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Why Your About Page Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Local SEO Strategy

You’ve optimized your homepage, fine-tuned your service pages, and maybe even built out a few blogs for good measure. But there’s one page many business owners—and even some SEO professionals—often overlook: the About page.

Illustrated web pages on desktop and laptop screens showing edits and annotations—representing local SEO services, page optimization, and schema markup improvements

Believe it or not, this single page can quietly power up your local visibility, enhance trust with your audience, and improve your overall rankings. If your About page is vague, outdated, or missing entirely, you might be missing out on real SEO potential.

In this post, we’ll explore why your About page matters so much for both local and general SEO, how to optimize it effectively, and the key mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in.

What Is an About Page (and Why It Matters)

Your About page is more than just a digital business card. It tells the story of who you are, what you do, and why it matters. At a minimum, it should include:

  • A brief company or personal background
  • Your mission, values, and team bios
  • Contact information and physical location
  • Your history or origin story

But from an SEO perspective, it’s also a high-value opportunity to establish brand identity, build trust, and send consistent signals to both users and search engines.

Think of it as your website’s “trust center.”

A Quick Primer on Local SEO

Local SEO is all about helping your business show up in searches like “therapist near me” or “plumber in [Your City].” It prioritizes location-based signals that help search engines understand where you operate and who you serve.

Key local ranking factors include:

Your About page can support all of these factors when it’s built with intention.

How an About Page Supports Local SEO

Reinforces NAP Consistency

Search engines want to see your business information (name, address, phone) consistently presented across your website and directory listings. Adding your full NAP details to your About page—formatted exactly as they appear on your Google Business Profile—strengthens this consistency and builds trust.

Bonus tip: Use schema markup (like “LocalBusiness” JSON-LD) to help Google easily parse that information.

Naturally Targets Local Keywords

By incorporating phrases like “serving the Grand Rapids area since 2012” or “based in Grand Rapids,” you help Google associate your brand with a specific location. These local cues can improve your visibility in geographic searches.

Builds Local Relevance and Authority

Your About page is the perfect place to mention local partnerships, sponsorships, or community involvement. These details not only tell your story—they also earn you “prominence” points in Google’s local algorithm, especially if they lead to local backlinks.

Enhances Local User Engagement

Simple calls-to-action like “Visit our office in downtown Asheville” or “Join our Grand Rapids community newsletter” encourage local visitors to interact more deeply, which can improve engagement metrics.

Supports Local Structured Data

Embedding a map or using LocalBusiness schema helps search engines clearly understand your physical location. This makes it easier to show up in local packs and map results.

How an About Page Supports Overall SEO

Enhances E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust)

A developer sketches a website wireframe layout, illustrating the planning stage for technical SEO improvements, local SEO services, and structured schema implementation. Google looks for signals that demonstrate you’re a credible, trustworthy expert. Your About page can help by showcasing:

  • Founder or team bios with credentials
  • Awards, certifications, or associations
  • Stories of your business journey or client success

Improves Engagement Metrics

A well-written About page keeps users reading—and when visitors stay longer, it sends positive signals to Google. Add multimedia like team photos, a founder video, or a timeline to make the page even more engaging.

Supports Internal Linking

Use your About page to link to key service pages or blog content. This not only helps users navigate your site but also strengthens internal link equity.

Increases Visibility for Long-Tail & Branded Searches

People often Google things like “[Business Name] about” or “[Business Name] mission.” A well-optimized About page helps you capture those searches—and gives curious users a deeper reason to trust and engage with your brand.

Becomes a Backlink Magnet

Reporters, bloggers, and even potential partners often link to About pages when referencing your company. Make it easy for them by including a press-friendly section with highlights, images, or milestones.

Best Practices for an SEO-Friendly About Page

  • Write for humans first. Keep it warm, clear, and authentic.
  • Use your keywords wisely. Naturally include your business name, industry, and location.
  • Optimize your metadata. Include local terms in your title tag and meta description.
  • Add schema markup. Use “LocalBusiness” JSON-LD to boost structure.
  • Include engaging visuals. Real team photos or a quick intro video go a long way.
  • Make it mobile-friendly. Ensure it loads quickly and displays well on all screen sizes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Keyword stuffing. Overloading your page with cities or services feels unnatural and can hurt rankings.
  • Being too generic. “We’re the best in the business” doesn’t cut it. Add real facts, dates, and credentials.
  • Neglecting mobile users. Most local searches happen on phones—optimize for them.
  • Failing to update. If your About page hasn’t changed in five years, it’s time for a refresh.

Measuring the Impact of Your About Page

Keep an eye on:

  • Organic traffic to your About page (via Google Analytics)
  • Branded/local keyword impressions (via Google Search Console)
  • Time on page and bounce rate
  • Click-throughs to conversion pages (like Contact or Services)

Two purple puzzle pieces are about to interlock, visually representing how local SEO services, site schema, and page-level optimization work together to enhance visibility. Bonus tip: Set up GA4 events to track how users interact with your About page, such as clicking your address, phone number, or internal links.

Final Thoughts: Small Page, Big Opportunity

Your About page isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a powerful piece of your SEO puzzle—especially for local businesses. When optimized thoughtfully, it builds trust, reinforces local signals, and draws both humans and search engines deeper into your site.

If it’s been a while since you revisited your About page (or if you’ve never written one), now’s the time. Start small, keep it authentic, and let it grow with your business.

Start Improving Your Local SEO with Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in helping mental health professionals and small business owners make every page on their site work harder. Reach out to learn how our team of SEO specialists can help you strengthen your SEO from the inside out. Take the first step toward an improved website:

  1. Apply to work with us: Fill out our quick application and tell us about your practice and your website concerns. (No worries if you’re not sure what’s wrong – that’s our job to find out!)
  2. Meet your SEO specialist: We’ll schedule a call to talk one-on-one.
  3. Start improving your website!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Simplified SEO knows there are many aspects of SEO that you may need help addressing to improve your private practice website. This is why we offer a variety of SEO services in addition to local SEO and technical SEO services. We also provide support through our Done For You SEO Services, DIY Online SEO Courses, and Consulting services. We also offer social media management, stand-alone copywriting services, and SEO strategy sessions. Visit our blog to learn more valuable SEO info today!

About the Author

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

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Mobile Site Optimization & Technical SEO: Fixing Common Issues to Improve UX

A top down view of a phone resting on a notebook next to a tablet. Learn how technical seo services can offer support with elements like site schema.Mobile technical SEO means making sure your website’s underlying code and setup work well on phones and tablets. In other words, it’s the behind-the-scenes work that helps search engines find, understand, and index your site, especially on mobile devices. For helping professionals (therapists, counselors, private practice owners, etc.), this can sound intimidating, but think of it as site maintenance. By following technical SEO best practices, your site will load faster, rank higher, and provide a better experience to clients who search on mobile.

Search trends underline why this matters: recent data show 58% of Google searches are from mobile devices, and Google now uses a 100% mobile-first index. In practical terms, that means Google mainly looks at your mobile site content when deciding rankings. If your site isn’t optimized for phones – if it’s slow, hard to navigate, or missing key information – Google may push it down in search results. This post will serve as a technical SEO checklist to walk you through the essentials.

Why Mobile Optimization Is Crucial for SEO

Mobile optimization isn’t optional – it’s built into Google’s rules now. Google explicitly uses the mobile version of your pages for crawling and ranking (mobile-first indexing). Put simply, if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it “isn’t going to rank very well”. This is backed by user data as well: Google’s own research shows that slow mobile pages drive users away. For example, if page load time goes from 1 second to 3 seconds, the chance a user bounces (leaves the page) rises by 32%. Even worse, one study found that about 40% of users will abandon a site if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. These impatient behavior patterns hurt your conversion rates and also signal to Google that your site isn’t offering a good experience.

On the SEO side, performance and user experience are confirmed ranking factors. Google explicitly says page speed is a ranking factor, and it recommends achieving good Core Web Vitals (metrics for loading speed, interactivity, and stability) for success in search. In practice, this means fixing technical issues on mobile will not only make users happier, but it can boost your rankings. A smooth mobile site can help a potential client stay on your site longer (and call or book), instead of clicking back to Google.

Common Technical SEO Issues on Mobile

Many websites share a handful of common technical problems on mobile.

