-negotiable. Marketers ensure that your website is easily discoverable by potential clients, offering relevant and persuasive content that converts visitors into clients.
SEO is a powerful marketing strategy for personal injury lawyers. It increases online visibility, attracts targeted traffic, establishes credibility, and is often more cost-effective than traditional advertising. By optimizing your website and content for search engines, you can effectively reach potential clients in need of your legal services and grow your personal injury law practice.
What is the Best Advertisement for a Lawyer?
Selecting the best advertisement for a lawyer depends on various factors. Including the firm’s practice areas, target audience, and marketing budget. SEO encourages the creation of high-quality, informative content. By addressing common legal questions and concerns through blog posts, articles, and resources, you can demonstrate your legal expertise and provide value to potential clients. This content can serve as a resource for your target audience and showcase your legal knowledge. Other advertisement ideas for law firms include:
Content Marketing: Crafting informative and valuable content is a potent way to demonstrate expertise and engage potential clients. Blog posts, articles, and whitepapers can showcase your legal knowledge and build trust.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Organic search visibility is essential. SEO elevates your website’s ranking in search results, increasing the likelihood that potential clients will find you. It’s an investment that yields long-term benefits.
Social Media: Engaging with your audience on social media platforms can enhance brand recognition and foster relationships with potential clients. Sharing valuable content and showcasing your expertise can be highly effective.
How Much Should a Law Firm Spend on Marketing?
Determining the appropriate marketing budget for a law firm necessitates a thoughtful evaluation of your goals, practice areas, geographic location, and competitive landscape. However, a general guideline is to allocate between 2% to 5% of your gross revenue to marketing. Newly established firms or those in highly competitive markets may need to allocate a higher percentage.
It’s essential to consider the specific marketing channels that align with your objectives. Digital marketing often provides a cost-effective approach, and strategies like SEO offer excellent returns on investment (ROI). Regularly reviewing and adjusting your marketing budget in response to results and changing market conditions is critical for long-term success. The great thing about SEO is that we are watching your data on a regular basis with tools like Google Analytics.
How Much Do Law Firms Spend on SEO?
The amount law firms allocate to SEO can vary widely based on their size, objectives, and the level of competition in their target market. If you’re a small personal injury firm, continue reading this helpful blog “How Do I promote My Small Law Firm Using SEO?” It’s crucial to understand that SEO is an ongoing process, and results may take a few months to manifest. This investment should be viewed as a long-term strategy that builds your law firm’s online presence. Ultimately, it enhances your law firm’s visibility on search engines like Google and attracts more clients! The specific budget allocation should be tailored to your firm’s unique goals and circumstances.
Strategizing Marketing for Law Firms
The question is, what does marketing do in a law firm? Marketing has become a vital tool for law firms seeking to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. By addressing fundamental questions about the need for marketers, the best advertising practices, budget allocation, and the significance of SEO, this guide provides insights to help law firms make informed decisions and maximize their online presence and client acquisition efforts. Remember, the power of marketing can truly transform the future of your law firm.
Begin SEO Services with Simplified Consulting Today!
Ready to elevate your personal injury law firm’s online presence and attract more clients? Our expert SEO services are tailored to empower your practice. Let’s connect to discuss how we can boost your visibility and drive results. Follow the simple steps below:
Simplified SEO Consulting offers a range of services to help you improve your website’s online presence. We offer Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses, which are customized to enhance your search engine rankings and attract your ideal clients. We also have a 12-week Done With You Intensive Program for comprehensive training. Our Content Networking service can help you boost your online presence and attract more of your ideal clients. Check out our blog for more tips and guides on SEO.
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bigstock-Account-Finance-Asian-Young-B-476947817-1.jpg10671600Olivia Fergusonhttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngOlivia Ferguson2021-02-12 15:32:322023-11-14 21:12:21How Much Should a Law Firm Spend on Marketing? Deciphering the Marketing Budget
In today’s fast-paced and competitive legal industry, marketing has become more crucial than ever for law firms. It’s no longer a matter of choice but a necessity to thrive in an increasingly digital world. With countless law firms vying for the attention of potential clients, adopting effective marketing strategies is essential for setting your practice apart. As well as building a robust online presence, and maintaining a competitive edge. This article explores the best marketing strategies for law firms. Delving into the significance of marketing in the legal field, the objectives of marketing, and the need for digital marketing. We will also cover content marketing strategies, offer insights on creating an effective marketing plan, and provide guidance on budget allocation. For those seeking specific expertise in marketing and SEO for personal injury attorneys, we’ll delve into the specialized services of law firm SEO agencies and digital marketing companies.
Why do law firms need marketing?
In today’s legal arena, simply relying on legal acumen is no longer sufficient to thrive. Marketing is not always the most thrilling aspect of practicing law, but it is undeniably vital. It serves as the bridge connecting your legal expertise to those who need it most.
Law firms, regardless of size or specialization, face stiff competition. With a multitude of choices available to potential clients, standing out becomes a formidable challenge. Marketing steps in as the solution, enabling firms to display their specialized knowledge, nurture brand recognition, and build trust within their target audience.
The inherent competitiveness of the legal industry underscores the necessity of marketing. It provides the means to not only reach potential clients but also to engage them meaningfully and, crucially, convert them into loyal clients who will entrust the firm with their legal needs. In essence, while marketing may not be the most exciting part of running a law practice, it is essential for consistent growth, ensuring your firm’s continuous ability to attract paying clients.
What is the marketing objective of a law firm?
The central aim of law firm marketing is to usher in a continuous influx of potential clients. Through comprehensive marketing strategies, law firms aspire to do more than just generate leads; they strive to enhance brand visibility, assert their expertise, and establish a reputation as authoritative figures in their specialized fields of law. Ultimately, the primary goal is to convert these leads into paying clients, thereby ensuring a consistent caseload.
Picture a modest-sized personal injury law firm that has meticulously crafted a digital marketing strategy enriched with effective SEO practices. This forward-thinking approach leads to remarkable outcomes.
As a direct consequence of their strategic marketing endeavors, the law firm reaches an increasingly vast audience of individuals with genuine legal needs. These individuals often face distressing situations, seeking assistance to obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. The firm’s strategic focus on SEO places them at the forefront of online visibility, ensuring that when potential clients are searching for answers, they find this law firm’s valuable insights and services.
With every well-executed SEO strategy, the law firm amplifies its reach to prospective clients with legitimate personal injury cases. These are individuals whose lives have been disrupted, who are in need of professional legal support to help them secure the rightful compensation they deserve. By using SEO to align their digital presence with the precise needs of their target audience, this firm connects with more clients facing issues that their attorneys are expertly poised to address.
The Benefits of This Marketing Strategy
The benefits of this scenario are two-fold. First, the law firm is in a position to provide much-needed assistance to individuals during their times of distress. The firm’s expertise and dedication to client service enable them to win cases efficiently, securing just compensation for their clients and helping them regain their lives. This outcome directly aligns with the profound purpose of legal practice – to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it.
Secondly, from a business perspective, the law firm witnesses substantial growth. Their increased caseload, driven by effective SEO strategies and an unwavering commitment to client success, results in higher revenue. The revenue generated, in turn, enables the firm to expand its practice. Resulting in employing more skilled attorneys and elevate its standing within the legal community.
In essence, the primary objective of law firm marketing, when effectively executed, is to cultivate a win-win situation: law firms reach more clients in need, and in doing so, they advance their own practice, making a lasting impact in the legal world. The alignment of legal prowess with strategic marketing creates a synergy that benefits both the firm and its clients. It’s this remarkable symbiosis that defines the true essence of law firm marketing.
Do law firms need marketers?
While some law firms may attempt to manage marketing in-house, enlisting the services of professional marketers can substantially enhance their marketing strategies. Skilled marketers bring specialized knowledge, strategies, and tools that allow law firms to navigate the complexities of digital marketing effectively. With these experts, law firms can optimize their marketing efforts and maximize their online presence.
