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Should doctors use seo or social media to get more patients?

As a functional medicine doctor, your primary focus is helping patients feel their best, but getting new patients through your doors (or online) can sometimes feel like a full-time job on its own. Between managing appointments, following up with patients, and keeping up with continuing education, marketing your practice can easily fall to the bottom of the to-do list.

That’s where SEO marketing and social media marketing come in. Both strategies are powerful tools for increasing visibility, attracting the right patients, and building credibility online, but they work in very different ways. But which is more effective? The truth is, both play important roles, and the real magic happens when they work together.

Let’s dive in.

A green plant sprouting out of soil. Social media marketing for functional medicine doctors is beneficial when paired with SEO. Learn more by exploring our blog!

How SEO and Social Media Work Together

SEO and social media aren’t competing strategies; they complement each other and, when used together, can significantly grow your practice.

SEO focuses on helping your website appear in Google search results when potential patients are actively looking for services like functional medicine. By targeting the right keywords, such as functional medicine doctor near me or natural solutions for chronic fatigue, you ensure your website reaches the people who are already searching for what you offer.

Social media, on the other hand, builds your brand presence and keeps your audience engaged. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow you to showcase your expertise, share patient success stories, and educate your community about holistic health topics.

This ongoing engagement drives traffic back to your website, which can help improve your SEO rankings over time.

Together, SEO and social media create a full-picture marketing approach:

SEO attracts new patients actively searching for your services.

Social media nurtures relationships with your existing and potential patients.

Content synergy boosts visibility. Sharing blog posts, tips, or educational content on social media encourages clicks, shares, and backlinks, all of which are signals Google values.

Authority and credibility grow, when people see consistent, helpful content on both your website and social channels; they’re more likely to trust your practice.

In short, your SEO strategy ensures you’re discoverable on search engines like Google and Bing. And your social media strategy keeps your audience engaged. By integrating both, you’re not just reaching more people, you’re connecting with the right people in ways that feel authentic to your practice and your values.

When Should You Prioritize One Over the Other?

While SEO and social media are strongest when used together, sometimes you need to prioritize based on your current goals, capacity, or stage of growth. Here’s how to decide where to begin:

A glass desk & grey chair by a white wall, with a notebook open. Should doctors use SEO or social media marketing? Learn which is better in our blog!Prioritize SEO If:

  • You want to attract new patients who are actively searching for the services you offer. These are high-intent users who are looking for solutions right now.
  • You’ve invested (or plan to invest) in a website that reflects your values and services, and want it to be easily found in Google searches.
  • You’re focused on long-term growth. SEO builds momentum over time, meaning the more consistent you are, the more value you’ll get back.
  • You offer specific or niche services people are likely to Google (like “natural treatment for thyroid dysfunction” or “functional medicine for fatigue in [city]”).
  • If your practice relies heavily on inbound interest, insurance searches, or Google visibility, SEO is essential. It ensures your website becomes the digital front door to your practice, open 24/7 for new patients.

Prioritize Social Media If:

  • You want to build brand awareness and personal connection with your community, especially if you’re newer in practice or still growing your name.
  • You enjoy educating, sharing wellness tips, or showing your personality online, which helps build trust with prospective patients who are still in the “just browsing” stage.
  • You’re preparing to launch something, a group program, new offering, or free guide, and want to build interest and momentum in real time.
  • You already have an audience (big or small) that engages with your content, and you want to keep nurturing those relationships.

Social media is also helpful if you’re a location-based provider trying to stay top of mind in your local community. A regular, authentic presence can remind someone who’s been on the fence about starting care that you’re still here and you’re the right fit when they’re ready.

So…Should You Choose One?

Here’s the truth: choosing only SEO or only social media is like choosing between exercise and nutrition; both are essential for a healthy, long-term practice.

If you’re only focused on SEO, you might rank well, but miss out on the deeper, ongoing engagement that builds trust and loyalty.

If you’re only doing social media, you may connect with followers, but limit your reach to those who already know you.

Combining both helps you:

  • Get discovered by new patients searching on Google
  • Stay top of mind with warm leads and current followers
  • Create a cohesive brand across every platform your patients use
  • Encourage cross-traffic (e.g., social media followers clicking blog links, or SEO readers following you on Instagram)

In essence, SEO brings people in. Social media invites them to stay.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Either/Or. It’s Both, Aligned

At the end of the day, growing your functional medicine practice online isn’t about choosing SEO or social media. It’s about using both strategically to reach, connect with, and serve more of the right people.

Think of it this way:

SEO brings in cold leads who are actively searching for solutions.

Social media turns those leads warm by giving them a reason to stick around, engage, and build trust with you.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels with disconnected strategies and start showing up online in a way that reflects the heart of your practice, combining SEO and social media is the path forward.

An Iphone resting on top of a macbook. SEO marketing is different than social media. But what's better? Explore our blog.