Slow Page Speed: 

Mobile users are impatient. A slow page won’t just frustrate clients – it lowers ranking. Google’s data shows higher bounce rates for even small delays. To fix it, compress images, enable browser caching, minify CSS/JS, use a fast hosting service or CDN, and use lazy loading for below-the-fold content. These steps reduce load time, helping both users and Google’s crawlers.

Poor Responsiveness: 

A responsive design means your site’s layout adapts fluidly to any screen size. Google recommends a responsive web design (same HTML on all devices, adapting with CSS) as the easiest way to be mobile-friendly. If your site has fixed-width elements or no mobile viewport meta tag, it may look wrong on phones. Double-check that buttons, menus, and images scale or reflow nicely on smaller screens. Use flexible CSS grids or frameworks (like Bootstrap or CSS Flexbox) so content doesn’t overflow or become unreadable.

Navigation Issues: 

On a phone, menus and links need to be easy to tap and find. Complex multi-level menus, hidden desktop-only navigation, or missing search can confuse mobile visitors. Simplify your navigation: use a clear mobile menu (hamburger menu or simple top bar), ensure all important pages are reachable within a tap or two, and keep text concise. Avoid burying content or using hover-only menus that don’t work on touchscreens. (No specific reference needed here – just common mobile-UX practice.)

Blocked Resources: 

Make sure Google can see all your site’s CSS, JavaScript, and images. Some sites mistakenly block these files in robots.txt. If Googlebot can’t fetch your CSS/JS, it will see an “unstyled” page, which can trigger mobile-friendly errors. For example, Cubet’s SEO guide warns that blocking CSS/JS leads to “unclear or incomplete fetching and indexing”. Use Google Search Console’s robots.txt Tester or URL Inspection tool to verify that no critical mobile assets are disallowed. If they are, remove those rules so Google can fully render your page.

Intrusive Popups and Interstitials: 

Avoid full-screen popups on mobile. Google says intrusive dialogs (full-page pop-ups) “make it hard for users to access your content” and can lead to poor search performance. In practice, a giant overlay or an app-install interstitial can trigger a penalty, pushing your rank down. Instead, use smaller banners or inline forms that don’t block content, and ensure any essential prompts (like cookie notices) are unobtrusive on phones. This keeps both users and Google’s bot happy.

Small Font or Tap Targets: 

Text and links must be easily readable and clickable. Use a base font size of at least ~16px for body text on mobile. (Fonts smaller than that become hard to read on phones.) Also, make sure buttons and links are big enough: W3C’s accessibility guidelines recommend touch targets be at least 44×44 CSS pixels. This helps prevent “fat-finger” errors. If users must zoom in to read or repeatedly tap links, that’s a usability problem – and Google’s Mobile-Friendly test flags that as a mobile issue.

Each of the above issues can be checked and fixed one by one. Think of this list as a mini-technical SEO checklist for mobile: speed fixes, responsive layout, clear navigation, unblocked files, non-intrusive popups, and large fonts/buttons. Tackle these systematically to improve your mobile site.

Tools to Monitor and Fix Mobile SEO Issues

You don’t have to guess how your site is doing – use these tools to find and fix problems:

Google Search Console: 

This free Google tool gives mobile-related reports (like Core Web Vitals and Coverage). Check the Core Web Vitals report to see your mobile Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), and other metrics. It will highlight pages that fail thresholds. Also, look at the URL Inspection feature to see how Googlebot (mobile) renders your page.

PageSpeed Insights: 

Technical Seo Concept. Improve Websites Search Engine Ranking With Technical On-page Seo Optimization

PageSpeed Insights analyzes both mobile and desktop speed. It provides a performance score and specific recommendations (compress images, remove render-blocking JS, etc.). Backlinko notes: “This free tool lets you know how quickly your site loads for desktop and mobile users, whether you’re passing each of the Core Web Vitals”. In short, run your site URL here to get a checklist of speed fixes.

Lighthouse: 

Built into Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse simulates a mobile device on a slow network and audits performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices. It will highlight mobile-specific issues like slow fonts or large layout shifts. You can run Lighthouse in your browser (via Chrome’s Audit tab) or use the command line. The report includes actionable advice (e.g. “ensure text remains visible during webfont load”). Because Lighthouse mimics a mid-tier mobile phone on 3G, its score is often more realistic for real users.

Structured Data Testing: 

Technical SEO isn’t just about speed. It also covers structured data (site schema). Google’s Rich Results Test (formerly Structured Data Testing Tool) lets you paste a page URL or code snippet and validate your schema markup. For example, if you added LocalBusiness or FAQ schema, this tool will confirm it’s correct.

Other Tools: 

Free tools like WebPageTest or GTmetrix give in-depth speed analysis. Plugins or scripts (like Google’s mobile-friendly.js) can catch viewport problems. But start with the Google tools above, since they match what Google considers when ranking mobile pages.

Using these tools regularly turns your technical SEO work into a manageable process. They work like an automated technical SEO audit service for your site. You can even follow a “technical SEO audit checklist” – things like checking mobile-friendliness, fixing speed, validating schema – and tick them off as you resolve each issue.

Benefits for Helping Professionals

For therapists and private practitioners, mobile optimization has direct benefits: more clients finding you, better trust, and a smoother user experience. Consider these points:

Reach More Patients: 

People often search for health and therapy info on their phones. In fact, a Pew survey found 62% of Americans have searched for health information using their phone. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’ll miss out on this large audience. A fast, easy-to-use mobile site can capture patients who search terms like “therapist near me” or “couples counselor phone consultation” – keywords that often happen on mobile.

Higher Search Rankings: 

Since Google uses mobile-first indexing, a well-optimized mobile site will rank higher in local and organic search results. This means when someone in your area looks for services you offer, your practice is more likely to appear. Simply put, fixing technical issues helps your SEO, and SEO brings clients.

Better User Experience = More Trust: 

Imagine a potential client waiting impatiently. If your site loads quickly, they’ll stay and read your bio or services. If it’s slow, they might click away before seeing how you can help. Improving speed and usability reduces bounce rates. Also, adding site schema can enhance trust – for example, using the LocalBusiness schema definition or a therapy-specific schema helps Google display important details (like your phone number or ratings) right in search results. Such rich results stand out and can make people more likely to click your link.

Professional Credibility:

A polished mobile site subconsciously signals professionalism. Consistent branding, quick load times, and no frustrating popups show that you care about the user experience. For helping professionals, every positive impression counts towards patient trust. Technical SEO isn’t just for e-commerce – it helps any professional website look and perform its best.

In short, mobile technical SEO turns into tangible benefits: more visibility, more clicks, and ultimately more appointments.

Think of it as an investment that pays off in real engagement and new clients. Mobile optimization and technical SEO might seem technical, but they boil down to a few clear tasks. 

By following the checklist above – fixing page speed, ensuring responsive design, simplifying navigation, unblocking resources, removing intrusive popups, and using proper fonts and tap targets – you’ll make your site perform better on mobile devices. This will improve both your Google rankings and your visitors’ satisfaction.

Vector illustration for mobile website development. Learn more about how a technical seo audit can help improve your website. Search for technical seo for helping professionals for more support. If this feels overwhelming, remember you can get help. Consider hiring a technical SEO expert or agency to run a full site audit. Many SEO consultants offer a technical SEO audit service, which is a deep review of all these elements. An audit will check off everything on a technical SEO checklist for you, identify hidden issues, and even suggest solutions. For example, an expert can implement the proper site schema (structured data), as the schema definition vocabulary is tricky to add correctly. (Recall, schema markup tells Google what your content means, which improves visibility.) If you’re short on time or comfort with code, that can save you a lot of effort and ensure nothing is missed.

