SEO Terminology: 10 Common SEO Terms and What They Mean for Therapist SEO

In the world of Search Engine Optimization, there are so many terms that are thrown around.

There is a lot of lingo surrounding search engine optimization. In fact, there is so much that it can sound like a different language without having prior knowledge. So today, we are going to discuss common SEO terms and their place in the grand scheme of things.

What Are Long-Tail and Short-Tail Keywords?

Keywords are the terms that we chose to focus on and include in content to better show up for those terms. When it comes to short-tail keywords, these are phrases such as “anxiety treatment” that only have one to two words that make up the keyword. Long-tail keywords however can have four or more.

Short-tail keywords often overlook long-tail when it comes to search volume. Since these keywords are shorter and more general, they are often searched for by a larger number of people. On the other hand, long-tail keywords are usually more specific due to the longer nature of the phrase. Thus, making them easier to rank for while helping focus in on a specific niche or topic. There are pros and cons of using each, which is why it’s important to use each when optimizing for specific search terms you’d like to rank for.

What Does HTML Mean?

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. This is a basic markup language for documents used by web pages across the internet. HTML is used to tell web browsers what elements are present on a given page and make up the backbone of what you will see on a webpage. Every element is represented somewhere in the HTML of the page. While you may not be able to see it without a bit of technical knowledge, it still serves an invaluable purpose in SEO and web design as a whole.

What Does SERP Stand For?

This stands for search engine result page. When you search for something on Google, this is the page you see with all the possible search results related to your inquiry. The factors that determine where pages fall in a SERP can be difficult to understand, especially with the ever-evolving nature of Google’s search algorithm. But, understanding the major updates that may occur can help improve your SEO efforts in a variety of ways.

What Is a Meta Description?

A meta description is a short paragraph that appears on SERPs and summarizes what the page is about. Normally Google will automatically create these based on the content of the page. But, these are rarely as effective as if you were to manually create your own. Writing your own meta descriptions for each of your web pages will allow you to also work in crucial keywords you are hoping to improve rankings for, thus helping google better understand the focus of the page and what you are hoping to rank for.

What Is the Difference Between Crawling, Indexing, Rendering, and Ranking?

Crawling refers to when robots (crawlers) for a search engine discover new pages on your site, and the links they have to other existing pages, which is why internal links are so important. After a robot crawls a site, it can index the crawled pages. Indexing is when these pages are recorded by the search engine, analyzed, and sorted based on the content of the page.

Rendering occurs when search engines take the HTML of your page, and use it to understand the structure of the page. It is the process of compiling the code of your site in order to better understand what an actual person will see when they visit the page. Finally, ranking is what private practice owners work to improve through SEO! Your ranking is where your site falls in the SERP, and this constantly changes due to other competitors working to climb to the top of the search results.

What Is a Sitemap?

A sitemap acts as, well, a map of your site! This helps search engines organize the pages on your site to crawl and index the content of your website. Without submitting your sitemap to something like Google My Business, SERPs may have a harder time understanding the type of content on your site, whether that be a video, image, or article. Plus, sitemaps also provide crawlers with another way to discover each page of your site. As a result, you don’t have to worry as much about isolated pages being looked over due to a lack of links. Your sitemap will take notice of them even if they’re not linked to any other page.

What Are Alt Text and Alt Titles?

These are unseen additions to photos and other graphic elements on a page that help improves accessibility and provide content for search engines. The text and titles added to photos help search engines index pages correctly. These often include descriptions that explain the content of the photo and can provide a great chance to also rank for your focus keywords. These alt attributes can be added to the HTML of your site in different ways. Including them also helps toward improving how well you rank on Google.

What Are Internal Links, External Links, and Backlinks?

Internal links are the embedded links on your website that connect each page to one another. External links are similar, but they link to external sites independent of your site. Backlinks is a type of external link in which another site creates a link that returns back to your site. Internal linking is an essential part of your site structure. External and backlinks are invaluable as well. They can help to improve the authoritativeness of your site. But, be careful, not all sites may be as reputable as others, meaning the wrong link can actually hurt the credibility of your site.

What Is Black Hat & White Hat SEO

These are the methods in which you try to rank better on SERPs like Google. Black hat SEO tactics are those that can help you improve your rankings, but are often unethical and go against SERP guidelines in the process. In short, you want to avoid black hat SEO practices. Instead, white hat SEO practices are ethical methods to help improve your search engine rankings.

What Is a Featured Snippet?

These are becoming more important as Google continues to make finding the right answers more convenient for those searching for them. These are the small bits of text that often appear at the top of Google’s search results that are meant to offer quick answers to an inquiry. These make it easier for searchers to find answers without having to sift through an entire page. They also help capture attention and can improve the chances people will visit your site for more useful answers to their questions.

Begin Improving Counselor SEO With Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team of SEO specialists is experienced in offering support to improve the SEO of therapists nationwide. We offer a number of services that can help you improve your practice, and find your ideal client. If you are ready to start your SEO journey with Simplified SEO Consulting, please follow these simple steps:

Apply to start improving your SEO
Meet with a member of our team of SEO Specialists
Start ranking higher on Google and meeting with your ideal client

Other Services Offered With Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team of mental health SEO specialists is happy to offer a number of services to support your SEO efforts. We offer Done For You SEO packages as well as online courses, SEO training, Done With You 12-week intensive, and strategy sessions. We would be happy to start working with you by scheduling a free 30-minute consultation. Learn more by visiting our blog or visit our services page today.

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He integrates what he learned in school into his work as an SEO Specialist with Simplified SEO Consulting. Sterling prides himself on helping current clients & alumni problems solve difficult SEO issues. He’s great at giving clients multiple options about how to approach a situation and responding quickly to client concerns. Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them extra problem-solving support. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research and make sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

July 19, 2022/0 Comments/by Sterling Humburg-Cage

SEO Tips, SLP private practice

Mastering Internal Linking for Optimal SEO in Your SLP Practice

You’ve been working on your SEO for some time and trying to follow our advice, but are still struggling to get ranking. What’s next?

First, hopefully you’re focusing your efforts initially on optimizing your website’s key pages. I think of on-page optimization as building a strong foundation for SEO. Internal linking is an important part of on page SEO.

What are internal links?

Internal links are hyperlinks that point from one page of your website to another. Search engine crawlers use these links to index and rank the pages on your site. Your content should include relevant internal links, as this will help you pass PageRank (Google’s ranking algorithm) from one page to another.

For example, an SLP website homepage would contain internal links to their services page, location page and contact page. It’s important to use relevant anchor text for your internal links. This means that not only should you be linking to the correct pages, but also using words that accurately describe the content on the other side of the link.

What’s the Difference Between Internal vs. External Links?

If you’re new to SEO, you may have heard both of these terms but not really understand the difference. That said, it’s pretty simple: External links point away from your website and internal links point to a different page still on your website. Both are an important part of a comprehensive SEO strategy. For external links, you may choose to link to a couple high quality other sites. And of course, you want to build backlinks by getting others to include external links from their website to yours. But today, we’re going to focus on those internal links pointing between pages of your own site.

Why is Internal Linking Important?

Internal linking has a number of benefits for your website’s SEO and is an important part of on-page SEO. First, it helps search engines like Google and Bing understand the structure and organization of your site, making it easier for them to crawl and index your pages. This can lead to better visibility and higher search rankings over time.

In addition, internal linking helps to establish relationships between different pages of your site, passing “link equity” from one page to another. When you link from a high-authority page to a lower-authority page, some of that authority is passed along, potentially boosting the search ranking of the lower-authority page.

Finally, internal linking helps to create a better user experience for your site visitors. By linking related pages together, you make it easier for visitors to find the information they need and navigate your site. This then leads to longer dwell times and potentially better engagement metrics. In other words, it makes life easier for your website visitors and encourages them to find all of the helpful information you’re putting out into the world!