Let’s Make Your Online Presence Work for You

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we help functional medicine providers like you create intentional, aligned strategies that attract your ideal clients — through SEO, social media, or both.

Whether you’re just getting started or want to take your existing content to the next level, we’re here to support you with done-for-you services, personalized strategy, and a team that truly understands your mission.

  1. Book a free consultation to see how we can help you show up online with clarity, confidence, and connection.
  2. We offer both social media and SEO strategy sessions, so we can answer any questions you have.
  3. We specialize in helping functional medicine providers, therapists, and other helping professionals grow online with strategies that actually work.

Other Services to Support Your Growth

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we offer a variety of services to meet you exactly where you are — whether you want to outsource everything or stay hands-on with guidance.

Our Done-for-You SEO Services are ideal for helping professionals who want to improve their Google rankings without having to learn SEO themselves. We take care of everything, from optimizing your website to crafting keyword-rich content, so you can focus on your clients.

Prefer a more self-paced approach? Our DIY SEO Courses are built specifically for therapists and wellness professionals. You’ll learn practical, proven strategies to optimize your website at your own pace, with support from instructors who speak your language.

If you’re looking for direction rather than implementation, our Strategy Sessions offer personalized, 1:1 guidance for both SEO and social media. We’ll walk through your current presence and create a clear, actionable plan you can run with, no guesswork involved.

Need help with behind-the-scenes improvements? Our Technical SEO Services address the foundational pieces that impact how search engines crawl and rank your site, like site speed, mobile optimization, and metadata.

And if words aren’t your thing, we’ve got you covered. Our SEO Copywriting Services combine compelling, human-first language with keyword strategy to help you rank in Google and connect with your ideal clients.

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Do Helping Professionals Really Need a Social Media Manager? Here’s How Strategic Marketing Can Support Your Practice

As a therapist, coach, or wellness provider, your time is better spent supporting clients, not stressing over Instagram captions or wondering when to post next. Still, social media is often where potential clients first meet you. So, how do you stay visible without it taking over your day?

That’s where a social media manager or social media specialist can step in.

In this blog, we’ll explore why social media marketing matters for helping professionals, what it looks like to get support, and how to create a strategy that aligns with your values, not just the algorithm.

Facebook's welcome sign up screen on a laptop. If you don't know where to start with social media, we can help. Our social media management package can help you reach your ideal clients.

Why Helping Professionals Need a Presence on Social Media

If you’re a therapist, coach, or wellness provider, your work already speaks volumes. But in today’s digital world, people often meet you online before they ever walk through your door—or send that first inquiry. That means your online presence matters. A lot.

Social media isn’t just for influencers or big brands. For helping professionals, it’s a powerful tool to:

  • Build trust before the first session
  • Show up consistently in your community’s feed
  • Share helpful, human content that reflects who you are and what you do

The truth is, potential clients are scrolling, often looking for someone who feels safe, supportive, and relatable. A thoughtful social media marketing strategy helps your voice rise above the noise, so people know where to turn when they’re ready for support.

You don’t need to go viral or post every day. But showing up with intention can make a lasting difference.

What Does a Social Media Manager Do for Helping Professionals?

You already wear so many hats, clinician, admin, business owner, maybe even parent or partner. So adding “social media specialist” to your plate? That can quickly lead to burnout.

That’s where a social media manager comes in.

We help you show up online without doing it all yourself. And we do it in a way that actually aligns with your voice, values, and the kind of connection you want to build with your audience. Here’s what that can look like:

  • Creating content that feels like you, not a sales pitch
  • Planning ahead so your posts go out consistently (even when your schedule is packed)
  • Writing captions that speak directly to your ideal clients
  • Create posts to match your SEO strategy
  • Designing graphics that match your brand
  • Tracking engagement to see what’s working and where to adjust

Think of us as a behind-the-scenes partner, helping your practice grow in visibility while you stay focused on what you do best, helping others heal and thrive.

Two individuals sitting together while scrolling on a phone. If you're looking to enhance your social media presence but don't know where to start, contact us! Our social media manager would love to help.

Instagram’s July 10th Update: Your Posts Can Now Show Up on Google

You may have heard the news, as of July 10th, Instagram posts are now eligible to appear in Google Search results.

What does this mean for you as a helping professional?

Well, it’s a big deal for your visibility.

Previously, Instagram content stayed mostly within the app. But with this update, your posts, Reels, and even your Instagram profile could start appearing in Google search results, especially when they include strong keywords and relevant hashtags.

This means that your content can reach more people who are searching for support outside of social media.

Here’s how to take advantage of it:

  • Use clear, searchable language in your captions (think: “anxiety therapy in Denver” or “chiropractic care for moms”)
  • Add keywords naturally—don’t just list them, write like you’re talking to your clients
  • Be intentional with hashtags that include location and service terms
  • Post consistently so your account stays active and Google-friendly

This update shows just how connected social media marketing and SEO strategy really are. With the right support, you can create content that performs well on both Instagram and Google, without doubling your workload.