Start Technical SEO Services with Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in helping professionals with exactly this. We offer technical SEO services tailored to therapists and private practices. Our team can perform a comprehensive technical SEO audit of your site, fix issues, and set up site schema so Google fully understands your practice. Getting a technical SEO audit service is the next step to making sure your website truly shines on mobile devices. Start receiving SEO support and take the next step:

  1. Schedule a free SEO consultation.
  2. Meet with an SEO specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting
  3. Start improving your website’s technical SEO!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Simplified SEO knows there are many aspects of SEO that you may need help addressing to improve your private practice website. This is why we offer a variety of SEO services in addition to local SEO and technical SEO services. We also provide support including our Done For You SEO Services, DIY Online SEO Courses, and Consulting services. We also offer stand-alone copywriting services and SEO strategy sessions. Visit our blog to learn more valuable SEO info today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He has integrated 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 issues.  He’s great at giving clients multiple options about how to approach a situation, finding solutions to some of the more technical aspects of SEO, and responding in a timely manner to client concerns.  Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them with extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

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Understanding Important Site Schema Types

Site schema markup might sound technical, but it’s really just a way to help search engines understand your website better so they can show it off in the best possible light. Think of it as giving search engines a cheat sheet about your content—making it easier for them to highlight different parts of your business like services, blogs, products, or FAQs in search results. But here’s the catch: search algorithms and user habits change over time, so keeping your schema up-to-date is key. If it’s outdated, you could miss out on opportunities to stand out, so a little upkeep goes a long way in staying visible and relevant. 

With this in mind, we are going to highlight some of the most common types of site schema used these days, and how you can make the most of this as Google changes over time. Without further ado, let’s get started!

What Exactly is Schema Markup?

A graphic of a search button with a clicker hovering over. Learn how to improve therapist seo by searching for private practice seo today. Contact a professional for support with improving SEO for online therapy today.At its core, it’s a way of organizing information on your website so search engines can make sense of it. Think of it like tagging your content with labels that tell search engines, “Hey, this is a service I offer,” or “This is a special discount going on for a product I sell.” By doing this, you’re giving search engines the tools they need to show your site in cool, interactive ways. Some of these may include featured search results, star ratings, recipe cards, or event listings you’ve probably seen on Google. The best part? When search engines understand your site better, your content is more likely to get noticed, leading to richer search results and better click-through rates. It’s a win-win for both you and your audience. However, depending on what your website offers, certain types of schema may not be as useful as others. 

When it comes to schema types, each one has a unique purpose to help search engines understand your content and present it to users in the best light. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important ones:

  • Organization Schema: Perfect for businesses, it highlights essentials like your name, logo, and contact details, helping build trust and boost local SEO.
  • Breadcrumb Schema: Focused on navigation, this schema makes your site easier to explore and helps search engines rank your pages more effectively.
  • Article Schema: A must for publishers and bloggers, it showcases your posts or news articles in search results to grab readers’ attention.
  • Product Schema: Essential for e-commerce sites, it displays key details like pricing, availability, and product information directly in search results.
  • Review and Rating Schema: Builds credibility by showing off aggregate ratings and customer reviews, which can encourage more clicks.
  • FAQ Schema: Perfect for common questions, it often earns you a spot in search results with a clean and concise snippet.
  • Event Schema: Ideal for concerts, webinars, or local gatherings, it ensures your events are easily discoverable in search results.

By choosing the right schema types for your content, you’re not just helping search engines—you’re creating a better experience for your audience too.

Not every type of schema will be a perfect fit for every website—it all depends on what your site offers and what you want to highlight.

For instance, if your business revolves around selling products, then Product and Review schemas are a must-have to showcase your offerings and customer feedback right in search results. On the other hand, a service-based business might skip those and focus on Organization schema to establish credibility and make sure contact details are easy to find. Similarly, Event schema is a no-brainer for companies hosting concerts, webinars, or workshops, but it wouldn’t make sense for a blog-only site. Tailoring your schema choices to match your content and goals ensures you’re giving search engines the most relevant information—and not wasting time implementing markup you don’t actually need.

Why Schema Evolves Over Time

Schema evolves because the way people search and interact online is always changing. Search engines update their algorithms to better understand content and meet user expectations, which means new schema standards often emerge. 

A close up of wooden blocks with letters that spell the word adapt. Learn how to improve SEO for therapist website and the importance of adapting to changes. Search for an SEO specialist for therapists today.For example, in the past, Google focused on providing users with answers through things like guides and “How To” resources. As a result, they created “HowTo” schema to make following step-by-step guides easier. But, as Google has phased out the rich results for this type of schema, new forms have taken its place. This may include new forms of schema for voice search and “zero-click” search results, or other schema types that accommodate conversational queries that have gained importance. Additionally, unique needs—like the introduction of COVID-19 schema to share timely updates—drive the development of new options. Staying current with these changes ensures your site stays competitive and relevant in search results.

Best Practices for Managing Schema Changes

Managing schema changes effectively ensures your website remains optimized and visible in search results. Staying informed is crucial—keep up with updates from Schema.org and search engine guidelines to understand emerging standards. Regular testing and validation are equally important; tools like Google’s Rich Results Test and the Schema Markup Validator can help identify and fix issues quickly. Frequent audits of your schema markup ensure it stays relevant to your content and audience. By combining these practices, you can confidently adapt to changes and maintain your site’s competitive edge.

Future Trends in Schema Markup

As search engines continue to evolve, so does the role of schema markup in shaping digital visibility. AI and machine learning are driving smarter search algorithms, meaning schema will likely adapt to enhance personalization and contextual relevance. Multimedia schema types, like those for videos and podcasts, are gaining importance as online content becomes more dynamic. Additionally, the rise of voice assistants has highlighted the need for conversational interfaces, making schemas tailored for natural language queries essential for staying ahead. As the pace of technological change changes, so must the awareness of schema changes over time.

Schema markup is a powerful tool for boosting search visibility and improving user experience.

A close up of a woman smiling while looking at a laptop while sitting on a sofa. This could represent finding the right support for private practice seo. Search for counselor SEO and how an SEO specialist for therapists can help. However, its effectiveness hinges on staying updated with new developments and evolving strategies as search technologies advance. By regularly auditing and refining schema implementations, you can ensure your site remains competitive and engaging. Take action today: review your current schema setup, explore new schema opportunities, and stay informed about best practices to keep your website future-ready.

Receive SEO Support with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team of SEO specialists can help you learn more about site schema and the best ways to support your website. You can start working with the team at Simplified SEO Consulting by following these steps:

  1. Apply to work with us to improve your SEO
  2. Meet with an SEO specialist 
  3. Start improving your SEO rankings!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team knows there are many aspects of SEO that you may need help addressing on your site. This is why we offer a variety of SEO services. Other services offered include our Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses. We also offer a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program. Visit our blog to learn more today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He has integrated 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, finding solutions to some of the more technical aspects of SEO, and responding in a timely manner to client concerns.  Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them with extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

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What is Technical SEO?

Technical SEO is often one of the unsung heroes of SEO optimization.

Regardless of how nice your site looks on the surface, it may not matter if it isn’t technically sound. This subset of SEO is focused on improving a website’s technical aspects to improve its ranking in the search results. It may not be the first thing visitors to your site notice. But, they will be able to tell the difference between a technically sound site, as will Google! So, today we are going to be addressing what technical SEO is and how to improve it for your website.

Understanding Technical SEO

Technical SEO can be thought of as the processes one takes to ensure that a site has the technical needs to help improve organic rankings in search engines like Google. It differs from other types of SEO like on-page SEO due to the elements that are optimized to meet the needs of the search engine. While on-page SEO may highlight the importance of things like page format, content, and keywords, technical SEO is more concerned with things like page crawling, domains, loading speeds, and the behind-the-scenes architecture of a website. 

This foundational aspect of SEO supports and enhances the effectiveness of on-page SEO and other optimization efforts by creating a more robust, accessible, and user-friendly website that is easy to navigate. Without it, it can be difficult to rank compared with more technically sound sites that keep up with the best practices that search engines love to see. 

Key Components of Technical SEO

When it comes to the key components that make up technical SEO, there are a variety of parts to take into account. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

Crawling and Indexing

Crawling and indexing are essential processes in SEO that Google uses to discover and catalog web pages. It involves search engine bots, known as spiders or crawlers, that periodically browse the internet to find new or updated pages. These bots follow links from one page to another, gathering data about each page’s content and structure. 

Once a page is crawled, it is indexed, which means the information is stored in the search engine’s database and organized for easy retrieval. Indexing allows search engines to quickly provide relevant results when users perform a search query. Ensuring that a website is easily crawlable and indexable is crucial for it to appear in search engine results and reach its intended audience.

Without crawling, Google can’t recognize when changes occur on pages, which can make it hard to get credit for the changes made. But, tools like Google Search Console make it possible to manually request indexing, prompting Google to take another look at the changes made. You can learn more about Google Search Console by visiting some of our other blogs on the topic!