Some larger firms may choose to hire someone in house. If you go this route, make sure they’re getting proper training. We’ve seen practices hire a marketing professional in house but struggle to get them proper training for all the different types of marketing they’re supposed to do. Particularly training related to the specific niche of creating a law firm marketing strategy. So, they may know a little bit about networking, a little bit about creating digital content, a little about social media, some about Google Adwords and some SEO. But they don’t know enough to do more than maybe one of those very effectively. So, make sure you’re really investing in that person being trained in how to do a couple of those things really well and in doing those things well within the realm of law firm marketing.
Do law firms need digital marketing?
In today’s digital age, digital marketing has become a cornerstone of successful marketing strategies for law firms. Online platforms offer powerful avenues to reach potential clients, including search engines, social media, email marketing, and more. Embracing digital marketing allows law firms to tap into a broader audience actively seeking legal services. By engaging in digital marketing, law firms can effectively connect with clients where they spend a significant portion of their time: online.
The truth is that there are a lot of different ways to market a law firm. And I’m not here to tell you one way is better than another. You can absolutely build a successful law firm without digital marketing. Billboards, handshakes, mailers, etc. These strategies have worked for law firms for years. And if they’re working for your practice and you’re growing at the rate that works for you, stick with your current marketing plan.
But if you’re struggling to consistently get enough clients to grow your law firm at the pace you’d like, consider the power of digital marketing for law firms. There’s a reason so many people saw that digital marketing is the best law firm marketing these days. It’s because everyone carries a phone in their pocket. The minute they think about contacting an attorney, it’s easy to ask Siri, “Hey, where’s a personal injury attorney near me?” So, hiring a law firm seo agency or using other digital marketing strategies for law firms is a great way to make sure you’re the one that shows up when people start doing those searches in your area.
What is content marketing for law firms?
Content marketing is a central strategy for law firms aiming to share valuable insights, establish expertise, and strengthen their authority in their specific practice areas. This strategy involves creating high-quality, informative content that addresses common legal concerns, answers questions, and provides valuable insights. Content marketing can take the form of blog posts, articles, social media posts, and other resources that educate and engage potential clients.
Content marketing is often part of a bigger digital marketing strategy. For instance, in our content network program, we produce large amounts of content for our clients. We meet with you to discuss your ideal clients and what you often talk to new clients about. Then, we help produce blog posts that discuss those topics and create a network of content around the things you typically share with your clients to help you attract the type of clients who will be responsive to your message and work well with you.
How do you create a marketing strategy for a law firm?
Developing a robust marketing strategy for a law firm involves a comprehensive approach. Key steps include identifying the target audience, defining unique selling points, and setting specific, measurable goals. The strategy should encompass a range of digital marketing tactics, content creation, social media engagement, and methods for tracking and measuring success. Crafting a tailored marketing plan tailored to a law firm’s unique identity and objectives is vital for achieving meaningful results.
The Ethics of Marketing for Attorneys and Law Firms
I remember as a child sitting in our basement looking at the yellow pages of the new phone book. When we got to the section where the lawyers advertisements were my father, a private practice attorney, scoffed and questioned whether or not it was ethical for an attorney to advertise in the yellow pages. Oh, how times have changed. What we consider ethical in marketing has changed. But ethics do still matter. Because as an attorney, you are still generally trying to reach and work with clients who are in a vulnerable position when they reach out to you. So, that might be something that you’re thinking about when you’re considering hiring a marketing professional. Or, it’s at least worth noting that it’s something my law firm seo agency is thinking about.
Marketing within the legal field carries an inherent responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards. Attorneys and law firms must abide by the guidelines set forth by their respective state bar associations and legal authorities. This responsibility includes ensuring that all marketing materials are honest, accurate, and not misleading to potential clients. Confidentiality and client-attorney privilege must always be safeguarded. Additionally, the dignity and respect inherent to the legal profession should be maintained in all marketing efforts. These ethical considerations form the bedrock of law firm marketing, allowing attorneys to promote their services effectively while upholding the trust and integrity of the legal practice.
How much should a law firm spend on marketing?
The budget allocated to marketing by law firms can vary widely depending on the firm’s size, location, and specific goals. An investment in marketing efforts can yield significant returns in terms of acquiring new clients and cases. There may be periods of growth where you need to invest more than other times.
SEO for Personal Injury Attorneys
As the legal industry evolves in the digital age, specialized marketing services have emerged to address the unique needs of law firms. At Simplified SEO Consulting, personal injury attorneys were the first type of attorneys that we lended our hand to when one asked Danica for help marketing their law firm. Personal injury attorneys, in particular, benefit from targeted SEO services that focus on improving their online visibility. Especially in attracting clients seeking legal representation in personal injury cases. Here are some key points to consider when seeking the services of the best law firm SEO companies:
Keyword Optimization: Law firm SEO agencies employ strategies to optimize keywords relevant to personal injury law. By targeting specific keywords, they ensure that the law firm’s website ranks higher in search engine results when potential clients search for personal injury representation.
Local SEO for Personal Injury Attorneys: Personal injury cases often involve local clients. Law firm SEO agencies prioritize local SEO strategies to ensure that the firm appears in local search results. This helps potential clients find local personal injury attorneys more easily.
Content Creation: Law firm SEO agencies produce high-quality content that showcases the expertise of personal injury attorneys. This content, in the form of blog posts, articles, and website copy, educates potential clients and builds trust.
Marketing in the Legal Profession
The legal profession’s competitive nature makes marketing essential for law firms looking to succeed in the digital age. By recognizing the significance of marketing and adopting a strategic approach, law firms can engage potential clients. In addition to strengthening their online presence, and enhancing their reputation. Digital marketing has become a cornerstone of law firm marketing strategies. By offering powerful tools, you can connect with clients actively seeking legal services. The adoption of content marketing, alongside a well-structured marketing strategy, can lead to increased leads and clients.
For law firms seeking to optimize their online presence and enhance their SEO, specialized services from law firm SEO agencies and digital marketing companies are invaluable. These services cater to the unique needs of personal injury attorneys and offer tailored strategies to improve online visibility. If you’re a law firm or personal injury attorney looking to enhance your marketing strategies and grow your client base, consider reaching out to Simplified SEO Consulting. Our expertise in law firm marketing and SEO services allows us to provide tailored solutions for your practice. Let us help you navigate the complexities of digital marketing, improve your online presence & attract more clients. We can help you achieve your marketing objectives effectively.
Unlocking Success: Transforming Your Law Firm’s Online Presence with SEO
If you’re part of a law firm seeking to optimize your online presence and enhance your SEO, our services can make a significant difference. The world of SEO for attorneys can be complex, but we simplify the process for you. We help your practice shine in the digital landscape.
By working with Simplified SEO Consulting, you’ll receive personalized solutions to bolster your marketing strategies. We’ll assist you in navigating the intricate world of digital marketing, strengthening your online presence, and increasing your reach. Let’s embark on this journey together, turning your online marketing objectives into reality.
In the highly competitive legal sector, staying ahead in marketing and SEO is a continuous effort. With the right strategies, a dedication to providing valuable content, and an effective online presence, you can ensure your law firm thrives in the digital age. If you’re ready to enhance your marketing game and strengthen your practice, contact Simplified SEO Consulting today. Let’s work together to maximize your online potential and achieve lasting success.
Don’t wait; the digital world is constantly evolving. Reach out to us, and let’s explore the possibilities of your law firm’s success in the digital era. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to empower your law firm’s marketing strategies? Contact Simplified SEO Consulting today to get started on your journey to success.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Simplified SEO Consulting
Schedule a free consultation with one of our SEO Specialists today . We enjoy working with law practices. We can provide you with expert guidance on law firm marketing strategies, digital marketing, and SEO tailored to your unique needs. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your legal practice.