How Many Internal Links Do I Need?

It’s been my experience that most private practice owners don’t use nearly enough internal links on their website. This is just a common SEO mistake private practice owners make on their websites. I recommend including at least a few internal links on each page of your site, and multiple links if it makes sense.

I remember when I was first learning about internal links, I put a couple here and there on my website. At the time, I was telling my husband about what I was learning. Then, one night he was reading ESPN.com and said, “Hey Jessica, is this what you mean by internal links?” Sure enough, he was pointing to an internal link in the article he was reading. But what surprised me was how MANY internal links were on that one page of the site! There were a ton!

It’s not like that with every website, but it did help me realize I had been underutilizing internal links on my own site. It was a great reminder that there really is no limit to the number of internal links you can use as long as they are relevant and useful to your visitors. But that’s the catch-internal links should make sense. They should help your readers find other pages of your website that would be logical to look at for more information about the topic mentioned.

How to Implement Internal Linking on Your Private Practice Website

Now that you know the importance of internal linking and how many links to use, you’re probably wondering how to go about actually implementing them. Here are a few tips:

1. Prioritize the key pages of your website:

Identify the most important pages of your site. These might include your homepage, services pages, and contact page. Make sure that these pages are linked to frequently throughout your site.

2. Include anchor text for internal links:

Anchor text is the words that are hyperlinked to a different page. Use descriptive language that accurately describes the content on the other side of the link. In other words, use words that make sense and make it clear to readers where the link will take them. The anchor text should give website visitors a good idea what the page they’re going to is about.

3. Link related pages together:

Look for opportunities to link related pages together, such as your blog posts or FAQs pages. One thing I like to do is put a “Check out our blogs about _____” section on each service page. Then, I link list a bunch of blog posts I’ve written on that topic. This gets links to each of those pages which shows Google they matter. However, it also provides useful information to potential clients and encourages them to stay on the site longer. On the flip side, I also link every single blog post I write to one or more of my service pages.

4. Use internal links in your content:

Add relevant internal links to the content you’re writing, such as blog posts or web page copy. Not only does this provide more link equity for those pages but it also provides visitors with easy access to other related information on your site. For example, if you’re an SLP running a private practice and you wrote blog post on expressive language, you could link to a page about speech therapy services at the end of the post. This provides readers with easy access to more information about how they can get help from you and encourages them to explore other areas of your website.

Don’t Overlook Internal Links When Optimizing

Using internal links on your website is important for SEO and providing a better experience for website visitors. It’s also really helpful for encouraging Google to index your entire website. When you’re optimizing your individual website pages for SEO, please do not overlook this important element. Start by adding internal links to your key pages and then build outward from there.

It may feel odd at first. In fact, you may at first feel like you’re putting too many links in. However, it’s been my experience that most practice owners actually underuse internal links. As long as you’re linking relevant pages together, you’ll be in great shape!

SEO Services for Private Practice Owners

If you’re looking for help with optimizing your private practice website, look no further than Simplified SEO Consulting. Our team of experts specializes in helping healthcare private practices increase their visibility online. Our SEO services for SLPs include a variety of done-for-you SEO services as well as various seo training options including affordable DIY courses and small group intensives. Contact us today to get started!

About the Author

Jessica Tappana is the founder and CEO of Simplified SEO Consulting. She owns a group psychotherapy practice with around 12 clinicians and began learning SEO when she was initially trying to grow her own private practice. Since then, she’s hired a small group of SEO professionals all of whom she describes as being smarter than she is…especially when it comes to techy things! She has really high expectations for offering excellent customer service and believes in using the strengths of each SEO Specialist which drives our team approach to optimizing.

July 13, 2022/0 Comments/by Jessica

Content, SEO Tips

SEO for Therapists: Value of an “About the Author” Section

Value of an “About the Author” section on your blog posts: increase your EAT score with Google

Image of a man smiling while typing on a computer. How to build SEO for therapists? Including and about the author will help with good SEO for therapists. Contact us today to see how we can help you with SEO for private practices. Reach out now! Did you know that there is value in including an “About the Author” section at the end of each of your blogs? It plays a role in EAT. Increasing your EAT score with Google means increasing ranking power which is what we are all about at Simplified SEO Consulting.

Chances are that you are reading this blog because you are either interested in working on SEO for your website or you are already investing in SEO. This means (whether you realize it yet or not) that you care about establishing EAT with Google. EAT stands for expertise, authority, and trust and it plays an important role in SEO. We are going to talk about how you can use your “About the Author” section at the end of your blogs to further your ranking power.

Make The “About The Author” Specific To The Blog

An important aspect of using the “About the Author” is to make the section specific to each blog. If the blog you wrote is related to trauma but the about the author is geared to anxiety then it isn’t going to have the full ranking power that it could. Both readers and Google want timely, truthful, and helpful content from a person specially trained expert in the area. By individualizing the “About the Author” we are able to use it as a part of EAT and as a ranking factor.

Example of an “About the Author”

Below is an example of an “About the Author” section for a blog related to trauma.

Jane Doe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Example Therapy Group in Chicago, IL. She received her Master of Social Work from Washington University in St.Louis. As a trauma therapist, she specializes in working with teens and adults who have been through a traumatic event. She is specially trained in EMDR and uses it to help her clients process negative and traumatic memories. Jane believes strongly in the power of therapy to reduce and eliminate trauma and PTSD symptoms. It is her mission to support her clients in their healing journey so they can live a full and happy life.

In the example above Jane Doe is highlighted as a trauma therapist with expertise in treating trauma and PTSD symptoms. This helps solidify her as an expert and enhances her authority on the topic of the blog for both Google and the readers

“About the Author” is for the Readers & Google

Establishing EAT for Google

Whenever we write content we want it to rank well on Google. Higher rankings mean people actually see the content you spent valuable time writing. This then leads to more visitors to your website and hopefully more conversions of visitors into clients. The tricky part is we have to convince Google that we really know what we are talking about. An “About the Author” section does just that. It establishes you as an expert and authority on the topic of the blog. Thus allowing Google to build trust that ranking your website highly is the right choice.

Establishing EAT for the Reader

It is important for people to know that what they are reading is credible and that it is coming from someone who knows what they are talking about. This is especially true in the medical and mental health fields. An “About the Author” tailored to the topic of the blog helps assure the reader that you have the expertise and authority to write on the subject. Further enhancing their trust in you and your website. This increases the likelihood that they will look at more of your pages, convert into clients, or come back to your website when they are ready for more help.

Why We Are Talking About This Now

With each Google update, including this section as a part of blogs seems to become more and more important as a ranking factor. In May 2022 Google released another update. Once again we saw the topic of the “About the Author” sections come up again. With their newest update including them in your blogs has more “SEO juice” and ranking power than ever before.

Final Thoughts on SEO for Therapists &”About the Author” Sections

As an SEO specialist for therapists, I suggest starting to write an individualized “About the Author” section as a part of your content writing process. After you create the main content of your blog then write a paragraph about yourself.

What makes you qualified to give advice on the subject you just wrote about?
Do you have specialized training that relates to the topic?
Who do you work with and how did you help them?

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to this section on every blog. In other words, you don’t have to make these extravagantly different between each post. However, you do need to make sure that you do not have duplicate content on your blogs.

We Can Help You Learn More About SEO for Therapists

At Simplified SEO Consulting we know know that learning all the ins and out of search engine optimization for counselors can be difficult. Our SEO specialists are here to help! We have services ranging from SEO intensive training so you can learn how to optimize your own website to done for you SEO. It can be a big step to invest in SEO but we are here to help you at every step. Start by following these steps:

Make a free appointment with our knowledgeable Consultation Team
Learn more about our dedicated team of SEO Specialists for therapists
Start ranking higher on Google and filling your schedule with clients

Services Offered at Simplified SEO Consulting

Our Mental Health SEO specialists are here to help you get optimal search engine optimization for counselors. Are you short on time but want to move forward with SEO? Then our Done for You package is for you. Looking to build your knowledge on SEO for yourself? Wanting to reduce costs by working on your own website? Then enrolling in our SEO intensive training or online course are options built for you. Whichever route you choose Simplified SEO Consulting will provide you with support and guidance. Get started with your free 30-minute consultation today!