Website Architecture

Website architecture is vital for SEO because it directly impacts how search engines and users navigate and understand a site. Improving your website structure enhances user experience by providing a logical and intuitive navigation system, which also helps search engines crawl and index content more efficiently. XML sitemaps are crucial as they offer a roadmap of all the pages on a site, ensuring search engines can find and index them even if they are not easily accessible through normal browsing. 

Internal linking structure is also essential, as it distributes link equity across the site, helping search engines understand the hierarchy and relationship between pages. Effective internal linking can improve the visibility of important pages and ensure that link value flows throughout the site. Overall, a well-planned website architecture supports better indexing, higher rankings, and an enhanced user experience.

URL Structure

Creating URLs (the unique address for a resource, like a webpage) for pages on your site is a process that has become more automatic over time. In many cases, the CMS you use (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.) will create a URL using the title of the page. Clear and descriptive URLs help users understand the content of a page before they click on it, enhancing the likelihood of engagement. Search engines also prefer concise and relevant URLs because they indicate the page’s topic and improve the indexing process. 

URLs and Content

Including keywords in URLs can boost search rankings, making it easier for search engines to match pages with relevant queries. A well-organized URL hierarchy supports better navigation and internal linking, helping distribute link equity across the site. An optimized URL structure contributes to higher visibility, better user interaction, and better search engine performance. It is possible to change the URL from the default title. But, in most cases it won’t be in your best interest to do so. This is especially true if the title of the webpage has been optimized to include things like keywords or location indicators that can help contribute to on-page SEO.

Site Speed

Site speed is critical for SEO because fast-loading websites provide a better user experience, which keeps visitors engaged and reduces bounce rates. Search engines like Google prioritize fast sites in their rankings because they aim to offer the best possible experience to users. Slow websites can lead to higher abandonment rates from potential customers leaving before the page can finish loading. Improving site speed can also enhance mobile performance, which is only becoming more important as more users browse the web on their phones and other mobile devices like tablets. 

Additionally, faster sites often lead to higher conversion rates since users are more likely to stay and complete desired actions. Overall, optimizing site speed is essential for both user satisfaction and search engine visibility. This can be improved by using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights. This tool can help you measure how fast your site loads and give support on how to improve site speed. 

Mobile Optimization

Mobile optimization is crucial for SEO because a significant portion of web traffic now comes from mobile devices like cell phones and tablets. A mobile-friendly design ensures that users have a smooth and enjoyable experience on smaller screens, which can reduce bounce rates and increase engagement. Implementing AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) can enhance this experience even more by enabling faster load times. Optimizing for mobile devices improves search rankings and helps reach a broader audience more effectively.

Security

Security is another key factor in SEO. HTTPS plays a significant role in safeguarding data and enhancing trust. Search engines like Google prioritize HTTPS websites because they provide a secure connection. This protects user information and boosts credibility. To implement HTTPS, you need to obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority and install it on your server. This change not only secures data transmission but also signals to search engines and users that your site is trustworthy. In turn, this can improve organic search rankings and user confidence, leading to better overall site performance.

Helpful Technical SEO Practices

Structured Data and Schema Markup

Structured data, or schema markup, is a form of microdata added to a website’s code to help search engines better understand the content and context of the pages. By implementing schema markup, websites can enhance their visibility in search engine results with rich snippets, such as star ratings, event details, and product information, which can significantly improve click-through rates. 

Canonical Tags

Canonical tags are HTML elements used to prevent duplicate content issues by specifying the “preferred” version of a webpage. This helps search engines understand which version of the page to index. This can help consolidate link equity and avoid the dilution of ranking signals across duplicate pages. 

Robots.txt

Robots.txt files are used to manage and control how search engine bots crawl and index a site’s pages. They can improve crawl efficiency by blocking access to unnecessary or sensitive parts of the site. This ensures that important pages are prioritized. 

International SEO

For global websites, international SEO is crucial, involving the use of hreflang tags to indicate language and regional targeting. This ensures that users are directed to the right version of a page based on their language and location. By doing so, this can improve user experience and search visibility in different markets.

Technical SEO Is Just as Important as On-Page SEO

Technical SEO forms the foundation that allows your content to be effectively discovered, crawled, and indexed by search engines. Without a solid technical framework, even the best-optimized content can struggle to rank and reach its audience. Balancing both technical and on-page SEO efforts is vital for a comprehensive SEO strategy.

Begin Improving Technical SEO with Simplified SEO Consulting

If you want to stay relevant, gain clients and continue to be the go to source for Google, work with our team to update your Technical SEO Health, your Local SEO, and address your Copywriting needs.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our services can help you grow your client base, increase your online visibility, and establish your professional reputation. Let us handle your SEO needs so you can focus on what you do best: helping others.

You can also learn more about our team and read our informational blogs to gain more insight and understanding.

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:

 

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How Do I Get Pages Indexed by Google?

You put a lot of hard work into your site, and it’s important this work is recognized.

As SEO changes, one of the most consistent things that has remained true is the need to index pages on your website. There are multiple ways one can go about accomplishing this, with some taking more time than others. But, regardless of how you go about doing it, indexing pages is a vital part of building SEO rankings. So, today we are going to be discussing how to index your pages with a few different methods, and troubleshooting what to do when errors arise.  

Let’s get started!

Using Google Search Console:

A close up of google search console in a search bar. Learn how seo for counselors can be improved by searching for how to rank on google for therapists. In most cases, you will likely want to start with Google’s own tool to try and index your pages. Google Search Console (GSC) allows you to learn more about your site’s search traffic and address issues that appear. In a lot of cases, these issues may keep you from improving your rankings in the search results. But, we’ll get to that in just a bit. What’s important to know now is that Google Search Console has an indexing feature. This feature ensures new and existing content on your site has been crawled by Google’s robots and added to their index of existing pages. By doing so, you can get credit for the content you create and move your way up the keyword rankings. 

First off, you will need to make sure you’ve connected Google Search Console with your website to confirm you are the true owner. 

This process should involve uploading an HTML file or HTML tag to your site, which can be found on Search Console itself. The site builder you have (wordpress, squarespace, wix, etc.) will affect how you add this connection to the backend of your site, but an SEO specialist or web designer should be able to place it right where it needs to be. 

Once you log into your Google Search Console account, the process of indexing a page is relatively straightforward. 

It first starts with getting the URL of the specific page you want to index. Once you have the URL copied, use the “URL Inspection” option on the left hand column of the window. Then, paste it in the search bar. The text in the search bar should say something along the lines of “inspect any URL in…” followed by your site’s URL. Once you paste it and click enter, you will then receive info on if the URL has been indexed and is currently on Google. Or, if there is an error keeping it from being indexed. 

If you have a new, fresh page, then you likely won’t see it indexed on Google yet.

So, you will want to click the “Request Indexing” text in order to start the process. Once it has time to test the URL, it will report back to you with a confirmation that indexing has been requested. If this doesn’t happen, it will tell you what errors might be occurring that keep the URL from being indexed. There are a variety of potential issues that may keep a URL from being indexed, but that could have its own blog topic we address in the future. For today, we will just stick with indexing itself and some of the best methods to do so. 

Even though it may give the confirmation that indexing has been requested, it can still take time for the page to actually get indexed by Google. This is why checking back every now and then can be a helpful way to check on the progress of the process. It may not be a few days or even over a week before pages are indexed. So, submitting sitemaps can be another important part of ensuring Google knows what to expect from your site.

Sitemaps and Indexing 

business man holding a laptop with a question mark. Search for seo for mental health professionals and how SEO for online counseling pages can help.It’s important to ensure pages have been indexed. But, doing this for each individual page can be difficult for Google to keep track of. This is why we suggest submitting your sitemap to Google Search Console in order to better help Google what pages to expect from your site. A sitemap helps provide info about pages on your site and the relationships between them. By providing Google with a sitemap, you can expedite the indexing process. The method for submitting sitemaps will differ depending on the site builder, but this is also a pretty straightforward process. 

But What if Google Search Console Doesn’t Work?

Time is often a luxury. But, there may be cases where you really need to get pages optimized sooner rather than later. If this is the case, you may need to make use of paid tools like IndexMeNow that allow you to get pages indexed in a shorter period of time. The benefits of using something like this come from being able to get credit from your changes faster, but this comes at a cost. IndexMeNow works by using credits, which are redeemed to index URL’s on your site. One credit, one URL. However, if the tool is unable to index a given page within 10 days, they will re-credit your account so you can give it another shot.