Contact us now to learn more about how Simplified SEO Consulting can assist you in navigating the complex world of law firm marketing, enhancing your online presence, and attracting a steady flow of clients. We’re here to support your journey towards greater visibility and success in the digital age. Get started today by following these few steps:
My name is Jessica Tappana and I’m the founder of Aspire Counseling. I’m the granddaughter of a judge, the daughter of an attorney who was in private practice much of my childhood. As well as the stepsister of an attorney and have spent much of my life witnessing the stressors and successes of those in the legal profession. So, when Danica, our COO, approached me a couple years ago about starting to provide SEO for a personal injury attorney friend in private practice I was happy to lend our resources and services. What we found is that our specific set of SEO skills was incredible effective with this population. In addition to the healthcare private practices we were already serving. While we haven’t been helping attorneys as long as we’ve been optimizing private practice websites for psychologists and psychiatrists, we are having immense success and we know what we’re doing. We use effective, in depth digital marketing techniques. So, if you’re looking for high quality SEO services, I only hire the best team members! We’re ready to help you take your firm to the next level.
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bigstock-Law-Theme-Mallet-Of-The-Judge-435342194-1.jpg10221600Olivia Fergusonhttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngOlivia Ferguson2021-01-12 10:55:412023-10-30 14:50:05Best Law Firm Marketing Strategies: Navigating the Digital Landscape
As we know, stories, papers, and treatments come from a great foundation. There is an art to telling a great story and presenting information. Your approach doesn’t need to be the same as others, but there is a similar formula. If you want to convince someone that a treatment modality works, the base of your argument needs to be well-researched. Likewise, if I am trying to tell a creative story, I need to set the storyline up well. Ultimately, a successful delivery begins with a firm foundation. Otherwise, you have no hope of convincing your audience you’re knowledgeable or that you’re someone credible to listen to. And we know you’re intelligent mental health professionals!
So why is this so important to keyword research? Well, Google is essentially the buffer between you and your ideal client. If Google’s algorithm isn’t impressed by your foundation, then there is no way it will reach your audience. So where do we begin to connect with Google so you can reach your ideal client? Let’s talk about some strategies involved in keyword research.
Optimizing Keywords with Locations
Ideally, when page optimization occurs we want to optimize with the intention of adding in long tail keywords. What this means is that a keyword with 3 or more words is considered a long tail. We may add a keyword phrase such as addressing mental health or anxiety treatment in Tulsa, OK. When you add a location indicator, Google is more likely to find you. Location indicators are better for people to find you on Google than keywords without locations and short tail phrases. So in the case of long vs. short, anxiety treatment in Tulsa will rank faster, than just anxiety treatment. If you ever wonder why your SEO specialist takes this approach to your subheadings and copy, this is a strategy to help you rank better. Once you are ranking very well in your area, then your SEO specialist will branch out to more short-tail keywords because you will likely rank for them better after the initial long-tail optimization.
Optimizing for Keywords in Common Searches
When your SEO specialist meets with you, their goal is to draw out common pain points your clients are talking about. What do you commonly hear in your practice and what are the questions you commonly answer? We are trying to see what your ideal client may be looking for. Therefore, when we do our initial keyword research, it’s based on what a client would search for and not what a clinician would be looking for. It’s key to keep in mind that what we think and what a client thinks, especially with the 2 am trauma brain, are not the same. In other words “speak the same language as your ideal client.” Therefore, we encourage you as we talk strategy to really think back to what is happening in your sessions and bring this feedback into your SEO planning calls. Likewise, if you’re doing SEO training on your own with us, take some time to brainstorm common pain points and questions for your own keyword research.
What You Need to Know About Researching Keywords
So as a client or a future client, what do you need to know when it comes to keywords? First, know that when you work with us we will add keywords to alt text, copy, meta descriptions, and subheadings. It’s part of our strategy and it’s meant to help you rank. We understand that there is a dance between good SEO and addressing your clients authentically. If you’re someone who doesn’t like your copy being messed with, then let your specialist know and you together, can find a healthy balance so you can keep your voice and get proper ROI. Ultimately, know you’re in good hands with us and we will get you a ranking.
What Research for Keywords is not
A tip for the future is to remember that keyword research is not about ranking for the most technical terms. We want you to rank for specializations such as perinatal mental health and DBT. These are important components of what makes you a good and effective therapist or counselor, however, you do need to be mindful of your audience. If you’re working with high-functioning medical professionals, then this may be perfectly fine to reach your ideal audience.
However, we commonly talk about the 2 am stress brain. If a parent is looking for therapy for teens and you’re talking about the technical side of CBT, then this isn’t going to turn into a client most likely. Ultimately, we want to find a healthy balance between what keywords are important for you to rank for. Plus we want to find keywords that are what your client is actually searching for. Now that you know the importance of keyword research, check out Jessica’s blog post on where you put keywords.
Keyword Pro tip:
You can use Google Trends if you want to do your own research for your blogs before we go into our optimization. Likewise, using the Google search engine for a topic you want to provide an answer for is very useful.
Begin SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting
Whether you’re trying SEO on your own or using our Done for You services, we also offer packages for SEO alumni as you want to do maintenance for your site. If you have any questions or your question was not answered, please reach out. Our passionate team of SEO experts would be happy to answer your question and talk about what services might work well for your business. Follow these three steps to begin ranking better on Google.
Apply to work with us and schedule a free 45-minute consultation with a member of the Simplified SEO Consulting staff
Start doing better keyword research and get your ideal clients
Other Services offered by Simplified SEO Consulting
Simplified SEO Consulting is passionate about providing SEO services for helping professionals and therapists. Our comprehensive SEO services are included in our Done for You SEO Service packages. Also, we offer alumni packages and al la carte SEO services. Our SEO staff provides several SEO training opportunities. including our “Top of Google” online course and 12 weeks of online video training. We also offer an SEO Strategy package to learn more about SEO and what you can do to rank better on search engines.
Contact Simplified SEO to learn more, or book a free SEO Consultation to decide which option is best for your business. We hope to hear from you soon!
About the Author:
Jasmine is the SEO Training Coordinator and offers free consultations for Simplified’s SEO Consulting on our services. Jasmine is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and recently earned her degree from Northwestern University. She works to help people with a strategy with national rankings, eating disorder specialties, trauma, sports psychology, postpartum/pregnancy/parenting, high achievers, and much more. Schedule a consult soon!
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/words-have-power.jpg10671600Jasmine Jaquesshttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngJasmine Jaquess2020-12-01 08:00:052023-04-28 19:59:39Why Keywords Research is the Foundation of SEO
If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably thinking about investing in your websites SEO to help you reach potential clients on search engines like Google. So, you’re probably wondering what does an SEO specialist do exactly?
Well, that’s a really good question. But, before I go further, I want to explain that at Simplified SEO Consulting, you don’t just work with one SEO specialist, you work with our entire team of SEO experts. What this means is you have multiple brains working on getting you the best SEO results possible. First, you’ll meet with an SEO consultant that will assist you in figuring out your individual SEO needs and help you determine what SEO service to enroll in. Then, you’ll meet with your primary SEO specialist, the one who does the first round of work on your pages, and our lead SEO specialist, Danica, who reviews your page and looks at things like big picture strategy. Finally, our in-house SEO Suru Jessica signs off ensuring we have done everything in our power to get you ranking well. Furthermore, each SEO expert had their unique strengths and interests. So, we consult with each other frequently.
Your SEO Specialist Does Thorough Keyword Research
I love doing keyword research because it gives us a very comprehensive idea of what your potential clients are searching for. So, this means I do research to see rather they are looking for therapy or counseling, couples counseling or couples therapy, etc. I aim to identify at least 3 keywords to target per page. Then I use this information to optimize your page and inform me of changes in your data.
Learn more about keyword research from these blogs:
We identify your SEO competitors to determine how hard it will be to get you ranking well for your targeted keywords. Your SEO competitors are not necessarily the therapists down the road. But, they are the practices that google would rank higher than you for the keywords we’re targeting in your area.