Why Helping Professionals Need a Social Media Strategy

You became a therapist, chiropractor, doula, or wellness provider to help people, not to spend hours figuring out what to post on Instagram. But the truth is, your clients are online. And many of them are searching for support before they ever make that first call or send a message.

That’s where having a clear social media strategy comes in.

Instead of just posting when you remember or feel inspired, a thoughtful plan helps you stay consistent without the burnout. It’s not about selling yourself—it’s about showing up in ways that feel authentic and aligned with your values.

A solid social media strategy allows you to:

  • Educate your audience with tips, FAQs, and insights from your work
  • Build trust with potential clients who are watching quietly before reaching out
  • Normalize care by sharing the human side of your practice
  • Save time by batching content and aligning it with your SEO or blogging goals

"LIKE" spelled out on scrabble pieces. Building an online presence through social media can feel overwhelming. Our social media manager can help simplify it & find your ideal clients.

Ready to Simplify Your Social Media Strategy?

You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to guess your way through it. At Simplified, we offer social media support that’s built for helping professionals like you. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to stay consistent while juggling a full caseload, we’ve got you covered. Want to hand off the day-to-day? Check out our Social Media Management Package. Need a roadmap? Our Strategy Sessions for SEO & social media can help you get clear on your next steps.

  1. Reach out today to learn how we can support your practice.
  2. Discover more tips and tricks for social media by exploring our blogs or listening to our podcast.
  3. Let’s create a plan that feels doable and effective.

Other Services We Offer for Holistic Wellness Professionals

At Simplified, we’re not just here to help your website show up—we’re here to make sure it reflects you. In addition to social media management, we offer a range of services designed to meet you where you are in your business journey:

Copywriting Services: Whether you need fresh service pages, an engaging homepage, or a blog that finally says what you’ve been trying to put into words, we’ve got you. Our copywriting services write in your voice, for your people, and with SEO baked right in.

DIY Online Courses: Want to learn the SEO basics on your own time? Our DIY courses are designed to help professionals who want to understand how SEO works, without the tech overwhelm. We break it down step-by-step so you can take action with confidence.

Done-For-You Package: Looking for a hands-on partner to keep your SEO in motion? We offer a Done-For-You package that includes blog optimization, ongoing keyword research, image optimization, and data-driven adjustments, so your website keeps working for you, month after month.

Technical SEO: A healthy website is the foundation of strong SEO. Our technical SEO package can fix behind-the-scenes issues like site speed, mobile usability, crawl errors, broken links, and more to keep your site running smoothly and ranking better.

Local SEO Packages: Want to rank in your city or region? Our Local SEO services help you show up in local search results with location-optimized content, Google Business Profile support, and targeted keyword strategies to help people find you right in their neighborhood.

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Eight Months In: The Real Story of Taking Over Simplified SEO Consulting—and What’s Happened Since

My name is Mary, and when my husband Ed and I became the new owners of Simplified SEO Consulting just eight months ago, I stepped into a role that was equal parts exhilarating and intimidating. In less than a year, we’ve kept every member of our original team, added talented new SEO Specialists, launched in-demand services like comprehensive Social Media Management, and expanded beyond our core niche of therapists to serve a wider range of helping professionals and medical private practices. We’ve stayed ahead of fast-moving SEO and AI trends, attended our first conference, and built an even stronger, more connected team. This is the story of what it’s really been like to lead and grow an agency I love

Where I Started—and Why This Work Matters to Me

Three dogs belonging to the co-owners of Simplified SEO Consulting, lying on soft plaid-edged beds indoors: a white dog with a tan collar, a black-and-white dog resting its head on the white dog, and a cream-colored curly-haired dog in the foreground.I’ve lived in rural Missouri my entire life. Some might assume that would limit what’s possible, but for me it created grit, perspective, and a steady desire to help people. I’m a proud mom of five, and for 15 years, I was a stay-at-home mom. When my youngest son was born—right in the middle of a divorce—I knew I had to build a different future for my kids and me.

College started as Healthcare Administration, but I wanted to be closer to people’s care and stories, so I pivoted and earned a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Health. That led to work as a Mental Health Case Manager, where I learned how to guide people through complicated systems, remove barriers, and problem-solve under pressure. Those experiences shaped the way I lead today.

I went on to earn a Master’s in Psychology—not without a major plot twist: a brain tumor that I had to overcome. Amazingly, I finished that degree in 2022, and in 2024, I earned a second Master’s in Digital Marketing. However, I could never have predicted how seamlessly those fields—psychology and marketing—would intersect. Understanding people, their motivations, and how they make decisions is at the heart of great SEO.

Mary and Edward Walker – Co-owners of Simplified SEO Consulting, standing together smiling in front of a black shuttle bus on a sunny day. Edward wears a palm-leaf patterned shirt and khaki shorts, and Mary wears a floral dress and black sandals.

