If you are a mental healthcare professional with a website, then you know the importance of ranking high in Google search results. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for reaching a wider audience and attracting potential clients. However, learning how to rank on Google for therapists can be challenging, especially with the recent Google algorithm updates that prioritize quality and user trust.

One of the most significant changes to the algorithm is the E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness) update, which was introduced in 2018. The E-A-T algorithm aims to ensure that websites providing health-related content, including mental health information, are reliable, trustworthy, and backed by credible expertise. Google recognizes the sensitive nature of mental health topics and wants to ensure that users can find accurate and helpful information. That’s why when it comes to learning how to rank on Google for therapists, Google isn’t against us.

So, how does the E-A-T algorithm impact mental health professionals’ websites?

It means that simply having a website with relevant keywords and content is no longer enough. Google now evaluates the expertise, authority, and trustworthiness of the content and the website as a whole. Mental health professionals need to demonstrate their qualifications, establish themselves as authoritative figures, and cultivate a sense of trust among their website visitors.

The Impact of E-A-T on Mental Health Professionals’ Websites

The E-A-T algorithm has had a significant impact on mental health professionals’ websites since it was introduced. Websites that lack E-A-T factors or are not up to Google’s standards for content quality have seen a significant decrease in their search engine rankings. This includes those that offer inaccurate or unsupported information regarding mental health, low-quality content, and outdated links. Therefore, it’s essential that mental health professionals who have a website prioritize their E-A-T score.

Why Does Eat Matter as A Mental Health Professional, Medical Professional, or Attorney?

The importance of E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness) for mental health professionals cannot be overstated. In an era where misinformation and unreliable sources abound, it is crucial for mental health professionals to establish themselves as trustworthy and credible sources of information. Here’s why E-A-T matters:

Accuracy and Reliability:

Mental health is a sensitive and complex subject. Users seeking information on mental health topics rely on search engines like Google to provide accurate and reliable resources. By prioritizing E-A-T, mental health professionals can ensure that their website delivers trustworthy and evidence-based content, helping users make informed decisions about their mental well-being.

Building Trust:

Establishing trust is paramount in the mental health field. When users visit a mental health professional’s website, they should feel confident that the information provided is reliable and backed by expertise. A high E-A-T score helps build trust by showcasing the mental health professional’s qualifications, experience, and dedication to providing accurate information and quality care.

Reputation Management:

Online reputation plays a significant role in attracting new clients. A strong E-A-T score demonstrates to search engines and potential clients that the mental health professional is a reputable authority in their field. Positive user reviews, testimonials, and endorsements can further strengthen the mental health professional’s reputation, leading to increased visibility and client trust.

Competing in the Digital Landscape:

With the increasing reliance on the internet for mental health information, competition among mental health professionals in the digital space is fierce. Having a solid E-A-T foundation sets mental health professionals apart from less credible sources. It improves their chances of ranking higher in search engine results, increasing their visibility and reach.

How to Rank On Google for Therapists and SEO

1. Showcase Your Expertise:

   • Clearly highlight your credentials, qualifications, and experience as a mental health professional on your website. Include information about your education, certifications, licenses, and any specialized training you have undergone.
   • Create an “About Me” page that presents your background, areas of expertise, and approach to therapy. This helps establish your authority and expertise in the field.

2. Provide Credible and Reliable Content:

   • Focus on creating high-quality content that is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to mental health topics. Avoid making exaggerated claims or promoting unverified treatments.
   • Support your content with reputable sources, such as scientific research papers, academic journals, or well-established mental health organizations. This demonstrates your commitment to evidence-based practice.

3. Foster Trust and Transparency:

   • Build trust with your audience by showcasing testimonials and client success stories. Include reviews from satisfied clients, highlighting the positive impact of your services.
   • Clearly display your privacy policy and ensure the confidentiality of client information. This demonstrates your commitment to maintaining client privacy and confidentiality.