Meta Descriptions
When you work with us, your pages get 3 rounds of meta descriptions. This is very intentional. We do one early in the month based on keyword research and see how Google responds, then we go in and make edits as necessary. Then, Danica and/or Jessica review these meta one last time towards the end of the month and make changes as necessary based on your data.
As the in-house readability expert, I must make this statement: READABILITY MATTERS! We want your pages to be easy to read by your potential clients who do not have any or much clinical knowledge. We find that people don’t want to read a bunch of complicated terminologies when they’re needing help. They want answers quickly and efficiently.
You may be thinking: my clients are well educated, so they need to be assured that I am too. Sure, but when they need help are they in the frame of mind to read something complicated? Furthermore, their intelligence does not mean they share the same knowledge-base you do. So, when we work on readability we do things like take complicated words and simplify them THINK: use NOT utilize. We also shorten sentences, break up paragraphs, and add transition words when necessary.
Want to learn more about readability? Check out our blogs:
This is an area where wording matters tremendously. We aim to get your targeted keywords in your subheadings as much as possible. Google, and your reader, scan these and determine what your page is about.
Photo Optimization
We add titles and alt text to your photos. Not only is this an ethical practice for your reader with disabilities, but it’s another place where keywords matter.
Call to Action and Other Services Section
These two sections are biggies and a place for some great internal link opportunities! Your call to action is a clear and direct statement to your potential client telling them how to begin services and includes the links they should use to do so. In your other services section, we tell your client about all the other services you offer and link to those pages which is very important in order to rank well.
Index Your Page on Google Search Console
We use Google Search Console and index your pages or posts every time we work on your site to tell google a change was made. Learn more about it here:
Blog Post Ideas
A big bonus of our services is that we send you a list of blog post suggestions targeting keywords we want you to rank better for. We do this because BLOGGING IS IMPORTANT! And, we hope this list will inspire you to blog regularly!
We want you to be as informed about your SEO progress as possible. When you work with us, we will set you up with a data dashboard. We update this regularly informing you of our progress on your page. It also contains all your data and relevant information. Basically, it’s your SEO control center!
Our SEO Services
Simplified SEO Consulting offers a variety of SEO packages to fit your needs. The scope of work and how many pages we optimize is determined by the package you select. Plus, we also offer copywriting services for the ultimate hands-off SEO experience!
What’s the most important part of an SEO specialist’s job?
It’s helping you reach your ideal clients and meeting YOUR unique goals. We understand that every therapist and practice has different needs. For example, individual practices may only need to get 2-5 calls a month to meet your goal. But, a group practice may want 10 calls a week. Whatever your goals, we can help. Every member of the Simplified SEO consulting team becomes invested in our clients’ success and practice. We get so much joy from seeing you rank well and hearing about your successes. It’s truly the biggest reward.
Ready to Begin Working with an SEO Specialist?
If you’re ready to begin optimizing your website to help you reach your ideal client on Google, then we’d love to help! Follow these steps to begin SEO services with Simplified SEO consulting:
Cory Moss is a Simplified SEO specialist based in Kansas City. She specializes in working on readability. She really enjoys helping her clients get to the top of Google and attract their ideal clients.
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/bigstock-Work-From-Home-Social-Distanc-358661807-2.jpg9001600Cory Mosshttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngCory Moss2020-10-20 08:00:542024-10-22 19:28:26What does an SEO Specialist Do?
Are you struggling to figure out where to start with SEO? Everything feels very overwhelming when you begin. There are so many terms and techniques that can help, but it all just doesn’t make sense. Where do we even begin?
If this sounds familiar don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The terms just mesh together at some point. But we need to remember, as we are learning we should give ourselves a break. You’re trying. If you’re looking for a place to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Simplified isn’t just the name of the business, but it’s the name of the game. Let’s dive into some non-techy SEO tips that can help you get started.
Get a google my business listing
Whether online or in-person services are offered, Google needs to know about your business. There are boxes that pop up on the right-hand side of your screen when you search for certain businesses. What happens when you don’t have information set up that tells us who you are? People will disregard the information, or may never find you. Likewise, Google won’t know what your business does. You don’t have to be SEO savvy to add this section. It is a simple non-techy SEO tip where you have all the information needed. If you’re looking for more information on how this can help, the site upcity has some great tips. This page talks about how Google my business can help your SEO as well as how to keep this ranking and up to date.
Claim your business; let us know you’re here
Make sure your info is correct; such as hours, your business category, and photos.
Keep your services up to date
Respond to reviews; google loves engagement. It makes your service more credible to Google.
Put your Address on your Footer
If you’ve ever gone to any site looking for a location, I’m sure you’ve looked at one of two places. The contact page or you scroll down to the bottom of a page. Usually, websites place the address here because once it is added, all pages reflect the change. So, this is a simple, one-time, non-techy SEO task anyone can do. Why does adding this non-techy SEO tip help SEO on Google? Well, it allows you to add internal links that allow for traffic across your site. The more links on your site, the more reputable google will find it. It’s a great way to increase rankings. Yet, it is important to note that adding external links to your footer is not recommended. Google devalues these links in the footer.
Include Specialty Pages
This is important for a few reasons. First, it helps you narrow down what you’re good at as a therapist. If you can say these are the core topics that I excel in treating, you’re more likely to drive in clients. They will feel that you can understand their issues best. Second, when people see pages such as individual, group, or couples therapy, it may not be specific enough to their issues. This is why we ask you to speak to a client’s pain points. If you can speak to the issue, you’re likely to convert a client. Whereas generalizing the service may make someone unsure whether you understand their dilemma. If you are unsure of what pages should I have on my website to rank well for google? Try adding trauma, anxiety, depression, and online services to start. Non-techy SEO has nothing on you!
Blog Regularly
Writing can be a hassle. It takes time to create a cohesive and thoughtful blog post. Then you have to consider the SEO aspect of creating your post. But, you’re doing a great service to your clients when you blog. Not only are you exhibiting your continued knowledge on various topics, but you are able to speak to a specific issue. You may not be able to say all that you need on a service page. This is why you should create specialty pages. Think about anxiety, you may be able to create a blog post about social anxiety in college settings. This may speak to this particular population, and make them feel that you understand their issue. Blogging is a powerful tool. Monthly blogging and optimizing can make Google recognize your service pages better. But how often should I post blogs to improve my SEO? If it is your goal to blog more, setting goals to blog once a month on reoccurring topics clients mention or adding a post on your passion for the field will build your credibility. This is an easy non-techy SEO tip that speaks to your expertise.
Get some backlinks
We have mentioned this before, but backlinks are some of the best Yet to improve SEO. Yet, they are not always easy to come by. You would need another source to add you to their site. What is most important about building backlinks is to make sure we are getting credible and safe backlinks. There is nothing worse than getting a scammy backlink and then having Google penalize you for it. Now we don’t expect any of you would do this, but it’s important to invest in quality backlinks that will boost our SEO. How can you get backlinks? Start with getting into local directories. Then contact a colleague who you have a good working relationship with. Agree to give them a backlink based on a post they did and have them return the favor. Either way, you will be able to build up quality backlinks. If you’re looking to build quality backlinks, refer to the new Simplified SEO course for backlinks which becomes a free gift on your fifth month with us. Do you feel ready to use these non-techy SEO tips?
Begin SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting
I hope this non-techy SEO blog post was helpful to you as you read through it. These are simple ways to get a head start on boosting your page. If you have any questions or your question was not answered, reach out. Our passionate team of SEO experts would be happy to answer your question and talk about what services might work well for your business. Follow these three steps to begin ranking better on Google.
Jasmine Jaquess is a Simplified SEO specialist based in Columbia, MO. She specializes in platforms such as Squarespace and Wix but has learned to love word press sites as well. She really enjoys hearing the client’s goals for their business and helping them achieve them.