How I Found Simplified—and Why I Came Back

I joined Simplified SEO Consulting as an SEO Specialist and quickly fell in love with the mission: improving the visibility of therapists and other helping professionals so they can connect with the clients who need them most. It felt meaningful and practical all at once.

In January 2024, I left to return to my mental-health roots as a QMHP Supervisor. It was a bittersweet move—I loved the work at Simplified—but I believed leadership in mental health was my next right step. Then I learned Simplified was for sale. My husband, Ed and I saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine my strengths in psychology, marketing, and team leadership with a business I already knew and cared about. We couldn’t let it pass.

The First Weeks as Simplified: Triage, Trust, and Tenacity

Those early days were a whirlwind: system access, accounting, LLC transfers, operational docs—every day brought a new challenge. Ed and I reassured the team: there wouldn’t be drastic changes, and employee well-being would be a top priority. We were here to build, not bulldoze.

And we kept our promise. We maintained our original staff and soon hired two additional SEO Specialists to handle increased caseloads and new services. We’ve kept up with raises to remain competitive. I meant it when I said our people mattered.

Culture-wise, we leaned in to what works for us: a family-first attitude and transparency. We don’t have infighting, backbiting, or drama. We actually like each other. Once a month, we host a Water Cooler Hour on Zoom—after hours, cameras on, work-talk off. We chat, laugh, and just enjoy being together. It sounds small; it isn’t. It keeps us human.

Our team has grown closer than ever. We work better together, supporting one another daily. Every team meeting begins not with, “How much did you get done this week?” but with, “How are you? What can we do to help you?” That shift matters. Our team feels like family, and I’ve learned that in business, you truly get what you give. When you offer support, authenticity, and trust, you get it back tenfold—in loyalty, in work ethic, in job satisfaction, and in honesty. Our employees know they can be open with us, and some of our best ideas—like Social Media Management and Technical SEO—have come directly from their input, because we take the time to ask and listen.

Mary Walker – Co-owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, with shoulder-length dark purple hair wearing a black button-up shirt, smiling slightly, standing in a bright office space with blurred windows in the background

Putting Myself Out There as a Leader at Simplified and Beyond

I’ve never been one to put myself out there much, but I’ve learned that being a leader means stepping into the spotlight for the sake of the business. While I truly believe our team is the real face of the brand, as the owner, I have a responsibility to represent what we do and who we are. So, I do the work. I write the LinkedIn posts, record the videos,  create the blogs, and show up. Now, I put myself out there far more than I used to—not because it’s comfortable, but because it matters. Leading by example means demonstrating investment in the company and showing that I’m actively part of what happens here every single day.

Delivering on Our Promises: Service Expansion and Client Impact

One of the biggest commitments my husband and I made early on was to diversify our services so we could help clients in more ways without losing the depth of our SEO expertise. We’ve done just that.

We successfully rolled out Standalone Copywriting, Technical SEO Services, and Local SEO Services. These aren’t just add-ons; they’ve become core parts of what we offer. Standalone Copywriting meets the needs of clients who have solid websites but struggle to create conversion-focused, optimized content. Technical SEO digs deep into site health, performance, and structure—often unlocking opportunities clients didn’t know they had. Local SEO has been a game-changer for private practices that rely on local traffic, putting them on the map—literally and figuratively.

The launch of our comprehensive Social Media Management package has also been a huge success. I know firsthand how overwhelming social media can be for helping professionals already juggling heavy workloads. This service takes the stress off their plate, delivering a consistent, strategic, SEO-informed social presence that works in tandem with their website to boost visibility.

Edward Walker – Co-owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, with short gray hair and glasses wearing a dark suit jacket over a light blue shirt, standing outside with blurred warm lighting behind him.Staying Ahead of Search Trends and Technology at Simplified 

SEO is not static—it evolves daily. And in the age of AI and GEO-based search signals, staying ahead isn’t optional; it’s survival. We’ve invested heavily in training and research to keep our strategies on the cutting edge. We test and refine our approaches, adapt our content structures, and optimize internal linking so clients show up not just in traditional search results, but in AI-driven search experiences.

Our focus on E‑E‑A‑T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) hasn’t wavered. But now we’re blending those fundamentals with tactical adjustments to better position clients for where search is going, not just where it’s been.

Getting Out There: Conferences and Expanding Our Reach

Attending our first conference in Kentucky was both a milestone and a reality check. Winnie and I learned a lot—what to do, what not to do, and how to better prepare for the next one. It pushed us out of our comfort zones and reminded us that growth happens when you show up.

In September, we’ll be at the MGMA Leaders Conference—our first major event outside the therapy niche—connecting with medical private practice owners. This is part of our long-term strategy to diversify our client base while still serving therapists at the highest level.

Serving More Helping Professionals

Therapists remain central to our work, but our vision has always included helping a wider range of professionals: doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, holistic healers, and functional medicine providers. These fields face unique challenges when it comes to marketing, and our team has been intentional about tailoring our services to meet their needs. We’ve already welcomed clients from these sectors and seen encouraging results.