4. Enhance User Experience:

   • Focus on creating a user-friendly website design that is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Optimize your website for mobile devices, as more and more users are accessing the internet through smartphones and tablets.
   • Improve page loading speed to enhance user experience and reduce bounce rates. Users are more likely to engage with a website that loads quickly and provides a seamless browsing experience.

5. Engage with your Audience:

   • Encourage user engagement through features like comment sections, contact forms, or social media integration. Respond to inquiries, comments, or feedback promptly and professionally.
   • Regularly update your website with fresh, informative, and engaging content to keep visitors coming back for more. This could include blog posts, articles, videos, or podcasts.

Takeaways for How to Rank on Google for Therapists, Attorneys, and Doctors 2023

In conclusion, If you are wondering how to rank on Google for therapists and SEO in 2023 should prioritize the E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness) algorithm to enhance your website’s ranking and establish itself as reliable source of mental health information. By focusing on accuracy, building trust, managing their online reputation, and competing effectively in the digital landscape, mental health professionals can ensure their website meets the criteria set by Google’s algorithm.

It is crucial to provide accurate and evidence-based content, showcase qualifications and expertise, and foster trust among website visitors. Engaging with the audience, regularly updating content, and collaborating with trusted professionals or organizations can further enhance the E-A-T score.

Improving the E-A-T score is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and dedication. However, the benefits are significant, including increased visibility, a stronger reputation, and attracting more clients to your mental health practice. By prioritizing the E-A-T algorithm and implementing the strategies mentioned, mental health professionals can position themselves as reliable and trustworthy sources of mental health information in the digital landscape of 2023.

Begin working work with our dedicated team of SEO Specialists

Are you a mental health professional looking to improve your website’s visibility and attract more clients? Simplified SEO Consulting can help you achieve your goals! Our team of experienced SEO experts specializes in optimizing websites for mental health professionals, ensuring that you rank higher in search engine results and reach your target audience effectively.

With our tailored SEO strategies, we’ll work closely with you to improve your website’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness) score, enhance your online reputation, and increase your website’s visibility. Our proven methods and industry expertise will help you stand out from the competition and attract more clients to your practice.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your online presence and reach a wider audience. Contact Simplified SEO Consulting today and take the first step towards optimizing your website for success. Follow these simple steps to begin working with us soon!

1. Apply to work with our team
2. Once approved schedule your 45-minute consultation
3. Learn about our team!
4. Start adding intentional photos and alt text to your site.

Other Services At Simplified SEO Consulting

If you’re looking for other forms of support, we can help! We offer options such as our 12-week training, small group intensives, and courses. Our strategy session can be a great option if you need support getting started with SEO or doing a site move or redesign. 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

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!

You know, increasing your online presence would help you grow your small business. The truth is people look for service-based businesses online these days. And you want to show up.  But when it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, you may find yourself struggling with one of the most basic steps – keyword research. 

You’re not alone in finding it overwhelming or confusing to figure out what words to use on your website. Let’s take a closer look at why keyword research is so hard and what you can do to overcome the challenges.

What is Keyword Research & How Does it Relate to SEO for Therapists?

Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases that people use to search for information online.

Think about the last time you searched for something online. For example, this morning, I searched online for “things to do with kids in Chicago” because I’m considering a family vacation there. The “keyword” in that scenario was “things to do with kids in Chicago.” In other words, keywords are what you type into a search engine.

Keyword research is all about trying to figure out what keywords people are typing in when your website should be ranking. It’s about figuring out the keywords your ideal clients are typing into Google.

The Importance of Keyword Research for Small Businesses

For small businesses, having a strong online presence can be a very important part of marketing. Keyword research allows you to understand the language your target audience uses to search for information related to your business and tailor your website content accordingly. By using the right keywords, you can improve your website’s ranking on search engines, increase traffic to your site, and, ultimately, drive more business.