This allows for a more timely method of indexing your site. All while still retaining the assurance you will get your money back if it is unable to complete it’s task. 

Sometimes, time is of the essence. This tool can help you make the most of the time new content spends on your site and give you ample opportunities to try again if it can’t get it done in a timely manner.

Troubleshooting Google Search Console: Common issues

Some of the most common issues one may encounter when trying to index their pages come from pages having special indicators that tell Google not to index the page. This is often referred to as a “no index” tag. Sometimes these can happen in error. But, in other cases, it can be helpful to avoid including certain pages on your site that aren’t important from an analytics standpoint. Some examples of pages that may not be indexed include:

  • Pages with a specific robots.txt rule to not index the URL
  • Duplicate URLs
  • 404 for deleted pages with no replacement

If you have cases like these, it’s worth not adjusting the setting, and keeping these pages hidden from Google’s index. It is great to have the ability to control these aspects, but they aren’t necessary 

Start Getting Your Site Recognized With Google with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team of SEO specialists are happy to offer support in building and sustaining your SEO. We can help ensure pages are indexed and optimized to help you reach higher rankings. Start the SEO process with Simplified SEO Consulting by following these steps:

  1. Apply to work with us to improve your SEO
  2. Meet with an SEO specialist 
  3. Start building better backlinks!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team knows there are many aspects of SEO that you may need help addressing on your site. This is why we offer a variety of SEO services. Other services offered include our Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses. We also offer a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program. Visit our blog to learn more today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He has integrated 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, finding solutions to some of the more technical aspects of SEO, and responding in a timely manner to client concerns.  Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them with extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

 

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Tips for Online Therapy Websites

In today’s digital age, an effective online presence is essential, especially for therapists. Therapy is shifting toward online therapy due to its convenience and accessibility. Your online presence can significantly impact your ability to attract and retain clients. A well-designed website that’s easy to navigate, engaging, and filled with valuable information can be your most effective tool. Not only does it serve as your virtual office, but it also reflects who you are as a therapist and the quality of your services.

However, having a website is only the first step. Ensuring it can be easily found by potential clients is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) steps in. SEO for mental health or private practice SEO is a strategy that helps increase your website’s visibility on search engines. Making it easier for potential clients to find you. SEO for online counseling pages is especially crucial now, given the surge in people seeking online therapy. Together, a well-designed website and effective SEO strategy can significantly boost your online therapy practice.

Your Online Therapy Website is ImportantShows a therapist working on SEO for mental health. Represents how private practice SEO can help attract potential clients.

Your professional website does more than just inform. It builds trust and credibility with potential clients. Plus, it markets your services to a broader audience. It’s your digital storefront, and often, it’s the first impression people have of you and your practice. A well-designed website can convey professionalism, expertise, and compassion. All of these are critical qualities for therapists. On the other hand, a poorly designed website can turn potential clients away.

For example, having a website that’s difficult to navigate or has outdated information can give the impression that your practice is disorganized and outdated. This can create doubt in potential clients’ minds about the quality of your services. A professional website that is easy to navigate and regularly updated, on the other hand, can help build trust and credibility with potential clients. Plus, adding SEO keywords to your website can increase its visibility and attract the right audience.

Elements of an Effective Online Therapy Website

Just like with traditional therapy, having a strong foundation is crucial for success. Your website is the foundation of your online therapy practice. To ensure it’s effective, here are some essential elements to keep in mind:

A Clear and Engaging Homepage

Think of your homepage as the main entrance to your virtual office. It needs to be welcoming and informative. Consider using compelling copy and engaging visuals to quickly communicate who you are and what you offer. Deciding what information to present on your homepage can be tricky, but always remember, clarity is key.

However, don’t put all the information on your homepage. Instead, use it as a teaser to encourage your ideal clients to explore more of your website. Some information you can include on your homepage are:

  • A brief overview of your practice and what sets you apart
  • Your areas of expertise or specializations
  • Contact details for potential clients to book an appointment

Comprehensive About Page

Your About page is your chance to shine. It can tell potential clients who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re passionate about helping others. This page is crucial in building rapport with potential clients. They want to know who they will be working with and if they can trust you. Including a professional bio and a personal touch on your About page can help establish credibility and connect with potential clients.

Services and SpecializationsShows a therapist trying to figure out where to put words on a counseling website. Represents how private practice SEO can support your business.

Just like you market your services and specializations in traditional therapy, it’s essential to do the same with online therapy. Your service pages are the marketing part of your website. Making sure they are easy to navigate and clearly present your services and areas of expertise can make all the difference. Potential clients often have specific needs, and if they can’t find the information they need quickly, they may look elsewhere.

When you think about what to include on your service pages, think about what your ideal client would want to know. Think of what a potential client is going to need to know when they are panic searching at 3 am. This insight can help you create informative and easy-to-understand service pages that cater to your potential clients’ needs.

For example, signs and symptoms of specific disorders or how a particular therapy approach can help with certain issues. These are all valuable pieces of information that your ideal clients may be looking for. Plus, a great piece of content is a section on how you stand apart from other therapists in your area. This can help potential clients understand why they should choose you and your services.

Contact Information and Booking

Convenience is key, especially for online therapy. Make sure that potential clients can easily find your contact details on your website. This information should be readily available and easy to find. Providing multiple ways for potential clients to get in touch. This can be an email or phone number, can also make it easier for them to reach out.

If you have read any of our blogs or seen our website, you’ll know that we a call to action section on service pages. We’ve even added a contact form at the end of each article you read. This makes it easier for potential clients to reach out and book an appointment. Another way to make booking appointments more convenient is by integrating online booking systems. This allows potential clients to schedule an appointment right from your website, without having to call or email. Plus, these systems can

Testimonials and Reviews

If you want to showcase the praise and trust your previous clients have in your services, adding a testimonials or reviews section to your website can be highly effective. Potential clients are more likely to choose a therapist who has positive feedback from previous clients. This helps build trust and credibility with potential clients, which is crucial for online therapy.

To display reviews effectively, consider including them on your homepage or service pages. You can also create a dedicated page specifically for reviews and testimonials. Or, you can utilize a Google Business Profile to showcase your reviews. Whichever method you choose, make sure it’s easy for potential clients to access and read.

Blog or Resources Section

Content is king. Maintaining a blog or resource section on your website can not only showcase your expertise but also provide valuable information to potential clients. Your blog complements your service pages because they are the resource section of your website. It’s a platform where you can share relevant and informative content about mental health, therapy, and wellness.

Creating valuable content for your blog not only helps establish you as an expert in the field but also increases your website’s visibility through SEO. By incorporating keywords related to mental health and therapy into your blog posts, you can improve your website’s search engine ranking. This can lead to more traffic and potentially more clients finding your website.

Optimize With Phones in Mind

When you are wanting to know something quickly, where do you look? On your laptop? Your stationary desktop? No, most likely, you grab your phone and search for it. The same goes for potential clients looking for mental health services. As smartphones become increasingly integrated into daily life, more and more people are using them to access therapy services.

This is where mobile optimization comes in. Having a mobile-friendly website means that it’s accessible and easily navigable on various devices such as phones and tablets. This is crucial for SEO as Google ranks mobile-friendly websites higher in search results. Why? Because a majority of people are using their phones to search for information, and Google wants to provide the best user experience.

To ensure your website is optimized for mobile devices, consider the following tips:

  • Use a responsive design: This means that your website will automatically adjust its layout based on the device it’s being viewed on. This ensures readability and usability across all devices.
  • Simplify navigation: When viewing a website on a phone, having too many menu options can be overwhelming. Simplify your navigation by using dropdown menus or organizing pages under broader categories.
  • Compress images: Large image files can slow down your website’s load time, which is a major turn-off for potential clients. Compressing images can help improve load times and make your website more mobile-friendly.
  • Prioritize important information: When designing your mobile site, make sure the most crucial information (contact details, services offered, etc.) is easily accessible at the top of the page. This makes it easier for potential clients to find what they need quickly.

Remember, if your potential client is frustrated with your website’s usability on their phone, they may move onto the next therapist who has a more mobile-friendly site. Don’t miss out on potential clients by neglecting mobile optimization. Plus, Google will appreciate it too!