Looking Forward with Intention

We have big plans ahead, but we’re approaching them with purpose. We’ll be reintroducing our Done-With-You Training Program Series, refreshing our DIY SEO video library, attending more medical industry conferences, and exploring web design as a potential future service.

The guiding principle is pacing ourselves—testing, refining, and making sure every decision serves both our clients and our team. Because growth for the sake of growth isn’t the goal. Sustainable, intentional growth is.

Mary Walker – Co-owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, with short dark hair wearing glasses and an off-the-shoulder patterned top, sitting in a fluffy pink chair with sports jerseys framed on the wall behind her.

Lessons in Leadership and Self-Discovery

Eight months into ownership, I can see just how much this experience has shaped me. Boundaries remain my biggest challenge. Working 12–14-hour days, including weekends, isn’t sustainable—and Winnie helps keep me accountable to take breaks.

I’ve learned to trust my instincts but back them up with solid research. Additionally, I’ve learned that transparency and a people-first culture aren’t just nice ideas—they’re what keep a team strong, happy, and collaborative.

I’ve also learned that self-care and taking time for myself in ways that are meaningful to me are not a luxury—they are a necessity. And I’ve learned that my team needs that same ability to take care of themselves, which means creating an environment that allows for rest, balance, and flexibility.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that this work—supporting our clients, supporting our team, and building something with intention—is worth every bump in the road.

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Social Media X Google: Linking Your Social Strategy to Better Therapy SEO

Have you ever wondered how your social media efforts could help attract more therapy clients from Google? You’re not alone. Many therapists focus exclusively on SEO marketing for therapists or social media optimization, but when combined, these strategies can multiply their effectiveness.

Social media platforms can serve as vital ecosystems where your brand can connect with ideal clients, drive traffic to your website, and build trust over time. Together, social media optimization and SEO marketing create a seamless pathway for prospective clients, allowing them to move naturally from seeing your post on social platforms to finding your website via search.

In this article, we’ll break down how social media and SEO can work together to support your therapy practice — and how you can implement this combined approach to reach more people, deepen trust, and ultimately help more clients.

Why Social Media and SEO Are Stronger Together

A Black man holding his hand in the air under a glowing red like notification. SEO for therapists & social media can help you attract your ideal clients. Reach out today for a free consultation!

SEO marketing for therapists focuses primarily on making your website discoverable by aligning site structure, keywords, and authoritative content with the needs and searches of potential clients. Meanwhile, social media optimization allows you to showcase the heart of your practice — your voice, your approach, and the ways you support your clients.

Although social media platforms aren’t direct ranking factors in search engine algorithms, their benefits are indirect yet significant:

  • Increased Discoverability: Social platforms introduce your therapy practice to people who might not have found you via search.
  • More Brand Searches: Engaged followers may search for your practice by name (a strong signal for search engine trust).
  • More Opportunities for Links and Mentions: Social platforms can lead people to share or link to your website, boosting its authority.
  • Better Client Engagement Metrics: Social platforms help deepen connections, making site visitors more engaged when they land on your website.

How Social Media Supports Your SEO Efforts

Here are four concrete ways social media optimization can amplify your therapy practice’s SEO:

Driving Targeted Traffic to Your Site

Each piece of social content is an invitation for your ideal clients to learn more about your practice. A well-crafted post can:

Over time, this stream of traffic signals to search engines that your site is relevant, valuable, and authoritative for searches related to therapy services.

Expanding Your Visibility

People spend significant time on social platforms, making platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn critical spaces for visibility. By sharing meaningful, consistent content across platforms:

  • You stay top-of-mind for potential clients when they’re ready to seek therapy.
  • You create more ways for people to discover your practice (both within social platforms and via searches).
  • You cultivate trust and a sense of belonging for those exploring mental health services online.

Getting More Engagement and Links

Strong social media posts can prompt people to link to your site from their own platforms, websites, or newsletters. These backlinks are one of the strongest ranking factors in SEO for therapists. Additionally, when your posts gain traction:

  • You build a community that is more likely to save and share your website content.
  • You foster relationships with referral sources and colleagues online.
  • You create an environment where your site becomes a trusted resource, and trust is a cornerstone of successful SEO marketing.
    • Example: An infographic about “Signs of Burnout” can be saved, shared, and linked to by others in the mental health space.

Enhancing Trust and Authority

Trust and authority matter deeply for therapy clients, and for search engines as well. By maintaining a consistent voice across platforms and aligning your site’s messaging with your social media presence, you:

  • Show potential clients that your practice is approachable and credible.
  • Encourage longer site visits, more pages viewed, and higher conversion rates.
  • Build a recognizable brand that inspires trust and encourages backlinks and mentions across the digital space.

Why this matters for SEO: The more people spend meaningful time on your site, reading articles, exploring services, and connecting with your brand, the stronger your site’s behavioral signals to search engines.