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/bigstock-Ivanovsk-Russia-July-313004524.jpg10671600Jasmine Jaquesshttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngJasmine Jaquess2020-10-06 08:00:142021-04-05 16:24:54Non-Techy SEO Tips to Get your Site Ranking
Here at Simplified SEO Consulting, we want to provide you with truly valuable information. Recently, our team was brainstorming questions people might have about SEO and discussing the questions we hear from new clients most often. Today, we’re going to start answering these questions and, when relevant, we’ll link you to blog posts we’ve already written. So, let’s get started!
Is SEO Important for Therapists?
In a word, yes! SEO is important for any business owner that wants to appear in online searches for search engines like Google. While specific SEO strategies may differ based on the industry, understanding the basics of SEO is vital to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape.
Common Questions About SEO
What does SEO stand for?
SEO stands for “Search Engine Optimization.” Search Engine Optimization means creating a website and making changes to it with the hopes it will help your website show up frequently in search engine results. A well-optimized website with great SEO shows up on the first page of Google when your ideal client/customer searches for your services.
Is SEO worth it?
Absolutely. SEO is a long-term marketing strategy that holds its value. In the 21st century, people are looking for services online. Getting your website to show up organically on Google puts you in front of the exact clients who need the services you are offering.
We highly recommend most service-based businesses consider using SEO as part of their marketing strategy.
A great example of the power of SEO comes directly from the experience our founder, Jessica, has had to build two businesses using SEO as a marketing tool. When Jessica was expanding her private practice Aspire Counseling in Mid-Missouri, she wanted to find new ways to get her clinicians in front of their ideal clients to fill their caseload. So, she spent hours researching, learning, and implementing the SEO practices we use at Simplified SEO. She had so much success getting potential clients to call and convert from her SEO investment, that she created Simplified SEO to help other helping professionals do the same.
For keyword research, our SEO team most commonly uses KWFinder and SEMRush which are both paid tools. However, all of the keywords on this list can be excellent sources for your keyword research! We do have a blog post with more information on some of these keyword research tools available here.
We also included in this list our favorite tool for blog post ideas (Answer the Public), checking on the quality of backlinks to your site (Linkody), and two general tools that have LOTS of functions if you’re really getting serious about SEO (Moz & SEMRush).
Where should I use keywords on my website?
Great question, you should aim to incorporate keywords throughout your website. But, here’s a list of the main places you should use keywords:
SEO is useful for any business where potential clients would look for their services online. This is especially true for businesses where there might be some stigma around asking your friends for recommendations. For example, many people don’t want their friends and family to know they’re going to counseling, so they search for therapists and their services online.
SEO is great for helping professionals of all kinds. This includes, but is in no way limited to, therapists, psychiatrists, private practice physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, lawyers, life coaches, child care facilities, education services, and more!
Who shouldn’t use SEO?
Someone just starting a brand new business in an industry where few people look online should wait to invest in SEO. For instance, if you are opening a bakery in a really busy part of town and are confident you will have a lot of word of mouth referrals, you might not need to worry about how you rank on Google.
Even in the mental health world, there may be times where you don’t need/want to invest in getting your website to the first page of Google. The times when this applies are if you have too many clients, or if your business is based around referrals from other providers. Also, some people in less competitive areas are able to easily rank just by writing some great content.
Will SEO Exist in 10 years?
Interesting question. I believe the answer is yes, but it will evolve. Optimizing for Google might not be the priority anymore. It might be optimizing for Youtube, which is similar, but different. SEO is all about getting in front of your ideal clients, so this means optimizing your content on the places they search for services. Likewise, it may mean tweaking how we optimize now and learning new techniques to appease Google’s ever-changing algorithms.
Now, if you’re asking if you’ll still rank as well in ten years as you do now, that’s a different question. Ranking well on Google requires maintenance work. You never know when one of your competitors will work on their SEO causing you to fall a bit in rankings. If you’re curious about ways to maintain your already excellent rankings, check out our alumni packages.
Is SEO just about getting a website ranking well on Google?
Ultimately, SEO is about increasing your business revenue. However, it’s also about filling your practice with the clients you will ENJOY working with. Therefore, it starts by getting you in front of the RIGHT clients. This is why keyword research is so important, that you have meta descriptions people will click on and that your website speaks to your ideal client.
What SEO techniques should I use on my site?
There are many different SEO techniques. However, there are few techniques that are very useful in getting you ranking better on search engines.
Popular SEO techniques include:
Building backlinks
Keyword research and usage
Content creation- often in the form of blogging and or copywriting
Addressing technical issues on a site
On-page optimization
Adding alt text to your photos that is rich in keywords
How do I know where to start on my SEO Strategy?
Google considers over 200 factors when deciding rankings. So, there are a lot of different things you can do that would be considered “working on SEO.” Different SEO companies focus on different components. Which optimization techniques you focus your energy on is likely influenced by the type of service or product you offer, your own goals, and your competition. This is why we generally recommend you choose an SEO company familiar with your specific field.
At Simplified SEO, we were founded by a therapist who owns her own private counseling practice. So, our specialty is helping therapists and those in closely related fields get to the top of search engines. We’ve also worked well with people in other service-based industries, particularly in the healthcare field.
What do SEO Specialists do?
SEO specialists help you get your website ranking well on search engines. There can be a wide variation in the actual services performed. For example, a professional may do an SEO audit and some advice about what you can work on. Or, they may create content that will help your site rank better. Alternatively, they could provide in-depth on-page optimization. Some provide long-term, ongoing SEO services.
It’s important to know that you may interview different SEO companies who all do different things to improve your rankings. All of them may have a solid understanding of what factors search engines are considering. However, they’re choosing to focus on different facts. What all of these services have in common is that the professional’s goal is to help your website show up better in search engines and attract your ideal client.
Which SEO Plugin is Best for WordPress?
There are several good SEO plugins for WordPress, however, we recommend and use the Yoast plugin. We love how user-friendly it is. Plus, it gives us important information regarding optimizing your website and readability.
What are the most important things I can do for SEO?
Because Google takes into account so many factors when deciding how to rank your website, it’s difficult to know where to start! Some of the places I recommend you focus on your energy include:
Make sure the main content on your site is easy to read
Does readability matter for SEO?
Yes. It does. Simply put, having a page that’s easy to read improves the reader’s experience. Therefore, Google will give you a better ranking if your page is easy to understand. We recommend writing your page as if explaining a concept to a middle schooler.
A lot of the business owners we work with are professionals who worry about “dumbing down” their page. They work with really educated, private pay clients who hold advanced degrees. The truth is, on a good day your ideal client probably does understand most of what you are saying. However, your ideal client may not be in a frame of mind to read very technical information. They may be distressed and need answers quickly. It’s often at a client’s lowest, most distressed moment when they are in “freeze, fight or flight” that they’re searching the Internet for a therapist. Therefore, while we focus on readability for SEO, we also believe it serves your potential clients well.
Some of the easiest things you can do to improve readability are:
Shorten sentences
Keep paragraphs under 300 words
Add higher level subheadings (H2s & H3s to divide sections)
What are backlinks and are they actually important?
Great question! Backlinks are when another site links to your website. Backlinks increase your trust flow which will increase your ranking on search engines. Google’s goal is to give its users accurate and relevant information, so they value backlinks as a sign of your website’s trustworthiness and value.
Where do I get backlinks?
There are many different techniques for building backlinks to your website. You can be featured on a podcast, list your website on a directory, act as a source for media or many other options! Getting backlinks from a variety of sources will give your website “staying power” on search engines!
Throughout our time working on webpages, and based on Jessica’s success in her own practice, we’ve narrowed down a list of the best places therapists specifically can look into to get backlinks. So, check out our list and think about the people or places who would be willing to give you backlinks. Then, check out Alyssa’s comprehensive blog about backlinksfor more information. Or, check out our new backlinks course!
Ask the event’s host to give you a backlink on their invitation or website
Sponsor an event or donate to a charity
Be a guest on a podcast
What is the difference between an internal link versus an external link?