SEO and Online Visibility

When you are looking for a service or product, chances are you’ll do a quick search on Google. The same goes for potential therapy clients. That’s why having a strong online presence and good SEO (search engine optimization) is crucial for attracting clients. Because, let’s be honest, how far on Google’s search results page have you ever gone? Most people don’t look past the first two pages.

So, how do you improve your website’s visibility through SEO? Here are a few tips:

  • Research keywords: These are the words or phrases that potential clients will type into Google when searching for mental health services. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your website content, including in page titles, headings, and body text.
  • Utilize meta descriptions: This is the brief summary that appears under your website’s title in search engine results. Use keywords and informative language to entice potential clients to click on your website.
  • Create quality content: As mentioned before, content is king when it comes to SEO. Regularly update your website with valuable and relevant content to improve your ranking. Google is like a toddler. It loves to see you add new things, like content, to your website.

Optimize for Local SEO Shows someone hiking in Colorado. Represents how local seo can help with seo for mental health and private practice seo.

While general SEO is important, local SEO should also be a focus for therapists. Why? Because most people prefer to see a therapist within their local area. By optimizing your website for local search results, you have a better chance of attracting nearby clients. Plus, it convinces Google that you actually exist and know the area you are targeting.

Here are a few tips for improving your local SEO:

  • Use location keywords: Incorporate the name of your city or town throughout your website to help Google identify where you are located and what services you offer in that area.
  • Create a Google Business Profile: This is essential for local businesses, including therapists. It allows you to manage how your business appears on Google search and maps.
  • Write location blogs: Write blogs that talk about local places and name drops the city or area you are targeting. This can help improve your website’s visibility in local search results. For example, “5 Relaxing Spots to Visit in Jonesboro, AR” or “The Best Hiking Trails in Denver, CO for When You’re Feeling Anxious.”

By implementing these tips, you can improve your website’s SEO and online visibility, making it easier for potential clients to find your services. Remember, a strong online presence is important when you are offering online therapy services, so don’t neglect SEO for your private practice website. Remember: more visibility means more potential clients!

Let’s Get Your Private Practice SEO On Point

SEO can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can improve your website’s ranking on search engines and attract more potential clients. Offering online therapy services is needed now more than ever, and having a strong online presence is crucial for success. So don’t underestimate the power of SEO – start implementing these strategies today and watch your private practice grow! At Simplified SEO Consulting, our range of SEO packages caters to your budget and specific requirements. Additionally, we provide self-paced SEO resources and online courses to assist you in navigating SEO on your terms. Our team of SEO specialists can’t wait to support you in creating a successful online presence for your mental health private practice. Let’s conquer SEO together!

Want to learn about SEO? Sign up for our SEO Course for Therapists and learn how to use the power of blogs and SEO to reach more clients and grow your practice! Or want to outsource it? Check out our SEO Consulting packages and schedule your consult today! Ready to get started?

  1. Schedule Your Consult
  2. Learn about our team
  3. Attract Your Ideal Clients with Simplified SEO!

Other SEO Services At Simplified SEO Consulting

Whether you’re an SEO expert or eager to explore our array of amazing services, we’ve got something for everyone! Check out our other SEO services for therapists and online therapy providers. We offer options such as our 12-week training, small group intensives, and courses. Our strategy session can be a great option for those just getting started! We also provide ongoing support with our SEO maintenance packages, this is perfect for former clients who want to keep improving their SEO. Or, if you’re ready to work with a passionate and skilled team, our Done for You Program is the perfect fit for you! Whichever option you choose, we’re excited to work with you and help elevate your online presence. Don’t wait any longer, Simplified SEO Consulting is here to help you reach your business goals through effective SEO strategies!

About the Author:Lynsey, SEO Content Writer for Simplified SEO Consulting. Lynsey provides seo for mental health for professionals. Search "private practice seo" today!

Are you a therapist specializing in online therapy or considering adding online therapy to your practice? Meet Lynsey, the passionate SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting. With expertise in mental health and SEO, Lynsey combines her love for writing and mental health to help therapists like you unlock the power of SEO. She understands the unique needs of therapists offering online therapy and creates tailored SEO strategies that align with your brand and attract your ideal clients. Invest in the success of your online therapy practice by investing in your SEO. Visit our website today to learn more about Lynsey and our team at Simplified SEO Consulting. Contact Simplified SEO Consulting now to get started and discover the importance of SEO for therapists like you.

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Why Being Told Your SEO Sucks Is Actually a Good Thing!

Have you ever received a random email out of the blue from someone telling you how bad your SEO is?

A close-up of a magnifying glass next to the letters SEO. Learn how to improve SEO for counselors by searching for how to build SEO for therapists today.Emails like this are common, so you may get them before you have done any SEO. A large number of these are often SEO scams. But, many of our clients report these more frequently after doing some initial SEO work with us. While it can be equally surprising and worrying to receive cold call emails from SEO companies you don’t know, this can sometimes serve as a sign you are doing something right. Most of the time, it is best to just ignore requests such as these. But, you can still take events like these as opportunities to self-reflect on your SEO efforts. By doing so, you can learn more about what is and is not working for your site. Today, we are going to be addressing why being told your SEO is bad from unprovoked emails can actually be seen as a good thing.

They May Say Your SEO Sucks, But They Found You, Didn’t They?

It can be scary to get messages that tell you that your SEO isn’t where it needs to be. The SEO landscape is very competitive, and it can feel imperative to get any kind of edge you can to ensure you are found in Google’s search results. But, in order to even send this message to private practice owners in the first place, they must have been able to find your site or email in order to contact you. While this isn’t directly stating it, this is still an acknowledgment that your site is being noticed in the search results. Being noticed is a sign that you are in fact doing the right thing from an SEO perspective. Otherwise, how would SEO companies find your site to reach out to you in the first place?

The Importance of Self-Reflection in SEO

A woman looks off with a pensive look. This could represent the questions brought up by improving private practice SEO. Learn how to build SEO for therapists today.So you’ve received an email telling you what is wrong with your SEO. It’s best to ignore it, right? In most cases, yes. But, you can still use this as a chance to reflect on what elements of your SEO strategy are contributing to your success, and what can potentially be changed. Your improving SEO was how other companies found you in the first place, and the SEO advice offered in these emails may actually be beneficial when searching for the next ways to improve your SEO. These can often include tips on how to improve the speed of your site, different forms of content to create, or other technical improvements.

There are a number of tools that can help you better understand how your site is performing. Some of the most useful tools include the likes of the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, and Google Pagespeed Insights. Other tools can also show you how to improve the overall health of your site via a site audit. Making use of tools like these can reveal much more information about your site than what a single email can tell you. But, using cold emails as reminders can still offer occasional insight into what to address on your site. 

Be sure to also ask yourself, is this worth the trouble?

It goes without saying that it is important to know how you can improve your site. But, it’s equally important to ask if the changes you’re making are actually worth the time you are putting into them. There are so many things that you can do to support your SEO on the client-facing and technical sides. Yet, not every change will affect your SEO in the same way, or have the same results. While something mentioned in a cold email may be made to sound like a high-priority situation, it may not actually be worth the time and effort put into fixing it. 

A man smiles while looking at his laptop and coffee cup. This could represent learning how to build seo for therapists. Learn to support your private practice seo today. Messages may include references to how low your rankings are and how they can support you to improve them. Emails may seem more urgent and warn of something you’re doing wrong. For example, you may receive an email that tells you how your SEO is suffering due to not having enough backlinks. In an event like this,  they may suggest that you purchase links through them in order to help improve your SEO. However, the links you would likely receive from something like this are more than likely going to be scammy, and not the high-quality links that will help your practice. In a case like this, it is actually seen as an unethical SEO practice that can actually do more harm than good to your SEO. 

In Conclusion

Receiving cold emails can be seen as unwelcome for a variety of reasons. But, these emails can occasionally provide insights into what you may be able to improve on your site. They can also serve as a jumping-off point for improvements you can capitalize on yourself. So, next time you receive an email like this, feel free to delete it but take a moment to reflect on your site as well.