About the Author:

Winnie is a part of our dedicated team of SEO Specialists at Simplified SEO Consulting. She enjoys learning and growing her knowledge in not only SEO but also mental health. Staying up to date on all aspects of SEO, such as about the author sections, so she can bring you the best service possible. (If you have read this far notice the customization to this particular blog.)

Her specialty is working with our clients who have picked our Done for You package. She embraces taking a team approach to optimizing in order to bring all of our clients the most comprehensive services possible. If you’re ready to start on your SEO journey, schedule a consultation. Speak with our Client Success Specialist to discuss how Winnie can support you.

July 12, 2022/2 Comments/by Winnie Youger-Rash

SEO Basics, SEO Tips

How to Write Meta Descriptions for Your Blog Posts: A Guide for Psychiatrists, Therapists & Mental Health Providers

Meta descriptions can be a valuable asset for your blog posts. Why? Because they are one of the first things people see when they do a search engine results page (SERP) search. A well-written meta description can entice people to click on your post, which can result in more website traffic and better SEO. In this blog post, we will discuss how to write effective meta descriptions for your blog posts. We will also provide some helpful tips and examples.

As a therapist, you likely have a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can share with others. Blogging is a great way to share that information. And I’ve often talked about the benefits of blogging regularly both for your SEO as well as for your clients. Therefore, I often talk about blogging when I’m teaching mental health providers to manage their own SEO. And I often talk about meta descriptions when I talk about SEO. However, someone recently pointed out that most of the examples I share are related to service pages so I thought we’d chat a bit about meta descriptions for mental health related blog posts.

What is a meta description?

A meta description is a brief summary of a web page or document that appears on the SERP below the title. Meta descriptions are typically between 150-155 characters long. The main purpose of a meta description is to briefly explain what the page is about and help people decide if they want to click on your result or not.

How do I write a meta description?

The first step is to identify the main keyword or phrase for the blog post that you want to target. Once you have your keyword, you’ll want to include it in your meta description. In addition to your keyword, you’ll also want to make sure that your meta description is clear, concise, and interesting. You want people to know what they’ll be reading about if they click on your blog post, and you also want to entice them to do so!

Here are some tips for writing effective meta descriptions:

– Use your keyword(s) early on in the meta description

– Keep it under 155 characters

– Write in complete sentences

– Make it interesting and compelling!

You can read more that I’ve written about why (here) & how to specify a meta description (here).

Why isn’t Google using the meta description I wrote in SERP results?

There are a few reasons why your meta description may not be appearing in SERP results. One reason could be that your meta description is too long- remember to keep it under 155 characters.

Another reason is simply that the exact keyword the person is searching for wasn’t in the meta description you wrote, but you did use that exact phrase somewhere else on the page. In this case, you can expect Google to pull a random sentence from somewhere on the page that happens to use that exact phrase.

A final reason could be that Google didn’t think your meta description was as relevant or interesting as some of the other results on the SERP, so they chose to display a different result above yours. This is why it’s important to not only use your keyword(s) in your meta description, but also to make sure that the meta description is interesting and relevant!

It’s frustrating when you take time to write what you believe to be the PERFECT meta description (includes keywords, accurately summarizes the page & is interesting) but know that it’s common. And while we can influence what Google shows, we can’t ultimately can’t control Google.

Does a meta description directly impact SEO?

Essentially, Google has said the meta description does not directly impact your SEO. However, it is still an important part of your on-page optimization and you should still use keywords you think your ideal clients are searching for. Google does see what you’ve written, and not using keywords in your meta descriptions could result in Google using a random sentence in the middle of the page when your blog post shows up in search results.

In short, yes, you should still be writing meta descriptions for your blog posts!

A well written meta description improves your “click through rate.”

The click-through rate (CTR) is the percentage of searchers who click on your result in the SERP. A higher CTR means more traffic to your website, and a lower CTR could mean that your result wasn’t as relevant or interesting as the other results on the page.

So, having a well written meta description greatly improves the chances Google will show what you’ve written in search results which will result in more clicks to your website.

While we can’t control everything that Google does, we can influence it. And one way to do that is by writing interesting & relevant meta descriptions for our blog posts.

Examples of Meta Descriptions for Mental Health Websites

Now, for the part of the blog you’ve probably been waiting for. The examples! I’ve provided a few different examples of meta descriptions for mental health blog posts below.

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Trichotillomania | Chino Anxiety Specialists

Meta Description: From its causes and symptoms, to treatment options and all the questions in between, this post tackles every aspect of trichotillomania.

A Simple Guide to Common Antidepressants | Blue Skies Psychiatry

Meta Description: A psychiatrist from Billings, MT explains commonly used antidepressants. This is a must read for everyone taking an antidepressant.

Busting Myths About PTSD: Thoughts From a Trauma Therapist in New York City

Meta Description: While trauma & PTSD are often discussed, everything you hear may not be true. Get your PTSD questions answered from a NYC trauma therapist.

How Alcoholism Impacts the Entire Family | Miami Family Therapy

Meta Description: Alcoholism affects every member of the family. A therapist discusses exactly how alcoholism impacts the entire family in this helpful guide.

Setting Your Marriage Up for Success: Lessons from a Marriage Counselor | Woodlands Christian Relationship Center

Meta Description: Curious how premarital counseling can help set your marriage up for success? Learn how this Texas, Christian counselor helps & lessons taught

Bipolar Disorder: All Your Common Questions Answered | Charleston Comprehensive Mental Health Care

Meta Description: This blog post dives into the most common questions our psychiatrists, therapists & case managers are asked about bipolar disorder.

Support For Optimizing Your Mental Health Website

If you need help optimizing your website for mental health SEO, Simplified SEO Consulting is a SEO business exclusively serving psychiatrists, counselors and other helpers. We offer a range of services including SEO training, DIY courses & “done for you” services. Our training program includes ongoing small group intensives and an in depth, customized 1:1 SEO training program. Right now, we’re most excited about the Fall cohort of our small group intensive starting and an upcoming kind of unique thing we are doing which is our blogging for SEO mastermind and cruise retreat that will take place this winter.

Upcoming Unique Opportunity Related to Blogging & SEO

In December, our group will meet weekly (except for the week of Christmas) to support one another as we write blog posts that will help improve SEO and serve our ideal clients. Then, January 6-9, 2023 we’ll be going on a 3 day cruise in the Bahamas. In addition to having fun, we’ll be spending time talking about SEO strategy and optimizing our blog posts. You’ll have personalized, in person support from our founder as well as our director of SEO as you write meta descriptions for your blogs, optimize your subheadings, do additional keyword research, write sections to highlight your expertise for Google and so much more!

However, we do want to keep this group small so we can really get to know one another and give everyone lots of individualized support! So, reach out to us ASAP. You can do so by emailing me (Jessica) directly at jessica@simplifiedseoconsulting.com if you want more information or are ready to join!

July 7, 2022/0 Comments/by Jessica

Content, SEO Tips

SEO for Eating Disorder Therapists and Dieticians

We know that when you’re seeking SEO support, you’re looking for someone who understands your specialty. Perhaps, you have done SEO before, but the person or company just didn’t get your ideal clients and the importance of connecting with them. When you’re working with an eating disorder, body image, or trauma, trust matters. These people are very vulnerable and need to be able to trust you. That means when they find you, your website needs to be a safe haven for them to be seen and heard, but how does a therapist do this with just a website? Learn about SEO for eating disorder therapists here!