An internal link occurs when we link from one page or post on your website to another page or post on your website. An external link occurs when you link from your website to another website. Both have a place in optimizing a website, but internal links will generally help your rankings more.
When our staff optimize websites, we focus heavily on adding internal links because they boost your overall search engine rankings and increase the amount of time your potential client is spending on your website. Which will hopefully compel them to contact you and convert. But, an external link is very useful because it adds credibility and shows that you know what other resources might be useful for your viewers.
What pages should I have on my website to rank well for Google?
Having the right pages is a key component of website strategy. If you are a service based business (therapist, psychiatrist, SLP, OT, etc), the basic pages I would recommend include:
A well-designed home page
4-6 service pages describing your specialties to your clients
These pages need to be 500 words or more
Contact page
About page or a meet the team page
A blog
How often should I post blogs to improve my SEO?
Blogging is an essential part of getting you ranking better. This is why we remind all our clients or blog readers to blog regularly. The frequency of blogging depends on how competitive your area is. But, even if it’s not competitive we recommend a minimum of two blogs a month. Furthermore, we recommend you write blogs resting to the keywords you’re wanting to rank well for. Remember, blogging isn’t just good for your rankings, It can also help your private practice in many ways, and you can learn about those ways by reading Jessica’s article: Are blog posts just for SEO?
What is the difference between SEM and SEO?
SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing and typically refers to paid strategies that help your website appear more often in search results. One common SEM strategy is Google Adwords. SEO, on the other hand, refers to Search Engine Optimization which is where you rank organically in search results.
Should I use Google Adwords or SEO?
In general, SEM strategies are better for short-term visibility, and SEO is better for long-term visibility. Many of our clients choose to use both strategies. If you have to choose one, consider your goals and timeline. Adwords is better for short-term results and getting in front of people quickly. SEO is a long-term strategy but you don’t have to pay for every person who clicks on your site.
This is a very personal question. So, my answer depends on this question: How much time and effort are you willing to put into optimizing your own website? If you are a data nerd like our Simplified SEO staff, you may want to learn all about how to increase your rankings and interpret data. But, if you don’t have time for that, then you should absolutely consider hiring out for search engine optimization.
What questions should I ask an SEO specialist before hiring them to optimize my site?
First, you want to make sure your SEO specialist is a good fit for helping you achieve your SEO and business goals. Then, you want to understand what strategies they are going to use, how you’ll communicate with them, and what overall plan they have for your website.
Some questions you can ask your SEO specialist include:
What’s your experience working with similar businesses?
What results will you get?
What are your plans or packages?
How long do people usually need your services?
How do you measure success?
Am I paying for backlinks with your package?
What specific on-page SEO techniques do you use?
How will you communicate with me?
Begin SEO Services at Simplified SEO Consulting
Thank you so much for following along and reading through this blog. I hope you found the answers to your questions, but if not, please contact us. Our talented team of SEO experts would be thrilled to answer your question and talk about what services might be a great fit for your business. Follow these three steps to begin ranking better on Google.
Cory Moss is a Simplified SEO specialist based in Kansas City. She specializes in working on readability. She really enjoys helping her clients get to the top of Google and attract their ideal clients.
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/bigstock-Work-At-Home-Video-Conference-363391813-1.jpg10001600Cory Mosshttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngCory Moss2020-09-08 08:00:402023-05-01 14:07:15Common Questions About SEO
Today, I would like to explain how working with an SEO expert assists help professionals and private practice owners get to the top of Google and start attracting potential clients.
Ultimately, the goal of SEO is to increase not only the quantity but also the quality of the organic traffic that is coming to your site. Organic traffic is the traffic that is directed to your website by typing in a phrase or term into Google. For example, an organic search occurs when a potential client searches for a term such as “anxiety counseling” on Google. Referrals may get you clients, but if you want to grow your business, then it is important for you to invest in your SEO. Below, I will explain why.
An SEO expert will help you get to the TOP of Google
If you’re on our website, I would assume that you already know that the goal of SEO is to get you to the top of Google. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are and begin your business. Let us help you get in front of more clients.
We help our full service Done for You clients move up in rankings by doing the following:
Discuss SEO strategy with you during our monthly planning calls
Identify, track, and target keywords relating to the services you provide and the clients you see
Write high-quality and compelling meta descriptions
Write a compelling Call to Action Section and Other Services Section
An SEO expert helps you get in front of your IDEAL CLIENT on Google.
Okay, I know what you might be thinking; Cory, I don’t have an ideal client, I just want clients! I get that, but by defining an ideal client is an important part of our SEO strategy at Simplified. When you start working with us, one of the first questions your SEO specialist will ask is, is who are your ideal clients? We want to know what kind of people need your services the most. For example, you may help workaholics, women with anxiety, or families needing sleep solutions for their young children.
Determining your ideal client allows you, and your SEO specialist, to tailor your SEO approach to get in front of these people versus someone who can’t afford to work with you or someone needing services you don’t provide. We don’t just want you to get calls, we want you to get the right calls. The calls that will convert into paying clients.
A Simplified SEO expert can help you attract your ideal client:
The keywords we target are based on things we think these ideal clients would be searching for. For example, a workaholic may search for terms such as “burnout” or “overwhelmed lawyer.” Keywords affect every aspect of our SEO strategy. You can learn more about keyword research here.
We encourage you to write in a way that will resonate with your ideal clients. On your blog or service page, we’ll ask you to identify the things that would bring them into counseling (their pain points) and the symptoms they may be experiencing.
Our team will work on your readability to make sure your page is easy to understand for someone who does not have mental health experience.
Adding a Call to Action section and an Other Services Section to make it easy for them to know how to begin services at your business.
Working with an SEO expert can help compel your ideal client to CLICK on your site
We don’t just want you to get to the top of Google, we want your ideal clients to convert into paying clients. Although we can’t force people to click on your website from a Google list, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to help you entice your ideal client to click on your URL and contact you.
One of the most important parts of our SEO work comes in the form of writing a really good meta description. After we’ve identified your ideal clients and keywords they’d search for, we use these to draft a meta description for your website. This meta description should describe who you help and what the page is about in a clear way that makes sense to the reader. Then, we want to make sure that your meta communicates your worth as an expert in treating the issues your ideal client has. Lastly, whenever possible, we try and incorporate a call to action in your meta by adding a phrase such as “call now” or “learn more” at the end.
Curious about how to write good meta descriptions? Check out these blogs:
What’s the difference between hiring an SEO expert vs optimizing my own website:
Great question. The difference between hiring an SEO expert vs. optimizing your own webpage is the amount of effort and time you’re willing to put in to get good SEO results. Learning SEO and optimizing your website is a time commitment. As SEO experts, we’re able to get your results faster. You don’t have to learn anything about optimizing your own website or interpreting data. That’s our job. We monitor your data constantly and we use this knowledge to create a comprehensive and unique SEO strategy that’s tailored to help you accomplish your goals and attract your ideal client. Every month we will meet with you to discuss this strategy with you and determine the next steps in the SEO process.
How long does it take to get results if I hire an SEO expert?
If you hire an SEO expert you should expect to move up in Google fairly quickly. The amount of movement you will see depends on a few factors: how competitive the SEO market is in your area, the aggressiveness of your SEO package, the content on your pages, and how much you blog.
In competitive SEO markets such as Houston, TX, Atlanta, GA, and New York City, we expect there to be more SEO competition. This doesn’t mean we can’t get you ranking well. It simply means we have to work harder. In terms of SEO packages the more aggressive the package you select the more movement you are likely to see. The content on you pages also affects the movement you will see. As SEO experts, we will help guide you in writing content on your page to maximize SEO potential. Lastly, you’ve probably heard us say it a million times by now, but BLOGGING MATTERS. The more you blog the better SEO results you’ll have.
In terms of a return on your investment and getting calls from your ideal clients, we typically want to hear that you’re getting calls around month three or four.
How much does working with an SEO expert cost?
Working with an SEO specialist is an investment. If you’re interested in beginning SEO services with Simplified SEO consulting, we’d love to speak with you and discuss the cost of investment.