"LIKE" on scrabble letters. SEO marketing for therapists & social media can work hand in hand. Reach your ideal clients today by getting started with us.

Tips for Aligning Social Media and SEO Strategies

Combining social media optimization and SEO marketing for therapists doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how you can strategically align both:

Share Blog Posts Frequently

Each new article you publish is an opportunity for social media promotion. Not only does this send traffic to your site, but it also:

  • Enables deeper connections with your followers.
  • Increases the likelihood that your content will be saved, shared, and linked to.
  • Reinforces to search engines that your site is active and authoritative.

Maintain Consistency in Branding and Keywords

Use the same language across platforms, aligning your social media profiles and website content with the keywords and phrases you want to be found for. This creates a seamless experience for both search engines and people.

Encourage Engagement

Invite conversations, questions, and feedback through your social platforms. The more people interact with your content, the more likely they are to click through to your site and deepen their engagement, making those site sessions more valuable for SEO.

Example: A caption like “What’s your go-to travel tip for anxiety?” and prompting viewers to interact in the comments.

Leverage Social Proof

Post case studies and client stories (with names changed, of course) to build trust and highlight your expertise. These pieces of social proof not only attract more ideal clients but can also lead to backlinks and mentions that support long‑term SEO efforts.

Use Location Tags and Localized Hashtags

Location tags, hashtags, and mentions can help both your social platforms and site appear in searches for therapy services in specific areas, making it easier for people in your community to find you.

Example: #HoustonTherapy #EMDRinMichigan #LasVegasTherapist

Measuring the Impact of Social Media on SEO

An AI woman smiling as she works on an iPhone. Social media marketing & SEO work to find your ideal clients. Rank higher on Google today!

Although social media platforms aren’t direct ranking factors for search engine results, you can measure their indirect benefits to understand how well your efforts support your site:

  • Site traffic from social platforms: Are people clicking through from social posts to your site?
  • Time on site and bounce rate: Do social referrals stay longer or view more pages?
  • Branded searches: Are more people searching for your practice by name?
  • Backlinks earned: Are other websites referring to your site because of social media activity?
  • Conversion rates: Are social referrals scheduling consultations or joining email lists?

Each of these metrics can guide adjustments in both your social media optimization and your marketing efforts, ensuring a holistic approach that delivers results.

Let’s Grow Your Practice — Together

Your online presence doesn’t have to be a guessing game. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we help therapists, practice owners, and helping professionals create powerful connections between their social media and SEO strategies, making it easier for ideal clients to find, trust, and book with you.

If you’re ready to attract more of the clients you’re passionate about helping, let’s talk! Book a free consultation with us today and learn how an aligned SEO and social media approach can help your practice stand out and grow online.

  • Reach out to us here to discuss your goals.
  • Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more insights into SEO and social media.
  • Let’s build a strategy that allows you to connect authentically with your ideal clients online.

Other Services Offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

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

About the Author: SEO & Social Media Specialist Olivia

Olivia Ferguson is the Social Media Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting, where she helps therapists and private practice owners grow their online presence through strategy-driven content. With a passion for combining creativity and analytics, Olivia crafts social media strategies that reflect each client’s unique voice while supporting their long-term SEO goals. When she’s not planning posts or cheering on mental health professionals, you can find her sipping iced coffee and hunting down her next favorite book!

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How SEO and Social Media Work Together to Boost Your Online Presence

If you’ve been working on enhancing your online visibility and reaching more clients, you might think that SEO and social media are separate things to tackle. SEO is about ranking on Google, while social media is about engaging with your community. But what if I told you they can work together to boost your online presence, visibility, and client engagement? When done right, combining SEO with social media is like giving your practice the best of both worlds: more people finding you through search and deeper, more meaningful connections through social platforms. In this post, we’ll dive into why it’s crucial for mental health professionals to integrate SEO and social media—and how you can make it happen.

An illustration of the different aspects of social media marketing. To boost your online presence, reach out to us today. Our SEO services for mental health professionals can help.

Social Media Drives Traffic to Your Website

Think of social media as a bridge leading people straight to your website. Every post, story, or update you share is an opportunity to get more eyes on your content. When someone clicks on your blog post from Instagram or LinkedIn, they’re not just engaging with your social media—they’re stepping into your website, exploring your services, and potentially booking an appointment.

Beyond direct traffic, this engagement can also boost your SEO. Search engines pay attention to user behavior—if people are consistently clicking through and spending time on your site, it signals to Google that your content is valuable. The result? A stronger online presence and better search rankings over time.

Regularly sharing blog posts, therapy resources, or practice updates on social media isn’t just about staying active—it’s about making it easier for the right clients to find and connect with you.

Strengthening Your Brand Authority

Google values Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T), and an active social media presence helps reinforce these signals. When you consistently share valuable insights, engage with your audience, and position yourself as a knowledgeable source, you’re strengthening your credibility—not just with potential clients, but also with search engines.