Improving Private Practice SEO with List Management Services from Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team is happy to offer support with growing your SEO and supporting your practice. An SEO specialist would be happy to provide support across the country. You can start your SEO journey with Simplified SEO Consulting by following these simple steps:

  1. Apply to work with us to improve your SEO
  2. Meet with an SEO specialist 
  3. Start improving your online presence and trust with Google!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team knows there are many aspects of SEO that you may need help addressing to improve your private practice website. This is why we offer a variety of SEO services including our Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses. We also offer a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program. Visit our blog to learn more valuable SEO info today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He has integrated 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, finding solutions to some of the more technical aspects of SEO, and responding in a timely manner to client concerns.  Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them with extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

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Using the GoDaddy platform for your Private Practice Website SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

With all the platforms for creating and maintaining websites, it can be overwhelming to decide which will be the best for your private practice website and its SEO. Often we are asked which website builders we prefer, and much like anything else, they all have Pros and Cons. For those of you looking to invest in GoDaddy or already have, this blog is for you! 

How to choose the best hosting option for your Private Practice Website

The importance of search engine optimization (SEO) cannot be overstated. Search engines rely on SEO to find our websites, which means that it’s essential to understand precisely what it is and how it can benefit your private practice in Arkansas, Online, and beyond! Finding ways to utilize SEO for your website and career can be the best decision you make for yourself. 

 

First of all, it’s important to know that with GoDaddy, you have the option of:

Image of a woman looking at a computer while talking on the phone. This represents how SEO services for therapists are a call away when you need them, reach out to us today!

Hosting your URL on GoDaddy with another platform’s website builder.
OR
Hosting & Using GoDaddys’ Website builder for your site. (Free and Paid options)  
 For a lot of people, competitive pricing is an essential factor when selecting a provider. As a domain registrar and web hosting company, GoDaddy is a very well-known brand. Aside from registrars, they also provide their customers with web hosting, website builders, and email services. 

If you are a GoDaddy customer but don’t use their website builder, you need to get your SEO up to speed with the platform your website is built on. 

Does GoDaddys Website Builder boost SEO rankings for an Online Private Practice Website?

As far as website building is concerned, GoDaddy has one of the more user-friendly interfaces available. This hosting service comes with a very simple and intuitive graphical interface. This is designed to cater to beginners since you don’t have to have great coding skills to get started publishing and managing your website.

However, web administrators seeking more control can encounter problems when it comes to email addresses, database files, and memory. When trying to navigate the GoDaddy policies regarding web forms, wikis, and auto-generated content, you will find that you will need to put more effort into it. There are a number of other hosting services that have fewer restrictions on their use.

The Rundown on GoDaddys’ Digital Marketing Suite 

GoDaddy provides a tool that costs $6.99 per month and analyzes your website for keyword and phrase suggestions. You can ‘start for free’  and use it for more than SEO with social media content templates and related content to provide support in getting traffic for your private practice.Image of a typewriter and a notepad with the word "blog'. Blogs are important additions to your SEO and we can help with that! Let our SEO experts help your Private Practice Website today! Even though this tool is helpful and can be used to make a difference, it has some limitations. This is likely why they also offer SEO services as part of one of their packages. It is without saying that at Simplified SEO Consulting, we recommend hiring us if you need Search Engine Optimization services for your private practice. This is because we help mental health professionals focus on the clients they want to attract. In contrast, GoDaddy provides services in a generic manner that primarily targets getting website views rather than booking clients.

After completing the suggested changes, such as changing your homepage title to include a keyword, you can track your website’s search rankings on the Search Engine Optimization dashboard after implementing these changes.

 

You specialize in mental health, and so should the SEO experts you lean on for advice and support. 

 

Using WordPress and GoDaddy for your online Private Practice Website 

WordPress and GoDaddy have partnered to offer users WordPress hosting plans. With their auto-install Quick Start Wizard, you can get started quickly with the creation of your website. 

In the event that you already have a WordPress site that you would like to migrate to GoDaddy, it may take some technical expertise. Even experienced website owners may find it challenging to follow the steps for moving a WordPress website to GoDaddy, even though there are step-by-step instructions. WordPress has its own SEO tools and tips that can be used to optimize your service pages or blog posts. 

 

Person at the computer representing the private practice website owners we help on daily basis. Reach out to us today!   The Summary:

 Many people have criticized the GoDaddy company because of its marketing tactics, aggressive up-selling practices, and poor customer service. Because of its affordability, brand recognition, and comprehensive set of tools, it has become a popular choice for users.

Owners of small private practices with very limited technical expertise can easily register a domain name and build a website with relative ease, but making use of GoDaddy’s hosting services may not be the most appropriate choice for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The majority of our clients use WordPress or Squarespace to build their websites. We have found that these two platforms make it easily possible to implement search engine optimization techniques.  

 

Fun Fact: SEO is a millennial! It was created in the mid-90s. 

 

SEO Marketing for Therapists & Counselors Made Simple!

To begin working with Simplified, follow these three simple steps:

  1. Book a Session with Simplified SEO Consulting
  2. Learn about SEO Consulting for Therapists
  3. Take a breath and relax, knowing your SEO is handled!

Other Services at Simplified SEO Consulting:

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

 

About the Author

Amber has a BA in Psychology at APU and is working towards her MA in Psychology at SNHU while working with the best team in the world, Simplified SEO Consulting. She is a mother, animal & space enthusiast, and public relations volunteer at a fine arts nonprofit who enjoys helping others succeed.

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Connecting Google Analytics To WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix

There Are Many Content Management Systems (CMS) Available for Business Owners.

You may be more familiar with the other names these platforms use, such as WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. Each has its own benefits and limitations, & knowing how to interact with your site with helpful tools is a vital part of ensuring you are making the most of what your site has to offer. While most will offer the functionality to integrate tools like Google Analytics, others may not have what you need to easily connect to Google Analytics

One of the most important interactions your site will have is with Google Analytics, which is how important data is tracked. However, to start using Google Analytics, you must first connect it with your site. There are a few ways to do this, but the process itself will differ depending on the specific CMS you are using. So, today we are going to address how to connect Google Analytics to three major CMS: WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix.

Before We Get Started, You Will Need Your Google Analytics Measurement ID

A screenshot of a Google Analytics account. Learn how Google Analytics can offer support with therapist SEO. Contact us to learn more about improving private pratice seo today.

For each of these examples, you will first need to be signed in to your Google Analytics account and have your measurement ID copied from your account. You can find this by clicking the gear icon in the bottom left corner, selecting the Admin tab, and selecting your site’s property from the dropdown menu.

Once the correct site has been selected, you can use the Setup Assistant to check if your site is indeed collecting data from Google, or click on “data streams” to find the specific data stream for your website. Once you click on your site’s data stream, you can copy the measurement ID, which you will need for each of these examples.

Connecting Google Analytics: The WordPress Process

The navigation bar of a WordPress site. Learn how to improve therapist SEO by searching "private practice seo" today. Simplified SEO can support your private practice website.When connecting Google Analytics to a WordPress site, you will need to access the backend of your private practice website and navigate to the Tools section of the navigation bar on the left side of your screen. Depending on the plugins you have installed on your site, the location of the Tools tab may differ. But, once you’ve navigated to this section, you will only have to click on the Traffic tab near the top of the screen. 

Once in the Traffic tab, simply scroll down to the Google Analytics section and paste your measurement ID into the “Google Analytics Measurement ID” box. Once pasted, click “save settings” to confirm your changes. With this completed, Google Analytics should now be able to collect data from your website! 

What if I Can’t Use A Measurement ID?

If you can’t use your measurement ID or need to manually add the Google Analytics integration, you will need to get a bit more information to successfully connect your site. However, you can still easily find this information on your Google Analytics account. Much like finding your Measurement ID, you will need to access the data stream connected to your site. Luckily, you can use the previously mentioned steps to navigate to your site’s specific data stream. Once here, you will need to scroll down the “Web Stream Details” window and click on the “View Tag Instructions” section. This will have a set of instructions for you to manually add the necessary code to your site, or identify your CMS with Google.

A screenshot of Google Analytics web streams. Learn how to improve your private practice seo by contacting Simplified SEO Consulting. We can offer support for your private practice website today.If you decide to manually add this code to your WordPress site, you will need to navigate the backend of your site once again. Once here, you need to add the copied code to the header section on each page of your site. But, WordPress doesn’t automatically allow you to edit the header code of your site. Due to this, you will likely need to install a plugin that will allow you to make these additions. Thankfully, regardless of your choice of plugin, you will often find access to your site’s header code in the Theme settings of the website builder. Please ensure you are familiar with your site and the plugin you are using if you decide to manually add the necessary code since errors in the code of your site can have a wide variety of ramifications. 