Get to the Top of Google with Simplified SEO Consulting
At Simplified SEO Consulting, our SEO specialists are passionate about helping our clients get to the top of Google. We want our clients to be able to reach and help as many potential clients as possible because we recognize how awesome you are. If you’re curious about SEO, we would love to talk to you during a free 15-minute video consultation call.
Cory Moss is a Simplified SEO specialist based in Kansas City. She specializes in working on readability. She really enjoys helping her clients get to the top of Google and attract their ideal clients.
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bigstock-Seo-Search-Engine-Optimizatio-387201469.jpg10671600Cory Mosshttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngCory Moss2020-08-11 08:00:502021-04-05 16:28:523 Reasons Helping Professions Should Invest in Hiring an SEO Expert
Once you have a website that you love, it’s targeting the clients you most enjoy working with and it’s free from technical errors, it’s time to get started on Search Engine Optimization. I talk about a lot of different things and ways you can approach your website. So, you can do to improve your search engine ranking. Along with driving more traffic to your site, but most of it falls into three categories.
The Three Prongs for Improving SEO
Prong 1: On-Page SEO Approach starting with your service pages
This is probably what you hear me talk about the most. A lot of things fall into this category including headings, and subheadings. Including the right content on the page, internal links, potentially some external links, optimizing photos and so much more! I see optimizing your service pages in particular as “laying the foundation” for good SEO. If your SEO is built on the foundation of well-optimized service pages, it will be so much easier to get it ranking well. This is why we always start with optimizing the on-service pages. Then move to on-page optimization for other key pages on a website.
This is the prong we work on for our clients who purchase our “Done for You”packages.
Prong 2: Building Backlinks
In general, I think that building backlinks are one approach and one of the best strategies to give you long-ranking SEO power. Google assumes that if a lot of other websites are pointing to your website, it must have some pretty awesome, helpful content! In some fields, you need thousands and thousands of backlinks to get to the top for the keyword you target. In the field of mental health, we often need fewer because not as many therapists work on building backlinks. If you can get a couple of hundred backlinks you’ll be way ahead of many of your competitors…especially if you’re also working on Prong 1 & Prong 2.
This is the prong that is the hardest to outsource because Google has a policy that you shouldn’t pay for backlinks for the purpose of improving your ranking. There are a LOT of different ways you can get more backlinks to your website. Including everything from getting listed on resource lists to guest blogging or even posting open positions on strategic sites.
I’m actually offering an upcoming Building Backlinks training that will be a 2 part live Masterclass. This is where we’ll go over a lot of different strategies and approaches for ethically and effectively building backlinks to your site!
Which of these main three SEO strategies do I focus on?
Ultimately, I believe all three of these are really important for SEO on a therapist’s website. In a perfect world, you’d be working on all three prongs at the same time. What we often see clients do is hire us for our Done for You services. We get to work on Prong 1 right away by optimizing their service pages. Then other key pages on the site. Meanwhile, from our very first month, we’re sending them blog post ideas. This is so they can start creating blog posts that will really catapult them to the top of Google! Then, around month 3 our staff are starting to talk more about backlinks so they can begin building backlinks in an organic, really effective way.
Our goal is that 6 months into working on SEO, a therapist’s website has fully optimized key pages on their site, produced a variety of blog posts written strategically to enhance their SEO, had some of those blog posts fully optimized AND built some amazing organic blog posts!
Upcoming Training: Building Backlinks
Building Backlinks: Learn to ethically and effectively build backlinks to your psychotherapy website.
Backlinks are one of the most powerful tools you can use to improve your Search Engine Optimization. Even if you outsource your on-page optimization, you should still have a plan to work on organically increasing the number of
In this TWO part Masterclass, you’ll learn:
1. The importance of building your own backlinks
2. What types of backlinks are most valuable
3. A variety of techniques for building backlinks
4. What to do if a low-quality site happens to link to yours
*Webinar will take place on Thursday 7/2 and 7/9 from 1-2:15 Central Time and will cost only $59.
Register for our Building Backlinks 2 Part Webinar
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SEO-Top-of-Search-Engines-Course.jpg10671600Jessicahttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngJessica2020-06-25 20:06:232022-11-16 20:46:53A 3 Prong Approach to SEO
You’ve heard the business coaches recommend you “niche down”
One of the earliest pieces of business advice I remember picking up as I went into private practice was that I was supposed to “niche down.” Since then, I’ve heard business coach after business coach in the mental health arena talk about this exact issue. They talk about how marketing to a specific “niche” will give you credibility, make you look like an expert and help you avoid burnout.
Does a therapist who has a specific niche rank better on Google?
In general, it’s easier for a therapist with a specific niche to get ranking well on Google quickly. A therapist with a clear picture of their ideal client can quickly identify long tail keywords based on the pain points their ideal clients are searching for. Then, you can create content on your website that speaks to those ideal clients and target the specific keywords they are searching for.
How does a therapy niche impact your SEO Strategy?
A specific niche allows you to identify long tail words to quickly target through blog posts
Keywords related to that niche can more naturally come up on a variety of pages of your site
Blog posts can be written around the pain points of your ideal clients
Photos can be chosen that represent your ideal client
You can write content that will appeal to the kind of client you want to attract
Other websites relevant to your population will be more likely to see you as an “expert” and backlink to your site
In general, I love when new clients have an ideal client identified or a specific niche! It just makes it easier for us to quickly develop a really effective SEO strategy! I also recommend completing a Storybrand brandscript when possible. We love when clients share those with us. They help us have a starting place for keyword research and often lend themselves to some great ideas for content to add to the site!
Is there such a thing as too narrow of a niche?
Based on SEO, I would say that the answer is that yes, sometimes it’s possible. Generally, if you live in a more densely populated area such as New York, London, Toronto or LA there are more people so even if it’s only a small portion searching for your “niche” you’ll still get in front of more of your ideal clients. Additionally, the competition for more broad keywords is higher making niching even more important.
On the other hand, if you live in rural Pennsylvania, too small of a niche can box yourself in. There are fewer people doing searches, so you may need to go more broad to pull in enough clients to fill your practice.
What if I change my “niche” or want to work with other types of counseling clients?
No problem! It is some work to start targeting a new population or niche on your website through SEO. However, it’s easier to target a new niche than it was the first go around, because you’ve already earned Google’s trust for something related to your field. Now, you’re just saying, “You already trust me to provide great information about X, how about you also trust me to provide information about Y?”
To target a new niche, you’ll begin by identifying new keywords. Then, you’ll add new content related to that niche such as a new service page and new blog posts. Lastly, you want to take a look at your home page and consider making tweaks there.
Tips for identifying your niche
Think of the client you felt MOST successful working with? Consider who you are the most effective helping them reach their goals
Consider any special trainings you’ve attended that give you more expertise in an area
Who are the clients you most look forward to seeing when they’re on your schedule?
What do the clients you dread working with have in common?
Tips for using your website to market to a niche
Make sure your home page speaks directly to that client!
Make sure your ideal clients are represented in the photos on your website
Regularly write blog posts with common questions you answer from potential clients
Optimize your website for keywords related to that niche. Do some decent keyword research to figure out what those clients are truly searching.
Where can I get help identifying my niche as a therapist?
If you want to identify a clear niche, I recommend talking to a business consultant. There are so many great ones out there for therapists! Some of my favorites for helping therapists identify a clear niche include Joe Sanok, Laura Long and Katie Read, but truly there’s a long list of people who can help.
This can be a tricky issue as you want a narrow enough niche that you can have clear marketing but a wide enough niche to bring in a large number of clients. My staff and I help private practice owners with this during our initial onboarding all of the time, and we can be particularly useful for doing the keyword research to see what people are looking up. However, I think it can be very helpful to start with talking to a business coach. They’re the experts at helping you identify that target audience and pain points. Then, we can take that information to find the right keywords.