Language

How do you want to be spoken to when you are struggling with something? What we don’t want to do is create content that only focuses on one population, isolates others, or causes offense to individuals. Eating disorders are complex topics. While as clinicians we have good intentions, our actions and words carrier meaning, and power. So when you are creating content for your ideal clients recognize when some statements or viewpoints may be more harmful than others. Talk with other eating disorder specialists and see how they perceive your content. Talk to individuals who are not a part of the therapy world and get their feedback. The people around you can give you some honest feedback and see where your blind spots may be.

Specialties and Service Pages

One thing that often occurs on eating disorder therapists’ and dieticians’ pages is making the eating disorder page too general. Creating one page with eating disorder therapy on it isn’t specific enough for Google. Essentially, it serves the same purpose as when you have a general counseling landing page with all your core specialties on it. If you work with body image, binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, emotional eating, or nutrition counseling, you need a specific page with at least 800 words on it. You will also need to create a cornerstone blog ( 2,000 words), to move from an authority on Google to more of an expert.

Inclusive Photos

Are you representing, Black, White, Asian, Middle Eastern, Trans, men, women, or non-binary individuals are your website? Who is your target? Do you say you work with all kinds of people, but only have white folks on your site representing eating disorders? The truth is many people have internalized white cultural standards of body image. Plus in some cultures, there is a heavy emphasis on body image that can affect individuals over the course of their lives. If you are trying to be inclusive, make sure you are adding photos where anybody could see themselves somewhere on your site.

Blogs that Communicate That You Understand

Write blogs! They matter so much to the overall well-being of your site and SEO. Service pages can only take you so far. These set you up as an authority. However, blogging on your site is what sets you apart from other sites. A long-term intentional blogging strategy can take you far. After you have created your core cornerstone blogs. Writing shorter blog posts that are 800 words is important. You can create blog series, answer common questions that clients ask, or create blogs for queries on the internet that are not being addressed. We have so much power to connect, communicate and show you understand your clients.

Who are you hiring and working with

Part of being an eating disorder therapist is recognizing your own cultural humility. Some individuals want to work with someone who understands body image and eating concerns from a cultural, racial, identity, and sexual perspective. It is hard to relate to someone who has never experienced what you have personally. While we want to be able to be supportive to anyone, the truth is that we are not the perfect therapist for everyone, and that is ok. Make sure if you plan to expand or you see a need in your community that you are doing your best to diversify your team and train them in some of these cultural issues.

Acknowledgment that different people experience eating disorders

Recognize that we cannot use a one size fits all approach to working with eating disorder clients. If our content only communicates working with one type of eating disorder client that is fine, but we cannot claim to be diverse or inclusive if we are not recognizing the trauma roots and experiences of how others may develop or interact with eating disorders. Remain culturally humble and recognize that we are not for everyone. If we try, writing content will be more challenging and more inauthentic.

Tips on SEO for Eating Disorder Therapists

How do you work?

Make sure you are clear about how you work with clients. Many clients are coming to you feeling like they have tried everything. Communicate what your theoretical orientation is and why it works. If you’re a HAES therapist, talk about why this matters for treatment. If you take an ACT, CBT, or DBT approach talk about the research support and skills they will develop. Or if you work with the trauma underlying an eating disorder discuss where this perspective comes from and talk about who this is for and who it isn’t for. The clarity in your approach offers kindness to your clients.

Build Backlinks to Build Authority

Find people you trust and ask them to give you a backlink for your site. Consider colleagues, non-profit organizations, and other networks you trust.
Guest Blog, do you know someone who has a mental health blog you could connect with?
Go on a podcast and ask them to link to your site
Submit your website to relevant directories
Create authentic and genuine content so you will get backlinks naturally.

Quick Tips:

Optimize for locations
Create specialty pages
Build backlinks
Create a google my business profile
Add keywords to URL when creating pages
Write concise, but eye-catching meta descriptions

Keywords for Eating Disorder Therapy Page

HAES Therapist
Body Image Therapy
Eating Disorder Therapy
Disordered Eating
EMDR for Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder Therapist
Online Eating Disorder Therapy
Binge Eating Treatment
Body Image Issues
Nutrition Counseling
Body Image Therapist
Emotional Eating Recovery
Difference Between Emotional Eating and Stress Eating
Therapy for Binge Eating
Nutrition Therapy
Body Trust Therapist
IFS and Eating Disorders
binge eating disorder treatment near me

Want to understand how to add keywords to your copy? Check out this blog!

Learn More About SEO for Eating Disorder Therapists with Our Team!

Our team works with many individuals who specialize in therapy. If you have been searching for an SEO company that understands eating disorders and how to market them, you’re in the right place. Our wonderful team of mental health SEO specialists at Simplified SEO Consulting would love to talk strategy with you and help you get connected with the best service for you. To get started with our service follow these simple steps:

Schedule a consult with our Consultation Team
Learn more about our talented team of mental health SEO Specialists
Start learning SEO for Eating Disorder Therapists that align with your brand!

Other Services offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

Simplified SEO consulting offers a wide range of services that can help you begin working with your people. We offer Done for You SEO Service packages, online courses, and SEO training opportunities. Our most popular course includes our “Top of Google” online course, and we have 12 weeks of intensive SEO for those who want to learn with a guide. For those looking for a more specialized package, we also offer an SEO strategy package. To get started, schedule a consultation with our Client Success Specialist today!

About the Author:

Jasmine is a Mental Health SEO Specialist and our Client Success Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. Understanding SEO shouldn’t be challenging and Jasmine is here to help you understand where to start. If you are looking for an SEO company that understands eating disorders, Jasmine is one of many specialists who can help. Jasmine is a counseling intern at Aspire Counseling and works with body image, mild eating disorders, and clients with different identities and backgrounds. If you need more support for SEO for eating disorder therapists, schedule your free 30- minute consultation at Simplified SEO consulting soon!

July 5, 2022/1 Comment/by Jasmine Jaquess

Keyword Research, SEO Tips

What are Good SEO Keywords for Personal Injury Attorneys?

In the realm of digital marketing for personal injury attorneys, the importance of selecting the right SEO keywords cannot be overstated. In a world where potential clients turn to search engines like Google to find legal representation, strategic keyword selection can make the difference between your law firm being discovered or remaining hidden in the depths of search results. Let’s delve into the art and science of choosing good keywords for personal injury attorneys and why SEO for personal injury lawyers is crucial.

Understanding the Significance of SEO Keywords

Before we dive into the specifics of selecting SEO keywords, let’s establish why they matter. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of optimizing your website and online content to rank higher in search engine results. Keywords play a central role in this process because they are the terms and phrases that potential clients type into search engines when looking for legal services.

Understanding the SEO Keywords Landscape

In the dynamic arena of digital marketing, SEO keywords serve as the navigational beacons that guide potential clients to your personal injury law firm. This landscape is anything but static; it constantly shifts, influenced by evolving search engine algorithms, user behavior, and market trends. To harness the power of SEO keywords effectively, it’s essential to comprehend this ever-changing terrain.

Consider the competitiveness of keywords, a crucial factor. Some keywords are hotly contested, with numerous law firms vying for prime positions in search results. Others, while less competitive, can still offer value if they align with your practice areas.

Search volume, the frequency with which users enter specific keywords in search queries, is another vital aspect. Choosing keywords with substantial search volumes is pivotal to attracting traffic. However, it’s not merely about quantity; quality matters too. Relevance is key. Your selected keywords must resonate with your areas of expertise to ensure you’re reaching the right audience.

An often-underestimated facet of keyword strategy involves long-tail keywords. These are lengthier, more specific phrases catering to niche queries. While they might not boast the same search volumes as broader terms, long-tail keywords often outperform in terms of conversion rates. They attract users seeking precise information or solutions, making them an indispensable component of your SEO arsenal.

What Are Good SEO Keywords for Personal Injury Attorneys?