Keyword Research for Health Professionals

As a mental health and/or healthcare professional, your website serves as an important tool to attract new clients/patients and provide information about your practice. But with so much competition in the online space, it can be difficult to stand out. 

Keyword research can help you to identify the terms that potential new clients or patients are searching for when looking for your services. By optimizing your website content with these keywords, you can increase the likelihood of appearing at the top of search results and attracting new clients/patients to your practice.

Common Challenges of SEO for Therapists & Keyword Research

While keyword research is a critical step in optimizing your website for search engines, it’s not always an easy task. In fact, I firmly believe it is the single most difficult thing that we teach new clients and/or staff. It often takes months before our staff or training clients fully understand the nuances of keyword research. And this is why you see us writing so many blog posts, doing webinars, and including long sections about keyword research in our online courses. We know it’s challenging. And we want to help practice owners every step of the way. 

Here are some common challenges that small business owners face when conducting keyword research:

Challenge #1: Finding the Right Keywords

One of the biggest challenges of keyword research is identifying the right keywords to target. With millions of potential search terms out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Furthermore, not all keywords are created equal – some are more competitive than others, and some may not even be relevant to your business.

And often, the words we would use as a professional aren’t the same keywords an average person looking for our services might use. For example, the first time I was asked what keywords my clients would be searching for I confidently said, “Prolonged Exposure.” This is an evidence-based PTSD treatment I had extensive training and experience in and knew to be really effective. However, the truth is that this search term has hardly any search volume meaning very few people are actually searching for it. While those searching for it *may* have been my ideal client (or another professional researching that treatment), I’m going to find a lot more of my ideal clients by targeting keywords related to trauma or PTSD.

And, there’s the added struggle that often the most searched-for terms are also the more competitive. Meaning the more people are searching for a term, the more websites tend to target that term. So, aiming to rank for the most searched keywords isn’t always the best strategy because it’ll be so hard to make it to those top few spots.

So, figuring out the “right” keyword can be really difficult.

Challenge #2: Understanding Search Intent

Another challenge of keyword research is understanding the intent behind a particular search query. For example, if someone searches for “physical therapy near me,” they may be looking for a local physical therapist to schedule an appointment with. On the other hand, if someone searches for “physical therapy exercises,” they may be looking for information on how to perform exercises at home. Understanding the intent behind a search query is critical in order to provide the right content to the user.

Challenge #3: Analyzing the Competition

Another challenge of keyword research is analyzing the competition. Your website may be up against hundreds or even thousands of other websites vying for the same keywords, which can make it difficult to rank high in search results. Analyzing your competitors can help you identify opportunities to differentiate yourself and attract more clients to your practice.

Challenge #4: Keeping Up with Trends

The world of online search is constantly evolving, and staying on top of the latest trends can be a challenge. Honestly, this is part of the challenge that I personally love. I often wake up and look for the latest information being talked about in the SEO world as I start my day. But this makes it hard for small businesses to stay on top of things.

New keywords emerge all the time. The language people use to discuss their mental and physical health changes all the time. Furthermore, search engines update their algorithms regularly, making it difficult to predict how your website will perform in search results. So, it’s essential to stay up to date on the latest trends to ensure that you’re targeting the right keywords.

Overcoming the Challenges of Keyword Research

While keyword research can be challenging, there are several strategies that you can use to overcome these challenges and optimize your website for search engines. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Tip #1: Use a Variety of Keyword Research Tools

There are many keyword research tools available that can help you identify potential keywords to target. Some popular tools include Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Moz, and Ahrefs. My personal favorite places to get keywords include Google Search Console (what are you already showing up somewhat for?), KWFinder from Mangools, and then I occasionally use Keywords Everywhere and/or SEMrush for some additional keyword research. You can even ask AI tools such as Jasper or ChatGPT to create a list of keywords for you on a topic as a starting place.

Using a variety of tools can help you get a more complete picture of the search landscape and identify opportunities to differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Tip #2: Think Like Your Target Audience

To identify the right keywords to target, it’s important to think like your clients. And let’s face it, you know your clients. You truly do. So, put yourself in their shoes for a moment.