A strong brand presence on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook increases brand recognition. The more people search for your name or practice on Google, the stronger your authority appears, which can positively impact your search rankings.

For example, if a therapist consistently posts about managing anxiety or setting boundaries in relationships, their name becomes more recognizable in their niche. Over time, this leads to more direct searches, website visits, and engagement—all of which help with SEO.

An iPhone that shows different social media platforms like Instagram & Youtube. Our SEO services can help professionals reach their ideal clients. Start enhancing your online visibility today.

Brand Awareness and Social Signals Impact SEO

Social media helps people discover your brand, making them more likely to search for you later. The more your content is shared, commented on, and engaged with, the more your name stays top of mind. Over time, this increased visibility leads to more branded searches on Google—helping to strengthen your online presence.

An active, well-managed social media presence also builds trust. When potential clients see you consistently posting valuable content, they’re more likely to visit your website, explore your services, and take action. This organic traffic and engagement send positive signals to search engines, reinforcing your credibility in your industry.

Increases Content Discoverability

One of the major benefits of social media is how it boosts your content’s visibility. By regularly sharing blog posts, articles, videos, and updates across platforms, you’re giving your content a much wider reach—directly and indirectly enhancing SEO.

When your content gets shared on social media, it has the potential to be discovered by new audiences. This increased visibility can lead to more engagement, driving traffic back to your site. Platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook all offer ways to improve content discoverability through keywords and hashtags.

For example, by using relevant hashtags on Instagram or X, you can help your content show up in the search results of users who are interested in similar topics. These keywords and tags act like breadcrumbs leading back to your website, where interested users can explore more about what you offer. This practice not only increases engagement but also supports your SEO strategy by ensuring your content is easily discoverable by both search engines and potential clients.

Consistent Branding and Messaging Across SEO and Social Media

For private practice owners, consistency is key when building a strong online presence. Your brand’s voice, message, and values should flow seamlessly between your website, SEO strategy, and social media platforms. This alignment does more than just look polished—it helps your ideal clients recognize and connect with your brand.

When your social media captions reflect the same tone and language as your website copy, and your posts use keywords your audience is searching for, you create a cohesive online experience. For example, if your private practice focuses on anxiety therapy, incorporating phrases like “coping with anxiety” or “anxiety relief” into both your blog content and social media posts reinforces your expertise in this area.

An office space with two computers on the desk & a green plant. SEO for private practices can help you reach clients that need you most. Get started with us now to rank higher on Google.

This consistency also signals to search engines that your brand is trustworthy and relevant. When search engines can easily identify what your practice offers—and see that your messaging is consistent across platforms—it increases your chances of ranking higher in search results. More importantly, it helps potential clients feel confident that they’ve found the right therapist to meet their needs.

Social Media Helps with Local SEO

Social media is a powerful tool for boosting local visibility for private practices serving a specific area. Platforms like Google Business Profile allow you to share updates, interact with clients, and collect reviews, all of which signal to Google that your business is active and relevant in that area.

Beyond Google, social media helps you connect with your local community. Using location-based hashtags, tagging nearby businesses, and engaging with local events all increase your visibility. When potential clients search for services in your area, this presence makes it more likely they’ll find you.

Encouraging clients to leave reviews and check in at your location can also boost credibility. The more people engage with your business online, the stronger your local authority becomes—helping you show up when it matters most.

Bringing SEO and Social Media Together for a Stronger Online Presence

SEO and social media aren’t separate strategies—they work together to help your business get found online. Social media increases your visibility, drives traffic to your site, and builds brand trust, while SEO ensures your content is optimized for long-term discoverability. When used together, they strengthen your online presence, making it easier for the right clients to find you.

Whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness, improve local SEO, or build credibility with Google, integrating social media with your SEO efforts creates a more effective, well-rounded marketing strategy. Ready to make the most of both? Start by ensuring your content is consistent, engaging, and aligned with your ideal client’s needs.

Enhance Your Online Visibility Today

Want to make sure your SEO and social media are working together to bring in the right clients? At Simplified SEO Consulting, we help mental health professionals strengthen their online presence with strategies that actually work. Whether you’re optimizing your website, refining your content, or building a stronger brand online, we’ve got you covered. Ready to take the next step? Let’s chat!

  1. Reach out to us here for a FREE consultation. 
  2. Learn more about SEO strategies and tips by exploring our blog posts.
  3. Reach your ideal clients when you optimize your social media!

Services Offered at Simplified SEO Consulting

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

About the Author

Olivia graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Combining her deep understanding of social work principles with her expertise in search engine optimization, she is dedicated to empowering therapists to connect effectively with their ideal clients. Through strategic SEO techniques, Olivia enjoys helping therapists enhance their online visibility and attract clients who can benefit most from their services. Her goal is to bridge the gap between mental health expertise and digital marketing. In the end, this ensures that therapists can focus on what they do best – providing compassionate care – while reaching those in need through an effective online presence.