Now that we’ve explored the SEO keywords landscape, let’s delve into the art of selecting the right keywords for personal injury attorneys. It’s not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; instead, it demands a strategic, customized approach.

Begin by putting yourself in the shoes of your potential clients. Imagine the terms and phrases they might use when searching for legal assistance in personal injury cases. Consider the language they employ during conversations or the questions they pose. These insights provide invaluable guidance in identifying keywords that resonate with your target audience.

Competitor analysis is another vital step. Study the websites and content of rival law firms. What keywords are they targeting? Tools like SEMrush can unveil competitor keywords, offering you a valuable competitive edge.

Embrace the power of keyword research tools. There are various SEO tools for personal injury lawyers. Such as Google’s Keyword Planner, SEMRush and KW Finder that provide profound insights into keyword metrics, including search volume, competitiveness, and related keywords (e.g. SEO Keywords for Lawyers). These 3rd party tools for personal injury lawyers streamline your keyword selection process, empowering you to make data-driven decisions.

While the allure of highly competitive keywords might be tempting, remember that balance is key. Your keyword strategy should encompass a mix of broad, competitive keywords and specific, long-tail keywords. The latter can be especially potent for personal injury attorneys, as they align with niche areas of practice.

When Choosing Keywords for SEO, What 3 Things Do You Need to Consider?

Choosing the right keywords for your personal injury attorney website is akin to selecting the perfect tool for a specific job. Just as you wouldn’t use a wrench to write a legal brief, you shouldn’t use unrelated or ineffective keywords for your SEO strategy. Let’s dive deeper into the three crucial factors to consider when selecting keywords:

1. Relevance: Your Digital Legal Toolkit

Imagine your website as a toolkit filled with legal instruments designed to address various personal injury cases. Each keyword you select is like a specialized tool, meticulously chosen to tackle a specific legal challenge.

Relevance is the cornerstone of your toolkit. Just as you wouldn’t use a scalpel in a property dispute, you shouldn’t employ unrelated keywords in your content. For example, if you specialize in slip and fall cases, your keywords should be closely tied to premises liability, not unrelated areas like divorce or corporate law.

Why is relevance paramount? Firstly, it ensures that your content resonates with potential clients actively seeking your legal expertise. If someone searches for “personal injury attorney for slip and fall,” your content, rich with relevant keywords, should appear as a top recommendation. Conversely, if your keywords are unrelated, your website might as well be an empty toolkit when it comes to attracting the right clients.

Additionally, search engines like Google prioritize relevant content. They aim to deliver results that precisely match user queries. If your content consistently aligns with user intent, search engines will reward your website with higher rankings, making it easier for potential clients to find you.

2. Keyword Search Volume: Finding the Goldilocks Zone

Picture search volume as the flow of potential clients in your virtual law office’s waiting room. Too few, and your practice may struggle to thrive. Too many, and you risk becoming overwhelmed, unable to provide the personalized attention each client deserves.

Balancing search volume is akin to Goldilocks searching for the perfect bowl of porridge—not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Highly competitive keywords often boast substantial search volumes. However, breaking into the top ranks for these keywords can be challenging, especially for newer websites.

On the other hand, niche, low-competition keywords might be easier to rank for, but they could have limited search volumes. The sweet spot lies in identifying keywords with a reasonable search volume that aligns with your law firm’s capacity to handle cases effectively.

Consider this: If you specialize in car accident cases, targeting the keyword “car accident attorney” makes sense due to its decent search volume. But going after ultra-competitive terms like “personal injury lawyer” might not yield the desired results, given the stiff competition.

3. User Intent: Crafting the Perfect Legal Response

Understanding user intent is akin to being an adept attorney who anticipates a client’s needs and delivers the perfect legal response. When someone enters a search query, it’s essential to decipher why they’re searching and what they hope to achieve.

User intent falls into three broad categories:

Informational: Users seek knowledge and answers. For example, someone searching for “how to file a personal injury claim” is looking for information, not an attorney’s services.
Navigational: Users are looking for a specific website or page. If someone searches for your law firm by name, they have a navigational intent—they want to find your site.
Transactional: Users are ready to take action, such as hiring an attorney. When someone searches for “hire a personal injury lawyer near me,” their intent is transactional.

Tailor your content to match user intent. For informational queries, provide comprehensive guides and resources. For navigational intents, ensure your website is easily navigable and findable. And for transactional intents, make it clear how potential clients can contact and hire your law firm.

In the world of SEO, relevance, search volume, and user intent are your guiding principles. By understanding and applying these concepts effectively, you can sculpt an SEO strategy that not only boosts your online visibility but also attracts the clients most in need of your legal expertise. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we excel in crafting personalized keyword strategies that align with these principles, ensuring that your digital toolkit is always equipped with the right legal instruments.

The Easiest Way to Find Keywords for Personal Injury Attorneys

Unearthing keywords need not be an overly complex ordeal. Here’s a simplified approach:

Seed Keywords: Kickstart your journey with a handful of seed keywords. These should be directly related to your personal injury law practice, such as “personal injury attorney.”

Leverage Keyword Research Tools: Embrace the power of keyword research tools. Begin with your seed keywords, and allow these tools to expand your keyword universe. They provide a treasure trove of suggestions while offering essential insights into search volume and competitiveness.

Competitor Exploration: Study your competitors. Delve into their websites and content to uncover the keywords they’re targeting. This not only informs your keyword strategy but also aids in identifying gaps and opportunities.

Long-Tail Keywords: Don’t underestimate the potential of long-tail keywords. These often-overlooked gems can deliver significant results, especially for specialized practice areas. Crafting content around long-tail keywords can position you as an authority in your niche.

Unlocking the potential of SEO keywords is both an art and a science. It involves understanding the nuances of your target audience, staying attuned to the shifting SEO landscape, and wielding the right tools to sculpt an effective strategy. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we excel in this craft. Our team of SEO experts don’t just find keywords; we craft personalized SEO strategies that elevate your online visibility, attract potential clients, and steer your personal injury law firm toward digital marketing success.

The Simplified SEO Consulting Advantage for Law Firm SEO

In the complex world of digital marketing for personal injury attorneys, partnering with experts who understand the nuances of ethical SEO and keyword selection can make all the difference. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in crafting personalized SEO strategies that drive organic traffic to your law firm website and generate ideal client leads.

Start Growing your Law Firm Today!

Our comprehensive approach goes beyond keyword selection; we optimize your entire online presence for search engines. From on-page SEO to local SEO, we ensure that potential clients find your law firm when they need it the most. Don’t leave your online visibility to chance—reach out to Simplified SEO Consulting today! Here’s how:

Schedule a consultation here!
Meet with one of our dedicated SEO Specialists.
Watch your personal injury law firm flourish!

Other Services Simplified SEO Consulting Offers:

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.

June 20, 2022/0 Comments/by Danica Wolf

SEO Tips

Footer SEO for Mental Health

So much of our time is spent focusing on optimizing service pages and blogs but what about the other parts of SEO? For example, the footer can have an impact on SEO. While it is not the most important factor when working on SEO for your site it is still good to know about it and keep it in mind.

What is the purpose of the footer?

Before we get into the “how” of your footer SEO let’s talk about the “what”. More specifically what is the purpose of the footer? Overall the main purpose of the footer is to enhance navigation throughout your website. Increased ease of navigation leads to increased conversion from visitors that are on your website. This can be achieved by providing location information, contact information, and some links.

How to Set Up Footer SEO

Now let us look at the “how”. How do we optimize the footing of a website to help increase conversion? Here are some of the top things to keep in mind while setting up the footer.

Include Service Area & Contact Info

One of the most important things to include in your footer is your contact information. At a minimum, you should have a link or a button that directs visitors to your contact page. Additionally, it is beneficial to have your phone number and any other form of communication, such as an email address, listed on the footer. This allows visitors immediate access to contact information the moment they decide they want to begin services with you.