Consider the questions they may have when searching for services like yours. What is the language they may use to describe their concerns or symptoms? What might be going through their mind at that moment when they’re looking for your services? This can help you identify keywords that are relevant and likely to be searched by your target audience.

Tip #3: Use Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that are less competitive than more generic keywords. They’re generally full phrases instead of 1-2 words. While they may not generate as much traffic as broader keywords, they can be more effective in attracting clients who are specifically looking for services like yours. For example, instead of targeting “therapy services,” you may target “couples therapy for communication issues.” For couples therapists, not only are they more likely to rank for the second keyword, but that is probably a more ideal client anyway.

Tip #4: Keep an Eye on Trends

Staying up to date on the latest trends can help you identify new keywords to target and adjust your strategy to keep up with changes in search behavior. Consider following industry blogs and news sites and monitoring social media to stay informed about changes in your field.

Keyword Research & SEO for Therapists is Hard, But Worth It

Keyword research may be challenging, but it’s a critical step in optimizing your website for search engines and attracting new clients to your practice. By understanding the challenges of keyword research and using the right tools and strategies, you can identify the keywords that are most relevant to your clients and improve your website’s visibility on search engines.

Keyword research is a bit like driving – you need to know where you’re headed and the best route to take to get there, just like when you’re behind the wheel, knowing your destination is essential when it comes to keyword research. Keyword research helps you identify your destination. Your destination, after all, is ranking for those keywords. So, understanding the words and phrases your clients are searching for helps you drive more traffic to your website.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we understand the importance of a well-executed keyword research strategy. And we understand how challenging keyword research can be. So, we’re here to help you navigate the process. We understand the road map and terrain that you’re navigating. We’ve helped hundreds (at least, maybe thousands now?) or private practice owners get ranking and grow their practice. So, we know what to look for when we’re doing keyword research. And we can help you through the complicated twists and turns of it if you’d like to learn it yourself.

Support With Keyword Research

While keyword research is a critical step in optimizing your website for search engines, it can be overwhelming and time-consuming. As a practice owner, you have a lot on your plate, and it can be challenging to find the time and resources to tackle keyword research on your own. That’s where Simplified SEO Consulting comes in.

We offer a range of services to help support you with your keyword research and SEO needs. Our Strategy Package provides you with one-on-one support to discuss your keyword strategy and get a little extra support specifically in this area. We also offer “done for you” services where we can take care of the majority of your SEO needs, including keyword research.

If you’re looking for more in-depth support, we offer a 12-week 1:1 training program where we walk you through the entire keyword research process. This program includes personalized support, resources, and guidance to help you create a comprehensive keyword strategy tailored to your practice’s unique needs.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we understand that every practice is different, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs and goals. With our support, you can feel confident that your keyword strategy is optimized to attract more clients to your practice and help you stand out in the competitive online landscape.

So why not take the stress and guesswork out of keyword research and let Simplified SEO Consulting help you optimize your online presence? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help support you and your practice.

Need Support with SEO on Your Website? 

Feeling frustrated with keyword research and trying to figure out what to use when researching SEO for therapists? Our skilled and passionate team of SEO specialists is here to make sure your SEO journey is tailored to your brand and identity. Simplified SEO Consulting would be excited to help you on your SEO journey. To get started with our service, follow these simple steps:

1. Schedule a consult with our Client Success Specialist or Consult Team.
2. Learn more about our awesome team of SEO Specialists.
3. Begin your SEO Journey!

Other Services offered by Simplified SEO Consulting    

We can also help if you need other types of support! We offer a variety of training options to meet your needs, including a 12-week training program, small group intensives, and courses. If you are ready to start using SEO, or you are planning to move your site or redesign your site, then the strategy session may be an excellent option for you. We can also assist you with our Done for You Program if you want to work with a dedicated and skilled team of professionals. To get started, schedule a consultation with our Client Success Specialist today!