Ultimately, you don’t just want a full caseload. You want a full caseload of the RIGHT clients. The people you’re excited to work with. The people you know you can be effective helping. That’s what this “niche” stuff really accomplishes. Happy, satisfied, energized and effective therapy!
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bigstock-Plus-Size-Nice-American-Or-Asi-380527708.jpg11741600Jessicahttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngJessica2020-06-23 17:15:582024-06-11 19:54:13How Having a “Niche” Impacts Your SEO Strategy
If you’re like many private practices, you’ve noticed a dip in new client inquiries during the Covid-19 pandemic. You’re wanting to focus some on marketing but aren’t sure how. First of all, I recommend checking out Part 1 of this Comprehensive SEO guide where we addressed SEO as a long-term marketing strategy during Covid-19 and gave you our first few tips.
The truth is, we need to make adjustments in various areas of our business. SEO is one of those areas. Many of these tips are always good, but especially important to check on during this unique time.
Let’s go ahead and dive into some more strategies for working on SEO and using your website to market your services right now.
Update Google My Business
Google My Business and SEO go hand in hand. In general, a complete Google My Business listing will help you rank better on Google, and excellent SEO will help your listing be shown more in those top three. So, now is a great time to update your Google My Business listing! Add a note about how you’re offering online services, update your hours, etc. Show Google that you’re staying up to date and make sure the information clients find is accurate.
Focus on Conversions
There are fewer people searching for our services now during covid-19. Therefore, it’s more important than ever that you convert the clients who do find you in search results! The two areas to look at are improving your click-through rate (the number of people who “click” on your link when you show up in search results) and improving conversions to client inquiries when people are on your page.
To improve your click-through rate, I recommend taking a look at your meta descriptions. Make sure they are compelling and accurately describe what the person will find when they follow the link to your page.
To improve the conversions when someone does land on your page, take a look at your website design. Now is a great time to tweak your website design. Make sure you have a clear “call to action” button in the top right-hand corner like, “Schedule an intake” or “Call now.” If you’re considering a complete website redesign, you can take a look at our therapist resource page for a few designers we’ve worked with in the past.
Update Pages on Your Site People will Need Later
Consider updating pages right now you think might be relevant in the future with changes that have happened due to Covid-19. In other words, plan ahead for the searches people will be looking at. Another article I read this week agrees with this strategy of thinking of the future when determining our SEO strategy right now. It’s easy to just get reactive and make changes to a website out of fear and reaction to he changing market. However, it’s so important to be strategic and forward-looking when making changes!
How my private practice has anticipated future client needs
A therapist in my practice who does a lot of work around grief decided to use this time to get trained in an evidence-based trauma therapy she’s been eyeing. Why? Because she knows that coming out of this, there will be a lot of complicated, traumatic grief. There will be people who said goodbye to a loved one over the phone, family members who didn’t have the closure a funeral provides, and hospital staff who witnessed death.
Along those same lines, our practice decided it’s time to update/rewrite our grief page! I met with one of my clinicians to discuss this. Now, she’s working on a rough draft of what that will look like. Then, naturally, I’ll do the SEO work for it so we don’t lose our ranking when it’s rewritten. But it will be written with conversion in mind so that when people realize they need help processing the grief from the loss they’re experiencing now, they’ll see how we can help.
Nurture your audience
I think another thing to think about right now is the importance of building up trust with your community and audience. Even if people aren’t ready to actually call and begin therapy right now, you can begin to at least build positive associations in your community with the name of your practice.
For example, tonight I participated in a virtual telethon for our community relief efforts. I spoke about using grounding to cope with Covid related anxiety. Do I expect any calls off of that? Probably not right away. However, I’m hoping that people will begin to associate my practice name with helping the community. It’s planting seeds.
At some point in the future, people will look for counseling. When they do and see the name of my practice show up in search results they’ll think, “Oh, I’ve heard good things about Aspire.” They may not even remember what those specific “good things” were, but the positive association is there.
Other options for this include sending short, helpful information to your mailing list, giving mental health tips on social media and sharing the blog posts you’ve been writing.
Make sure your website is fast
Internet is being used in record numbers now during Covid-19. In many cases, people are overwhelming their internet. I spoke to another therapist who recently upgraded their internet speed at home and have it on my “to do” list to look into that for my own house this week. What does this mean for potential clients looking for our services? Their internet is already slower, so if technical issues are slowing down your site not only will it hurt your SEO, but may be even more frustrating to your clients than usual!
I recommend everyone puts their website through Google PageSpeed Insights from time to time. I’ll warn you right now that the results can be a little hard to understand. Therefore, you may just want to take a screen shot of your results and their suggestions, e-mail that to your website developer and ask what of these things they’d recommend targeting to improve your score.
Link Building
Link building is always an important strategy for SEO. I feel like I touch on this topic all the time. But, that is because building backlinks is effective. So, I’ve written several blog posts about this, talk about it 1:1 with SEO clients frequently and it’s often a topic of my weekly “Facebook Lives” in our closed FB group for clients.
What can you do to build backlinks right now? Getting on relevant directories is always a good strategy. And I’m often talking to therapists about guest blogging. But I think one of the biggest opportunities right now is being featured in the media. So, reach out to your local papers and TV stations and offer to be a source. Respond to some HARO inquiries. Offer to be on a local radio show. Participate in a podcast interview. People know mental health is important right now. And, when you serve as a source in these situations they will typically link back to your website in the online article or show notes.
SEO Training During Covid-19
For many of you, now is a great time to learn to optimize your own website. Investing that time to learn to manage your own SEO now can pay off for years ahead. I highly recommend our online SEO courses if you’re looking for a really affordable option. If you want more personalized support, you might consider our one-on-one 12-week SEO intensive. Or you can e-mail me at jessica@simplifiedSEOConsulting.com and let me know if you want to be included in a brief 4-week SEO mastermind we are considering. Lastly, if you’re just looking for a quick SEO strategy session or are an alumni looking for a quick update, we do offer those as well.
If you’re ready to dive in and learn search engine optimization, we’re here to help.
https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bigstock-Bearded-Hipster-Boy-Profession-285194413.jpg10671600Jessicahttps://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Simplified-SEO-Logo-1-300x84.pngJessica2020-04-29 06:49:342022-11-16 20:31:30The Guide to SEO Strategy for Therapists During Covid 19: Part 2
O): Organic search visibility is essential. SEO elevates your website’s ranking in search results, increasing the likelihood that potential clients will find you. It’s an investment that yields long-term benefits.
As we know, stories, papers, and treatments come from a great foundation. There is an art to telling a great story and presenting information. Your approach doesn’t need to be the same as others, but there is a similar formula. If you want to convince someone that a treatment modality works, the base of your argument needs to be well-researched. Likewise, if I am trying to tell a creative story, I need to set the storyline up well. Ultimately, a successful delivery begins with a firm foundation. Otherwise, you have no hope of convincing your audience you’re knowledgeable or that you’re someone credible to listen to. And we know you’re intelligent mental health professionals!
If you’re ready to begin optimizing your website to help you reach your ideal client on Google, then we’d love to help! Follow these steps to begin SEO services with 
Your home page
Interesting question. I believe the answer is yes, but it will evolve. Optimizing for Google might not be the priority anymore. It might be optimizing for Youtube, which is similar, but different. SEO is all about getting in front of your ideal clients, so this means optimizing your content on the places they search for services. Likewise, it may mean tweaking how we optimize now and learning new techniques to appease Google’s ever-changing algorithms.
Start with
Online directories
This is a very personal question. So, my answer depends on this question: How much time and effort are you willing to put into optimizing your own website? If you are a data nerd like our 
Thank you so much for following along and reading through this blog. I hope you found the answers to your questions, but if not, please contact us. Our talented team of SEO experts would be thrilled to answer your question and talk about what services might be a great fit for your business. Follow these three steps to begin ranking better on Google.
Discuss SEO strategy with you during our monthly planning calls
Update Google My Business
Link Building