Another important detail to include in the footer is the areas where you provide service for. If you provide in-person services you will want to list the address of your office. If you provide online therapy services in addition to your in-person services it’s good to list that as well. List all of the states that you are targeting. For example:

“We can see clients anywhere in Missouri & Kansas with our online therapy services”

“Online Therapy available to all residents of Missouri & Kansas”

On the other hand, if you are an online-only practice it’s important to consider what areas you are trying to target the most. Which cities have a higher population of your ideal clients? Identify those areas and try to naturally include them. One example would be:

“Services available online in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, or anywhere in Missouri”

Have Intentionally Organized Links

Here is where things get a little tricky. We want to include SOME links in our footer without overdoing it. Try to make sure you are selecting links that will be the most beneficial without overstuffing the section. For example, if you offer a lot of different services then listing every single service page might be a little overwhelming. Instead, it might be more helpful to link to your services landing page.

Make sure that you are organizing the links in your footer in a way that will make sense to the viewer. What are your ideal clients most likely to be looking for? Before placing the links in the footer try to really understand which links will be most beneficial in helping to convert someone into taking the step of contacting you.

Keep It Clean & Easy to Read

While keeping the footer clean and easy to read ties heavily into organizing your links it’s important enough to reiterate. Remember the goal of a footer is to enhance navigation throughout your website. This is why it is better to keep the footer short and to the point. It’s not a place to be including a paragraph or two about your services.

Instead, try making organized sections within the footer. For example, you can include 3 separate sections. The first section can include your logo and/or a contact button. The second section can include the name of your private practice and your location. The third section or column can include important links. This allows for your footer to remain clean, and easy to read. As well as providing quick uncomplicated access to information for potential new clients.

What Not to Do For Footer SEO

Now that we have taken a look at what to do in for footer SEO let’s take a deeper look at what not to do. There is such a thing as over-optimizing on a page. This can be prevented by not overstuffing links within the footer. In a previous post, it was discussed how links and anchor text can boost SEO. So why am I saying not to put too many links in the footer of your website? Links carry more weight when they are in the body of a page compared to in the footer. That is why at Simplified SEO Consulting we suggest having an “other services” section underneath your call to action.

Other Services Section Vs Footer SEO

Earlier I mentioned that the footer is not the place for a paragraph about your services. That is what the other services section is for. In this section, we urge you to list out and link to the other services that you offer. This allows you to boost whatever keywords that need support by using them as anchor text. Just remember not to link back to that current page. Whereas for footer SEO you are going to be more selective with what pages you link to.

Ready to Get Help With Footer SEO?

At Simplified SEO Consulting we know know that learning all the ins and out of search engine optimization for counselors can be difficult. Especially while also running your own private practice. That’s why we provide support ranging from SEO private training to done for you SEO. It can be a big step to invest in SEO but our mental health SEO specialists are here to help you at every step. Start by following these steps:

Schedule a consult with our knowledgeable Consultation Team
Learn more about our dedicated team of SEO Specialists for therapists
Start ranking higher on Google and filling your schedule with clients

Services Offered at Simplified SEO Consulting

Our Mental Health SEO specialists are here to help you get optimal search engine optimization for counselors. Simplified SEO Consulting has several options to help with your private practice website. Is the thought of trying to find more time in your schedule to optimize your website daunting? Then one of our Done for You SEO packages might be your best option. Looking to build your knowledge on SEO for yourself? Then take an online course or SEO training. No matter which package you choose to go with we will ensure that your website is optimized in an ethical way. Get started with your free 30-minute consultation with one of our client success specialists today!

About the Author:

Winnie is part of the caring team of SEO Specialists at Simplified SEO Consulting. She enjoys learning and growing her knowledge in not only SEO but also mental health. Her specialty is working with our clients who have picked our Done for You package.

She has a lot of passion for providing SEO help for psychiatrists and therapists. If you’re ready to see how Simplified can serve you, schedule your next consultation. Speak with our Client Success Specialist to discuss how Winnie can support you on your SEO journey.

June 14, 2022/0 Comments/by Winnie Youger-Rash

Content, SEO Tips

Using Mental Health SEO Keywords in Your Blog Writing: Tips for Therapists and Helping Professionals

If you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably already aware of the power of blogging for SEO. Blogs are a great way to pack keywords, location indicators, optimized photos, and of course great content into your website. We recommend that all of our clients use blogging as part of their SEO strategy. We’ve even had clients who use blogging as their primary blogging strategy because it works so well! As a copywriter, I really enjoy writing blogs for therapists and helping professionals because it allows them to deliver great advice to potential clients in a way that packs an SEO punch. If you’re considering using blogging as an SEO strategy, you may be struggling with where to start. Let me give you my advice as a Mental Health SEO Copywriter!

What are Keywords? Choosing the Right Keywords for Your Ideal Client

Photo of a person's hands using their computer next to a graphic of the word keywords in a search bar. This photo represents the way counselors can use mental health keywords and counseling keywords to improve their SEO through blogging. When I start copywriting for our clients the first thing I do is look at their keywords, specifically which keywords aren’t ranking too well. If you’re not aware, keywords are those words or phrases that users are searching for on Google and other search engines. You might be wondering, what are the best keywords for therapists? The keywords that you’re going to be incorporating into your website largely depend on your ideal client. For example, if you’re a trauma therapist specializing in sexual assault trauma, the keywords for a trauma therapy page might be “trauma therapist”, “sexual assault survivor”, or “ptsd counseling near me”. Whereas if you’re a counselor that specializes in eating disorders, the best keywords for you could be “counseling for body image”, “eating disorder treatment near me”, or “counseling for anorexia”.

Using Keywords in the Title of Your Blog Post

After you’ve identified the keywords that your ideal clients are searching for, you can start the process of building those counseling keywords into your website through service pages and blogs. If I’m working with a therapist that specializes in gender affirming therapy, I’m going to come up with topics that target keywords related to their niche. Let’s say I want to write a blog on the topic of gender affirming therapy for teenagers, I’m going to make sure that I pack keywords related to that into the title. Instead of something simple like “Gender Affirming Therapy for Teenagers” I would make the title “Supporting Your Transgender Teen Through Gender Affirming Therapy” or even “Supporting Your Transgender Teen Through Gender Affirming Therapy: Thoughts From an LGBTQ+ Counselor”.

Building Mental Health SEO Keywords Into Your Content

Photo of a woman using a computer at her desk representing the way therapists and counselors can add keywords to a counseling website through blogging to boost their SEO Now that we have a title, let’s talk about content. I’m not going to go too far into writing since we already have some great blog posts that cover readability, how much to write, and other important factors to consider when writing blogs. However, I am going to discuss how you can build therapy keywords into your content. Naturally, if you’re writing a blog on gender affirming therapy you’re already going to be building that keyword into your writing. You’re also going to want to try to build related therapy keywords such as “transgender affirming therapist”, “counseling for transgender teens”, and “LGBTQ+ counselor” into your writing as well. It’s especially important for you to build keywords into the headings and subheadings of your blog as well, since these carry even more SEO weight.

Creating Headings and Subheadings Packed with Keywords

Headings and subheadings are a great way to break up the content in your blog so it’s easier to scan. Like I mentioned, it’s also important for SEO purposes. (To read a quick explanation of headings and how to properly use them, check out this blog post). For the purposes of this blog, we’re just going to be discussing how to use counseling keywords in your headings and subheadings. If you’re breaking your blog down into sections on 1)understanding gender identity, 2)what to do when your teen is questioning their gender identity, 3)how to support your teen, and 4)how therapy can help, you’ll want subheadings that reflect those different topics. Remember, we want to pack mental health SEO keywords into those subheadings too. Here are a few subheadings that would do just that.