Are you a therapist or psychiatrist private practice owner who detests writing and really doesn’t want to start blogging? Yet…you know that you need to do something to get noticed and increase your website’s visibility and have heard blogging is an important SEO strategy? We understand that feeling!  You may not consider yourself an ‘expert’ in SEO, but that doesn’t mean it has to be intimidating. In this post, we will provide helpful tips and advice to explain how some private practice websites can rank well even without a blog.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital component of any online marketing strategy, especially for private practice owners. A higher ranking on Google can help drive more traffic to your website and attract more clients to your practice. But does blogging have to be a part of your SEO strategy? The answer is no, but it can definitely help.

Blogging is one of many SEO Strategies You Can Use

Blogging is a powerful tool that can help your website rank faster on Google. Regularly publishing high-quality blog posts can increase the number of pages on your website, which in turn gives Google more content to index. This makes it easier for Google to understand what your website is about and which searches it should appear for. Blogging also allows you to target specific keywords and phrases that potential clients might use to find your services.

However, there are instances where websites without blogs still rank well on Google. This can be frustrating for those who put in the effort to consistently create and publish blog content (even though the writing is like pulling teeth for them) but it still takes months to outrank practices that don’t even have a blog. Some of the factors that may contribute to this include the age of the URL or domain, the number of high-quality backlinks, and the relevance of the website’s content to the search query.

Here are some specific strategies and factors that can make your website more search engine friendly and help you attract more clients to your practice, even without blogging:

How Long You’ve Owned Your Website

When it comes to ranking a website, the age of the domain or URL matters to Google. This is because an older domain is seen as more established and trustworthy. Google wants to provide users with the most relevant and reliable results possible, and an older domain indicates that the website has been around for a while and has likely built up a good reputation.

But Google doesn’t just look at the age of the domain; they also consider whether there has been consistent ownership of the website. If a website has changed hands frequently or has been dropped and picked up again by different owners, it may not be seen as a reliable source of information. On the other hand, if a website has had the same owner for a long time and has consistently provided high-quality content, it may be seen as a more trustworthy source of information.

While it’s not essential to have an older domain or consistent ownership to rank well on Google, it can certainly help…especially if you’re not blogging.

Keyword Research

Conducting thorough keyword research is essential for any effective SEO strategy. Focus on identifying the most relevant keywords for your practice and optimizing your website’s content around them. Make sure to include these keywords in your copy and page titles, as well as on any images that you use. This will help Google better understand the content of your website and ensure that it appears for relevant searches. A website that ranks well without blogging likely is using words on that website that people are searching for.

Link Building

Link building is one of the most important SEO strategies, and it is especially critical if you’re not blogging. Building backlinks to your website from other high-quality, relevant websites can help boost your website’s ranking on Google. This is because when Google sees that your website is being linked to by other websites, it indicates to them that you are providing valuable content.

This helps to establish your website as a reputable source of information, and can lead to higher search engine rankings. So, focus on building high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in your niche.

It is very common that websites without a blog who rank well have a large number of backlinks  from high-quality websites. So, this should be a huge focus of your SEO efforts if you aren’t blogging. However, it is important to be aware that Google has a strict policy against link schemes and buying backlinks.

A note about link-building “shortcuts”

Buying backlinks can be tempting, as it offers a quick and easy solution to link building. However, Google has strict policies regarding link schemes, so engaging in any type of black hat SEO (such as buying backlinks) activity may result in your website being penalized or even removed from Google’s index altogether. So focus on building high-quality backlinks the right way, and avoid any shortcuts that may get you into trouble.

Some “white hat” strategies for building quality backlinks to your website include :

1. Publish content on industry-specific forums and discussion boards
2. Appear as a guest on a podcast
3. Submit your website to relevant directories and local listings
4. Create social media accounts for your business and share links to your website with followers
5. Ask to be added to a resource list
6. Act as a source for reporters
7. Participate in Quora threads related to your niche and use it as an opportunity to link back to your website
8. Reach out to influencers in your industry and ask them to share your content with their followers
9. Submit guest posts or write testimonials for high-quality websites in your niche that allow you to include a link back to yours 
10. Sponsor a local event.