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How Social Media & SEO Synergize

Our Connected WorldGraphic of a computer screen with people connecting over video chat, with additional multiple connections going out to other people. This could represent the link between social media and SEO. Learn how our social media package can help your website.

These days, you can use social media for just about anything! You can reconnect with old friends, keep up with current events, and even buy and sell through online marketplaces. But, did you know that social media can influence the SEO of your site as well? Yep! As Google has changed, so have the many factors that influence how a site may rank. So, today we are going to cover some of the ways social media can help to boost your site’s SEO!

Social Media Can Help Build Reputation & Trust

Social media offers private practice owners a wonderful place to post news, updates, and other important notifications for people to see. This can go a long way in building familiarity with your brand, what you stand for, and what your practice offers. Having this connection can help show people that you aren’t just another cookie-cutter therapy practice. You are a caring individual who offers real support! Creating an audience over time will serve as an invaluable resource as your practice grows, and more people become familiar with it. 

Creating a social media presence can also help your website gain more authority with Google. When people share your content, they accomplish more than just “getting the word out” But, we will discuss this a bit more later in the post. So, continue reading on!

Social Media & Marketing

Social media also allows you to make the most out of your blog posts! Developing a presence on different platforms will provide you with many opportunities to spread your content beyond your own site so that more people can see it. 

Let’s take Facebook as an example

Say you write an awesome blog post on your site, but you wish more people could see it. One way to do this might be to link that post from your practice’s own Facebook page. By doing this, you’ve accessed a whole new group of viewers. A group that might not have seen the content if it was only living on your site. By nature of being on a social platform, this “audience” is already more likely to share the post with others. So, there is a lot of potential for posts to “blow up” or “go viral” if the right people see it and share it with others.

A hand holds a hologram of the earth that is surrounded by various profiles of people. Social media and SEO can go hand in hand if used correctly. Contact Simplified SEO Consulting for strategies for SEO marketing for therapists and other services.

You can also tailor unique posts based on the platform itself. Does your practice specialize in therapy for teens? Well, creating a TikTok or Instagram post that speaks directly to that audience may be just the thing to help spark interest in the services that your practice offers. However, this can be a bit difficult to do. You will need to have a solid understanding of your ideal client, what content will be most engaging for them, and which social platforms they are likely to be on. 

Social Media May Help Keyword Rankings

When people share your post, the keywords associated with the post can also be affected as well. As high-quality content is shared by people on social media, Google will start to recognize your site as an authority on the subject due to the increased number of people viewing it. As the authority of the site grows, the more likely your site will rank better for the keywords that the post is optimized for. Google loves putting trusted, engaging content on the front page. So, social media and SEO can help out when trying to rank for more competitive keywords. 

Yet, it is worth noting that social media success will not guarantee ranking success. There are many factors that go into how Google decides the ranking of a site. This might include your location, local competition, and how relevant the content is compared to other posts. So, even though a post might go viral on a certain platform, this does not guarantee that the rankings will skyrocket for that keyword.

Build Links & Authority

We saved one of the most important aspects for last! By publishing high-quality content that people share, the likelihood of others linking to the same post increases. As a result, this means more backlinks for your site! In a way, social media success can result in a snowball effect of sorts. This can be a bit confusing, but I like to think of it like this. 

Someone sees your post and shares it. As a result, more people see & share that post. As more see the post, the chance of a site or individual with a higher authority viewing the post increases. Once an authoritative source links back to your post, this creates a high-quality backlink and helps raise the authority of your site. The more authority the site has, the more likely the site is to be ranked higher in the search results and seen by more people. 

In Short, Success Breeds Success!A couple raise their hands in celebration as they look at their laptop. This could represent social media and SEO success. Learn more about SEO marketing for therapists and how SEO training can help your practice!

Keeping up with social media can feel like a chore at times. But understanding how to effectively use it can become a vital part of the synergy SEO marketing for therapists. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can provide fun distractions and interesting ways to connect with others. But they can also be powerful tools when used correctly.

Begin SEO Consulting Services with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our trained SEO specialists understand how to help your site rank higher on Google using social media and SEO. We have experience working with therapists across the country and would be honored to help your practice thrive! To start SEO services, follow these simple steps:

  1. Book a free consultation
  2. Speak to one of our SEO specialists
  3. Start climbing the rankings of Google!

Other Services Offered by Simplified SEO Consulting

In addition to social media management, Simplified SEO Consulting offers multiple SEO services to help meet the unique needs of your website. Our services include DIY Online SEO Courses, done-for-you SEO services, and our technical SEO services. We also offer strategy sessions and stand-alone copywriting. For more helpful info, please visit our blog!

About The Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage is a member of the 2020 graduating class from the University of Missouri. He is intent on using his B.A. in Psychology to help provide the best results as an SEO specialist.  Sterling prides himself on helping alumni 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, often going the extra mile to do outside research and make sure alumni have everything they need to continue ranking well!

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