What is gender identity and what does it mean if my teen is transgender?
My teen has told me that they’re transgender, what do I do now?
How to support your transgender teen or child as a parent
How gender affirming therapy can help you support your transgender teen
Begin transgender affirming therapy in (your town) with an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor!

The specific mental health keywords you should use will depend on your niche and where you’re located. In different areas the same mental health topics might be searched for by clients in a different way. That’s why keyword research is so important!

Piecing it All Together

Photo of a person writing an SEO strategy on a black chalkboard with chalk, finishing up the words keyword research with the chalk. This photo represents keyword research as an important part of SEO, and how you can use mental health SEO keywords in your content to boost your Google rankings. Now that we’ve put all the pieces together, hopefully blogging doesn’t seem as intimidating anymore. Remember, blogging shouldn’t feel like writing a grad school essay. It should be a fun way for you to give your clients advice, and tell potential clients more about your services and approach to therapy. If you have questions about what topics to write on, how often you should be blogging, or how blogs can help with client conversion check out this comprehensive guide on blogging to improve SEO specifically for therapists. If you’re still feeling stuck, you might want to read this blog on common mistakes we see people make when they first start blogging. Or, you can always reach out to us for help!

Don’t Have Time to Write Blogs? Our Mental Health SEO Specialists and Copywriters Can Help!

If you don’t have time to work on blogging or SEO yourself, don’t worry, our team can help! We offer a range of SEO services that we created specifically for therapists, private practice owners, and helping professionals. Our team of Mental Health SEO Specialists would love to help you get your website to the top of Google so you can reach more of your ideal clients. If you’re interested in learning more about our SEO services, you can follow these simple steps:

Schedule a free 30-minute video consultation with one of our team members
Learn more about how our SEO services can help you and your business
Check SEO off of your to-do list so you can get back to the work you love!

We can’t wait to be a part of your SEO journey and help you reach more of your ideal clients!

Other SEO Services Offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

Our goal at Simplified SEO Consulting is to help therapists reach their ideal clients through SEO! If you’re interested in outsourcing SEO work so you can focus on your clients or practice, then our Done-For-You SEO services are probably what you’re looking for. If you want to learn how to optimize your own website with the help of our team members, then you’re probably going to want to check out our 12-Week SEO Intensive program or our Small Group SEO Intensives. You can also purchase our DIY Online SEO Courses to learn SEO on your own, at your own pace. Regardless of which option is best for you and your practice, we are so glad to be a part of your SEO journey!

About the Author

Kaite Ritchie is an Administrative Assistant, Alumni Specialist, and Mental Health SEO Copywriter at Simplified SEO Consulting. Before joining the Simplified SEO Consulting team, Kaite worked as an Intake Coordinator for our founder, Jessica Tappana, at her private practice helping to connect clients with the counselors on their team. Now Kaite enjoys using her previous experience to help the therapists and helping professionals we work with to get connected with their ideal clients through the power of SEO! She loves writing blogs for counselors on various mental health topics that deliver great advice to their potential clients and improve their SEO. You can schedule a free consultation with Kaite to learn more about our SEO services!

May 31, 2022/0 Comments/by Kaite Ritchie

SEO Tips

Where is the Best Place to Advertise for a Law Firm?

When it comes to law firm advertising, we now have many options, making it both exciting and challenging for attorneys looking to promote their services. The question that often arises is, “Where is the best place to advertise a law firm?” In this comprehensive guide, best SEO for personal injury lawyers, we will delve into the intricacies of law firm advertising in the digital realm. We will explore the most effective platforms and strategies, offering valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about where and how to showcase your legal expertise. So, let’s embark on this journey to discover the optimal avenues for advertising with SEO for personal injury law firms in the 21st century.

Why is Law Firm Marketing Important?

Law firm marketing plays a pivotal role in today’s highly competitive legal landscape. It’s not merely about visibility; it’s about building trust, establishing credibility, and connecting with potential clients. Here’s why it’s crucial: Potential clients often turn to search engines when seeking legal assistance in the digital realm. Without an online presence, you risk being invisible to a significant portion of your potential clientele.

Credibility and Trust

A well-crafted online presence, featuring an informative website and engaging content, fosters credibility. It signals to potential clients that you’re a reputable and knowledgeable attorney.

Building Trust

Trust is the bedrock of legal services. Law firm marketing allows you to build trust by showcasing your expertise and providing valuable insights to your audience.

Gaining a Competitive Edge

In the legal field, competition is fierce. Effective marketing can give you a competitive edge by making your firm stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Where is the Best Place to Advertise for a Law Firm?

Determining where to best advertise for your law firm depends on various factors, including your target audience, budget, and the nature of your practice. Here are some effective places to consider:

Your Firm’s Website

Your website is your digital headquarters. It’s where potential clients go to learn more about your services. Ensure it’s informative, user-friendly, and regularly updated with relevant content.

Search Engines

Effective SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can help your firm rank high on search engine results pages (SERPs). Ethical SEO practices ensure your visibility without resorting to black-hat tactics.

Social Media Platforms

Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter offer excellent opportunities for engagement. Share legal insights, updates, and engaging content to connect with your audience.

Paid Advertising

Invest in paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads. These allow you to target specific demographics and keywords.

Email Marketing

Maintain regular communication with clients and leads through email marketing. Share newsletters with legal updates and success stories to keep your audience engaged.

Online Directories

Ensure your firm is listed on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Avvo to boost your local visibility.

Legal Industry Websites

Join legal industry websites and directories like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell to enhance your online presence and reputation.

What is the Best Form of Advertising for a Lawyer?

The best form of advertising for a lawyer depends on your specific goals and resources. A combination of strategies often yields the best results. Here are some effective methods:

Content Marketing

Regularly publish high-quality content like blog posts, articles, and videos. These showcase your expertise and provide value to your audience.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Ethical SEO practices help your website rank higher on search engines, increasing your visibility to potential clients.

Social Media Engagement

Engaging with your audience on social media platforms humanizes your firm and fosters client relationships.

Paid Advertising

Invest in targeted paid advertising campaigns to reach potential clients actively seeking legal services.

Email Marketing

Use email to nurture leads and maintain relationships with clients through newsletters and updates.

Digital Marketing for Law Firms

Digital marketing for law firms encompasses a range of strategies aimed at enhancing your online presence and attracting potential clients. It’s about leveraging digital channels to connect with your audience effectively. Here’s how:

Informative Website

Your website is the hub of your digital marketing efforts. It should provide comprehensive information about your practice areas, services, and legal insights.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Effective SEO ensures your website appears prominently on search engine results pages when potential clients search for relevant keywords.

Content Marketing

Regularly publishing informative content positions you as an expert in your field and provides value to your audience.

Social Media Engagement

Engaging with your audience on social platforms helps build relationships and keeps your firm top of mind.

Email Marketing

Email campaigns allow you to nurture leads and maintain client relationships through regular communication.

Paid Advertising

Targeted paid advertising campaigns can increase your visibility to potential clients.

Law Firm Marketing Plan Examples

Creating a comprehensive law firm marketing plan involves careful consideration of your firm’s goals, target audience, and available resources. Here are some examples of strategies you might include:

Content Calendar

Develop a content calendar outlining topics, publishing schedules, and responsible team members. Regularly update your blog with informative posts related to your practice areas.

Email Newsletter Campaigns

Create and send out regular newsletters to your email subscribers. Include legal updates, success stories, and informative articles to engage your audience.

Social Media Strategy

Develop a social media strategy that includes posting schedules, content ideas, and engagement tactics. Interact with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Consider running pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads to target specific keywords and demographics.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Implement ethical SEO strategies to improve your website’s search engine rankings. Optimize your website for relevant keywords, use a consistent and data-driven blogging strategy, and build quality backlinks.