On-Page Optimization

Since a website without a blog will have fewer pages overall, it’s important that those pages you do have are really well optimized. On-page optimization refers to the process of optimizing individual web pages in order to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic. Key factors include optimizing page titles, meta descriptions, and header tags. Additionally, make sure all of your website’s pages are properly optimized for mobile and that they load quickly.

User Experience

Your website’s user experience (UX) is critical to its success in search engines. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and loads quickly. Additionally, having meaningful calls-to-action on each page will help drive more conversions.

Local SEO

Local SEO is a critical component of any effective SEO strategy for private practice owners. Ensure that your website is optimized for local searches by including your practice’s name, address, and phone number on your website and other directories. A list management service  can help ensure that your practice is listed on the most important local directories. We offer this service, but so do many other SEO companies.

Other local SEO strategies might include having a full optimized Google Business Profile where you regularly post updates,  responding to customer reviews, featuring local photos and references on website and setting up geo-targeted campaigns on social media.

Is it possible to rank on Google without blogging?

Ultimately, SEO without blogging can be effective in driving organic traffic to your website. However, blogging is still a powerful tool for SEO and should not be overlooked as part of an overall marketing strategy. It undoubtedly makes ranking well easier. And, not only does it drive organic traffic, but it also helps build relationships with your audience and increase brand visibility. 

However, every website that ranks well doesn’t necessarily have a blog. There are over 200 factors Google considers when ranking a website, and while blogging has its place in an effective SEO strategy, it is not the only factor. So if you don’t want to blog, make sure your SEO strategy focuses on the other key components such as content optimization, link building, and local SEO. Doing so will help ensure your website ranks well in search engine results even without a blog.

At the end of the day, SEO is an important part of any digital marketing strategy, and the key is to find the strategies that work best for your business.  It’s also important to note that SEO can take some time, so be patient and stay focused on the long-term goals.

Simplified SEO Consulting: An SEO Solution for Therapists & Private Practice Owners

If you need help developing an SEO strategy that works for your private practice, apply to meet with a member of the Simplified SEO Consulting team and we’ll be happy to help. We know every private practice owner is different. Your needs are different. Your budget is different. Ideal clients vary from practice to practice. Treatment methods vary. Location varies and has a huge impact on what you need to do for SEO. In other words, we know every practice we work with needs a slightly different strategy. That is both why we offer a free consultation to help us determine what will be needed for your website and why we offer such a wide range of SEO service.

Our Done for You SEO services are most popular and great if you’re looking to outsource! We also believe that mental health private practice owners who have the time and motivation absolutely can learn SEO if they want. Therefore, we offer a wide range of services to help you optimize your own site including a comprehensive SEO course, a 12 week individual training program where you work 1:1 with a member of our leadership team and also a small group intensive where we take a semester to help a small group of people improve the SEO on their private practice website.

SEO is a lot of work…and it pays off.

I know SEO is a lot of work. Truly, it is. I think so now even after years of doing it. And while both of my websites rank well, they still do require attention from time to time even now. AND I believe it’s worth it. I’ve seen the huge benefits that can come long-term from having great SEO. So, I want to make sure my team does everything in our power to really help and support other practice owners in their SEO journey.

It’s a dialectic. Both can be true. But if you’re thinking about going the SEO route to market your private practice, reach out and we’d love to help.

About the Author

Jessica Tappana owns a private pay group practice in Missouri that currently has 2 locations and approximately 12 therapists. She’s also the founder and owner of Simplified SEO Consulting. She believes that therapists do their best work when they have a steady stream of their ideal clients. So, Simplified SEO Consulting’s mission is to help as many therapists as possible have that steady