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Mistakes Therapists Make When DIY-ing Their SEO

SEO is super important for therapists wanting to get noticed online. Lately, more and more therapists are taking the initiative to handle their own SEO, which is fantastic. It’s an empowering move that can yield great results. However, even the most determined can hit a few bumps along the way. Getting your practice to show up on Google can make a huge difference in reaching potential clients that you work best with. But, if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of SEO, it’s easy to make some simple mistakes. That’s why we’re here to help. Let’s highlight the top mistakes therapists make when they try to DIY their SEO and offer some straightforward solutions to help you get better results.

Lack of Clear SEO Strategy

One of the mistakes that happen when therapists DIY their SEO is the lack of a clear strategy. A clear SEO strategy is like a roadmap for your online presence. Without it, you’re just guessing and hoping for the best. When therapists dive into SEO without a plan, they often end up targeting random keywords or creating content inconsistently. This approach can lead to wasted effort and little to no improvement in search rankings.

To get the most out of your SEO efforts, it’s essential to develop a well-thought-out plan. Start by defining your goals—do you want to attract more clients in a specific niche, or maybe boost your visibility in your local area? Once you know what you’re aiming for, you can create a structured plan to get there.

Here’s a simple way to start:

Keyword Research: Identify the keywords your potential clients are using. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Moz can help.
Content Calendar: Plan out your content in advance. Aim for consistency—whether it’s a blog post a week or a few a month.
Milestones and Metrics: Set milestones to track your progress. Use tools like Google Analytics to see how your efforts are paying off.

By having a clear, structured SEO plan, you’ll know exactly what steps to take and be able to measure your success along the way. This not only makes your SEO efforts more effective but also helps you stay motivated and focused.

Ignoring Local SEO

Another common mistake therapists make when DIY-ing their SEO is ignoring local SEO. Local SEO is crucial for therapists because your potential clients are often looking for services nearby. If you’re not optimizing for local search, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity to attract clients in your area.

One issue is not claiming or optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing. Your GMB profile is one of the first things people see when they search for local services, so it’s essential to make sure it’s complete and up-to-date. Include your practice’s name, address, phone number, and business hours.

To optimize for local search, follow these steps:

Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business: Make sure all your information is accurate and complete. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews.
Use Local Keywords: Incorporate location-specific keywords into your website content, meta descriptions, and titles.
Get Local Citations: Ensure your practice is listed in local directories and local business directories. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across these listings helps boost your local SEO.

Poor Quality Content

Poor quality content can significantly hinder your SEO efforts. Search engines prioritize high-quality, relevant content that provides value to users. When content is generic or thin, it doesn’t engage readers or address their needs, leading to higher bounce rates and lower rankings. As a therapist, it’s crucial to create informative, engaging, and original content that resonates with potential clients. Instead of rushing through content creation, take the time to develop pieces that offer real insights and solutions to the issues your clients face. High-quality content not only improves your SEO but also establishes your authority and trustworthiness in your field.

Keyword Stuffing

A classic mistake therapists make when DIY-ing their SEO is keyword stuffing. Keyword stuffing refers to the practice of overloading a webpage with keywords in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings. While it might seem like a good idea to use your target keywords as much as possible, this tactic can actually be quite harmful.

Keyword stuffing can lead to a few common issues:

Overusing Keywords in Content: Repeating the same keywords too frequently makes your content sound unnatural and can turn off potential clients.
Excessive Keywords in Meta Tags and Headings: Stuffing keywords into meta tags and headings can look spammy and unprofessional, which can negatively impact your site’s credibility.

Search engines have become much more sophisticated and can easily detect keyword stuffing. If your content is flagged for keyword stuffing, it can lead to penalties and lower rankings.