Elevate Your Law Firm Advertising with Simplified SEO Consulting

Law firm marketing is not just about promotion; it’s about building trust and credibility with your audience. Establishing a robust online presence through strategies like a user-friendly website, ethical SEO practices, content marketing, and engaging with clients on social media can set your personal injury law firm apart in a competitive landscape. Embrace digital marketing as a means to connect with those who need your expertise most—your potential clients.

Are You Ready To Watch Your Law Firm Grow?

Drive more client traffic and cases to your firm by using Simplified SEO Consulting! We’re ready to help your personal injury law firm grow by discovering the key to online success with SEO. Don’t miss out on potential clients, follow these simple steps:

Schedule a consultation here!
Meet with one of our dedicated SEO Specialists.
Watch your personal injury law firm flourish!

Other Services Simplified SEO Consulting Offers:

May 20, 2022/0 Comments/by Danica Wolf

Business Tips, SEO Basics, SEO Tips

When is the Right Time to Invest in SEO?

Are you on a good platform to invest in SEO?

When considering SEO with us, we want you to think about the branding, design, and platform of your site. One of the biggest issues we try to help clients avoid is beginning the SEO investment on a platform they do not love or one that will not give them the return on investment that they need. Often we recommend people try Squarespace or WordPress. Sometimes we will work with a Wix or Weebly site, but often if you have a consult with our specialists, you will find that we will encourage a platform switch. If you’re absolutely in love with your platform and it happens to be on Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress, we are happy to work with you for our Done for You Services, but if you plan to stay on a different platform, on rare occasions we will do Weebly if a specialist is familiar and has capacity. Otherwise, our training options are the best option if you want to stay on your platform.

Does it make financial sense to invest in SEO?

The goal of Simplified is to help you get the clients that you are best able to support. We never want finances to be a barrier to you scaling your practice. While we will usually recommend our DFY options, if you are able and willing to do the work, our training options can give you a lot of value for your needs. We have self-paced courses, group intensives, and individual training options. Additionally, if you’re unsure where to begin, you can get a beginner course with our strategy package and then meet with a specialist who can give you the support you need to figure out the next steps. With the done for you options, often people will want to do the cheapest option, but if you’re hoping to be closer to the first page within six months in a busy area on a 1 or 2 point package, you’re not going to reach this goal with the timeframe you anticipate. SEO is getting competitive and especially in areas like New York, Florida, California, and some parts of Colorado, the best way to get to the top quickly is to optimize your service pages and blogs.

Essentially, what we have found is that for Google to really begin recognizing you, you need 12-18 pages live and optimized on your site.

With SEO getting more competitive that number may begin to increase. So we need to hit the ground running. If this doesn’t sound doable for you, then you can still invest with our other options, but it may mean we need to wait till you’re more comfortable with the investment mentally. We as mental health professionals are not oblivious to the costs and investment of SEO. We know that for a practice SEO is often the biggest expense you may have, and we know that with the strategy we employ that is unique, intentional, and flexible, we can help you reach your goals if you are able to trust in our process.

Do You Know Your Niche?

Knowing your niche matters to your success. Do you have to be one hundred percent sure of it? No. You can adapt as you understand what your community needs. If you’re in love with one niche during one season and then the next it switches, and you want to focus on couples over individuals or high functioning anxiety over trauma, you can do this. However, if you’re entering private or group practice without a semblance of who you’re trying to help. Do some soul searching before doing SEO. Why? We have found as mental health specialists that content matters for keywords. If you don’t know your clients with anxiety, you may get anxiety clients, but they may not be the ideal client you were hoping for. Additionally, you could get a lot of hits on your site indicated by Google Analytics and Google Search Console. However, if you’re getting clicks but not converts into clients, something is not connecting on your site. In order to convert, you need to know your people. Consider creating an avatar of who your ideal client is before beginning SEO with us.

Are You Expanding Your Practice?

Are you planning to expand your practice soon? Perhaps you’re worried about filling up your new clinicians which may tempt you to invest in Google ads over SEO. Pause and breathe. You have time. If you have a clinician onboarding in a few months, SEO is a great place to start. Here is why, if you have a desire to bring in consistent referrals for your practice, and you don’t want to have to constantly reinvest the money to get the clients into the door, SEO helps you to maintain a steady stream of people, especially when you consistently blog ( 2-3 times a month). If you’re worried about filling up your people you’re ready for SEO. We can help you strategy-wise to connect with your ideal people.

Would You Rather Invest in SEO by Outsourcing?

This is a big one we encounter with consults. People know that they need to do SEO for the consistency of their practice and growth. They have been told it is really important and easy to learn. Here is the problem you’re an owner of a practice, a parent, have another job, are pregnant…And to be honest, you just don’t have the passion to learn, the clinical side and the business side are more your jam. That is where our done for you program will work best for you. Whether that means we are doing the work, or you are having an intern learn how to optimize through one of our training programs. You’re ready to outsource and begin SEO.

Do You have Content and Copy You Love?

Maybe you have considered SEO before, but you just didn’t love your website and copy yet. And now, you have hired a fantastic copywriter and the website represents your values and who you hope to attract. Great! You’re ready for SEO. Well-written content equals connection.

What if I want to invest in SEO, but I do know how or love writing?

That’s ok. We offer copywriting services and we have great referrals who would be happy to hear your voice and create content that connects and aligns with your voice. If writing isn’t your thing, our team is happy to help and collaborate with you.

Are you Ready to Blog?

Blogging is such a huge component of SEO. If you hate blog writing and refuse to write blogs, then maybe now isn’t the time for SEO. Here is the thing. Google loves content. Google has about 200+ factors you can rank your site for. If blogging isn’t for you. There are other SEO companies that can help you with off-page SEO. However, what we have found with counseling clients, having well build out service pages and blogs that talk about the heart of your practice, often gets you better results with clients and conversions. We will encourage you to blog and if that doesn’t sound like a good plan then now is not the time to invest.

Are you planning to rebrand soon?

If you’re planning to rebrand or move to a new platform soon, now is not the time to do SEO. Here is why. Google has associated backlinks and other information with the domain you currently have. It has been live and active on Google for some time now. If you decide to take down the domain to move it to another platform, Google will look at this and not know what to do with your site. And, if you do rebrand or move your domain, change your domain, or move to another platform, Google has to reestablish trust. If you try to do SEO immediately afterward Google will not know what to do with your site. So it’s best to make the changes, publish it on the search engine, and then let it sit for 2 weeks to a month. Then begin SEO. You’ll have much better success integrating SEO.

Do clients need to decide what their NAP information is in order to invest in SEO?

Lastly, do you know what a NAP score is? Check out this blog about local SEO and NAP. This is essentially your Name, Address, and Phone. This is necessary for consistency on the search engines and for Google my business/Local SEO. If you don’t know what you want your main name, address, and phone to be, then pause, figure it out, and then make sure you have that on your website, directories, Google My Business, and Yelp.

Begin Working with Our Team!

If you’re ready to invest in SEO, we are here to help. We can get you set up with our services and begin optimizing your website in a way that showcases your skills to potential clients soon. Our wonderful team of SEO specialists at Simplified SEO Consulting would be excited to help you on your SEO journey. To get started with our service follow these simple steps:

Schedule a consult with our Client Success Specialist
Learn more about our talented team of SEO Specialists
Start investing in what matters to help your clients reach you!

Other Services offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

About the Author:

Jasmine is an SEO Specialist, and Client Success Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. You may be wondering where to start with your SEO journey. You’ve come to the right place. Learn how cornerstone content can help.

Jasmine Jaquess is currently working towards her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She has been doing SEO with Simplified for the last few months. Currently, she serves as the Client Success Specialist in new client consultation with Simplified SEO Consulting and is an SEO specialist. She specializes in platforms such as Squarespace and Wix but has learned to love WordPress sites as well. She really enjoys hearing the clients’ goals for their businesses and helping them achieve them.

May 3, 2022/0 Comments/by Jasmine Jaquess