The Squarespace Process

The navigation menu of Squarespace, showing how to improve therapist SEO. Contact Simplified SEO Consulting to learn more about private practice SEO and how to improve your private practice website.For Squarespace users, the process for connecting to Google Analytics is fairly straightforward! Once you have your measurement ID, you will need to access the back end of your private practice website. Once on your home screen, click Settings, then Advanced. Click on External API Keys from here, and paste your measurement ID in the Google Analytics section. After you save your changes, your site should successfully be connected with Google Analytics!

Manually adding code to Squarespace

Thankfully, the process for adding to the header is also fairly straightforward. First, you will need to navigate to the Home screen on the back end of your site. Once on your home screen, click Settings, Advanced, and finally Code Injection. This option will allow you to paste the necessary code on each page of your site without having to go through each page one by one. As previously mentioned, please practice caution when adding code manually to your site, since issues can arise when it isn’t implemented correctly.

The Wix Process

Last but not least, we have Wix! In order to add your measurement ID to a private practice website using Wix, you will need to first log into your site and navigate to the backend dashboard. Once here, you will need to choose the Marketing Integrations tab under the “Marketing and SEO” section on the navigation bar. After navigating to this screen, you should see the integration for Google Analytics and also have the option to add your measurement ID to your site. After you save your changes your site should successfully begin tracking data through Google Analytics!A screenshot of marketing intergrations of a Wix platform for Simplified SEO Consulting. Learn more about private practice SEO and improving your private practice website today.

Manually Adding to Wix

In order to manually add the necessary code from Google you will need to log in to your site and scroll down on the navigation bar to Settings. Once you click on this, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page where you will see the option to add custom code to your private practice website. Click “Add Custom Code” to paste the necessary code. This is similar to Squarespace in that you can set the code to run on every page of your site, thus helping you save time on implementing this integration.

Conclusion

Addressing the more technical aspects of SEO can sometimes feel stressful and complex. But, understanding each step in the process can help you feel more comfortable with making these vital additions to your private practice website. Connecting Google Analytics is only one part of your SEO journey, but you don’t have to do it alone!

Begin Improving Private Practice SEO with Simplified SEO Consulting

Becoming familiar with Google Analytics and other technical SEO aspects is much easier said than done. This is why our team of SEO specialists would be happy to offer support in helping your site reach the first page of Google. You can start your SEO journey with Simplified SEO Consulting by following these simple steps:

  1. Apply to work with us to improve your SEO
  2. Meet with an SEO specialist 
  3. Begin improving your private practice website and SEO!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team understands that there are many aspects of SEO that likely need to be addressed to improve your private practice website. This is why we offer a variety of SEO services including our Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses. We also offer a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program. Visit our blog to learn more valuable SEO info today!

About the AuthorPhoto of Sterling, an SEO Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting that specializes in all things technical SEO!

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 in a timely manner to client concerns.  Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them with extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!

 

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Meta Descriptions for Therapist “About” Pages

Let us start with the basics of what a meta description is really for. The short answer is that it gives both Google and potential clients a snapshot of your page. The tricky part is that you have to summarize your 500+ word page within a certain amount of characters. All while making sure the meta description positively affects your SEO.

In order to fully utilize your meta descriptions it must fulfill its two main jobs. The first job of the meta description is to help improve search engine rankings. So that your page will appear in Google searches for your ideal clients. Its second job is to navigate people from their search and onto your page. Thus improving your “click through rate”.

Tips for Writing A Good Meta Description for Your About Page

Image of a mental health professional in a white shirt reaching out her hand. Showing how meta descriptions for therapists "about" pages can help them connect with clients. If they learn how to write a meta description for a private practice website.For service pages, the meta descriptions highlight that specific therapy technique or service page that you offer. While on blog posts they display the topic of the post and your expertise on the subject. However, your meta description on your about page should specifically showcase your area of expertise and your specific niche. That being said you know what you are offering to your clients better than anyone. This means you basically have everything that you need to write the meta description for your about page. However, these guidelines can make crafting it a little easier.

Picking the Right Keywords

The best keywords for your about page are normally going to be general “counselor”, “therapist”, or “psychologist” type keywords. However, if you specialize in one specific area then you might have a more specific keyword. For example, if you are a counselor who focuses mainly on trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, and emotional abuse recovery then your main keyword might be “trauma therapist”. Another example is if one therapist in a group practice only offers couples or marriage counseling. The main keyword on their about page might be “marriage counselor” or couples therapist”.

Keep It Unique

If you are the only therapist at your practice then keeping your “About” page meta description unique will be fairly simple. It will already stand apart from your service pages because you are highlighting yourself as a counselor/therapist/psychologist. However, if you have a group practice you will want to make sure that you have unique metas for each of the therapists. Tailor the meta descriptions on their pages to their unique skills, strengths, and niches. One of the ways to do that is to highlight different keywords for each person’s page when appropriate.

Not Too Short & Not Too Long

Watch the length of your meta description carefully. To start you want to make sure that it is over 120 characters but do not want it to go over 155 characters. If you go over the 155 then you risk the text getting cut off. However, if you are under 120 characters then your meta description might not be picked up by Google at all and they will just pick a snippet from your page. In order to get full use of it I like to make meta descriptions as close to 150-155 characters as possible. Honestly, I rarely find it hard to meet the 120-character minimum. Instead, I sometimes struggle to keep it under 155. In these cases, I will reword sentences or change out phrases until I get a combination that meets all the guidelines listed above.

Image of a man in a blue shirt in a wheelchair typing at a computer. Showing the type of clients you can reach when you invest in SEO for therapists and mental health professionals. Where you can learn to where to use keywords within your meta description on your about page.Other Things To Consider

  • If there is room at the end include a call to action. Such as:
    • “Learn more now”
    • “Call today to learn more”
    • “Read on”
  • When you can include a location within the meta description

Examples of Meta Descriptions for Therapist “About” Pages

Mary Smith | Trauma Therapist | Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0X3

Mary Smith is an expert EMDR & trauma therapist in Winnipeg. She specializes in treating emotional abuse, CPTSD, & PTSD. Call to learn more!

Dr. Kent | Psychologist | Little Rock, Arkansas 72002

Learn more about Dr. Kent who is a Psychologist in Little Rock, AR. He provides counseling for general anxiety, agoraphobia, panic attacks & more. Read on!

Jane Foster | EMDR Therapist | Dublin, IE D07 V57C

Jane Foster is an understanding EMDR therapist at Example Therapy Services. She specializes in trauma recovery with children, teens, & adults.

Final Thoughts on Writing Meta Descriptions for Therapist “About” Pages

Search engine optimization is not always an exact science. It’s a dance of balancing what Google wants, maintaining your voice or vision, and appealing to your ideal clients. This means you might find yourself needing to rewrite your meta description and that’s alright. When optimizing your about page try starting with the meta description. Then after optimizing the page go back to the meta description and see if you want to make any changes to it. Another time you might end up rewriting the meta description is if you are not seeing the “click through rate” that you are wanting. For example, if Dr. Kent, from the meta description above, is ranking well for “psychologist in Little Rock, AR” but isn’t seeing a lot of clicks then it might be time to do a rewrite.

Learn More About SEO for Therapists & Mental Health Professionals

If you are interested in learning more about SEO for Therapists, Psychiatrists, or Psychologists then Simplified SEO Consulting can help guide you.  We offer services that range from completely do-it-yourself SEO courses to done-with-you SEO classes to done-for-you SEO. Whether you want to learn how to do search engine optimization yourself or if you are looking to work directly with a Mental Health SEO Specialist we can help you grow your business! Ready to find the best way to get your website in front of your ideal clients? Then book a free consult today!

SEO Specialist for mental health therapist websites, Winnie. She specializes in helping therapists to understand where to put keywords on their websites. Including how to incorporate them within a meta description.About The Author

Winnie is a Mental Health SEO Specialist who enjoys helping private practice owners grow their websites and their businesses. Her primary focus is working with therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and functional medicine doctors who choose our done-for-you services. She has written meta descriptions for home pages, about pages, service pages, and blogs for mental health professionals across the United States and in Canada.

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