So, how do you avoid keyword stuffing? Here are some solutions:

Focus on Natural Keyword Integration: Use your keywords in a way that flows naturally within your content. Write for your readers first, and let the keywords fit in organically.
Use Synonyms and Related Terms: Instead of repeating the same keyword, use synonyms or related terms. For example, if your main keyword is “anxiety therapy,” you might also use phrases like “treatment for anxiety” or “anxiety counseling.”
Balance Your Keywords: Make sure your content is informative and engaging, with keywords seamlessly integrated rather than forced in. Aim for a keyword density of around 1-2%.

Neglecting Technical SEO

Technical SEO refers to the backend elements of your website that affect its performance and visibility in search engines. Common issues include slow website speed, poor mobile optimization, and broken links. These factors can negatively impact user experience and search engine rankings.

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to conduct regular technical audits of your website. This involves checking and optimizing site speed, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly, and fixing any broken links. By maintaining a well-functioning website, you not only enhance user experience but also improve your SEO performance, making it easier for potential clients to find you online. Regularly addressing technical SEO issues ensures that your website runs smoothly and remains competitive in search engine rankings.

Don’t Let These SEO Mistakes Hold You Back

Navigating SEO for your therapy practice can be challenging, especially when attempting to manage it on your own. Avoiding common pitfalls like a lack of strategy, ignoring local SEO, keyword stuffing, poor-quality content, and neglecting technical SEO is crucial for improving your online visibility and attracting more clients. If you’re thinking that DIY isn’t for you, consider reaching out to Simplified SEO Consulting for expert guidance and proven strategies to ensure your practice is set up for success.

Begin Reaching Your Ideal Clients Today!

Ready to take your SEO to the next level? If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about managing your SEO, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you develop a tailored strategy that works for your practice. Contact us today to get started and watch your online presence grow!

Reach out for a free consultation here.
Learn more about SEO tips and techniques by exploring our blogs.
Start elevating your online presence and doing what you do best–helping clients!

Other Services We Offer:

We recognize that SEO encompasses a wide range of elements that you may need assistance with on your site. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of SEO services designed to address all your needs. Our Done For You SEO Services allow our experts to handle all aspects of your SEO, from keyword research to content optimization and backlink building, so you can focus on your practice. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, our DIY Online SEO Courses let you learn the fundamentals of SEO at your own pace, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to manage your own SEO.

About the Author

Olivia Ferguson, Mental Health SEO Specialist

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

August 13, 2024/0 Comments/by Olivia Ferguson

Business Tips, SEO Basics, SEO Tips

Should You Pay Someone for SEO?

As a mental health professional who wants to build their practice’s online visibility, digital marketing may seem like a daunting task. Amidst all of the SEO strategies available, one question arises: Is it worth paying for professional SEO services? Or, should I attempt to tackle SEO on my own?

Let’s delve into the question of whether you should pay someone for your SEO with a clear and practical approach. SEO, or search engine optimization, is the cornerstone of online visibility and success in today’s changing times. While the idea of managing your own SEO may seem appealing, it’s important to consider the expertise, resources, and time required to do so effectively.

What is SEO?

So, what exactly is SEO? Maybe you’ve never heard of it! Or perhaps you’ve worked on your own site’s SEO and just want to learn a little bit more. SEO is optimizing your website and online content to improve its visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). Common search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo. In simpler terms, SEO helps your website rank higher on Google when people search for relevant keywords or phrases related to your mental health services. When someone searches for these keywords or services, your website pops up!

At its core, SEO is about understanding what people are searching for online and ensuring that your website provides valuable and relevant information to meet their needs. This involves various techniques and strategies aimed at optimizing different aspects of your website, including:

Keyword Research

Keyword research stands as a strong foundation for SEO. It also involves identifying the specific words and phrases your target audience is using when searching for information related to your therapy services. By understanding the exact keywords your clients use, you can create content that resonates with them and attracts potential clients to your website.

On-Page Optimization

On-page optimization is the optimization of individual web pages to improve their search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic. This involves optimizing meta titles and descriptions and using appropriate headings and tags. In addition to optimizing images, and ensuring that your content is relevant and valuable to your audience.

Off-Page Optimization

Off-page optimization involves activities that take place outside of your website but have an impact on its search engine rankings. This includes building backlinks from reputable websites, establishing your website’s authority and credibility, and engaging with your audience on social media platforms.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO focuses on optimizing the technical aspects of your website to improve its crawlability, indexability, and overall performance in search engines. This includes optimizing site speed, fixing broken links and redirects, improving mobile responsiveness, and ensuring that your website is secure and accessible to both users and search engine crawlers.

Content Strategy and Creation

Content is king in SEO! We help you develop and implement effective content strategies that resonate with your target audience. Whether it’s blog posts, articles, videos, or infographics, we create high-quality, relevant, and engaging content that attracts organic traffic and drives conversions.

Analytics and Reporting

We use analytic tools and platforms to track and analyze website performance, monitor keyword rankings, and measure the effectiveness of our SEO strategies. We provide insights to help you understand your website’s performance and make educated and informed decisions to optimize your SEO efforts.

Local SEO Optimization

For practices targeting specific areas, we offer local SEO optimization services to improve your visibility in local search results. We optimize your Google My Business listing and implement strategies to boost your presence in local directories and maps.

What SEO Services Does Simplified Offer?

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we understand the unique needs and challenges that mental health professionals face when it comes to improving their online visibility and attracting more organic traffic. That’s why we offer a variety of SEO services tailored to meet your specific needs. Here are some of the key SEO services we provide:

Done-For-You (DFY) Monthly Optimization Services

Our DFY monthly optimization services are perfect for busy professionals who prefer to outsource their SEO efforts. With this service, our SEO specialists take care of all aspects of your SEO strategy. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, technical SEO audits, content creation, and data tracking. We handle everything from start to finish, allowing you to focus on running your business while we work on driving more organic traffic to your website.

Content Network

Our Content Network service is ideal for practices looking to expand their online presence through strategic content creation and distribution. With this service and for 3 months, we develop a network of high-quality, keyword-optimized content that targets specific topics relevant to your therapy services and clients.

Done-With-You (DWY) Services

Our Done-With-You services are designed for businesses that want to take a more hands-on approach to their SEO efforts. With this service, our team works closely with you to develop and implement an SEO strategy tailored to your specific niches. We provide guidance, support, and expertise every step of the way. Our DWY services empower you to take control of your SEO initiatives while benefiting from our professional guidance and SEO insights.

DIY Online Courses

For therapists whose calendars are full and prefer to learn at their own pace, we offer DIY online courses. These courses cover a wide range of SEO topics and strategies. Our courses are designed to be comprehensive, easy to follow, and accessible to beginners and experienced professionals alike. Whether you’re looking to improve your knowledge of keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, or technical SEO, our courses provide the guidance and resources you need to succeed in the world of SEO.

Building a Strong SEO Foundation

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we are dedicated to helping mental health professionals elevate their online rankings and achieve their goals. Whether you’re a small local therapist or a large group practice, our SEO services are designed to meet your needs. From Done-For-You monthly optimization services to Content Network, Done-With-You (DWY) services, and DIY online courses, we offer a range of options to suit every budget and requirement. So, why wait? Take the first step towards improving your online traffic and driving more ideal clients to your website. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your digital marketing goals. Together, let’s elevate your online presence and take your business to new heights in the digital world.

Take the Next Step Toward SEO Success

Ready to elevate your online presence and achieve your digital marketing goals? Don’t wait any longer! Take the next step towards SEO success with Simplified SEO Consulting. Whether you’re looking for hands-on assistance with your SEO strategy, expert guidance to optimize your website, or comprehensive training to master SEO techniques, we have the solutions you need to succeed in the competitive online landscape. Follow the steps below to get started!

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Discover how our tailored SEO services can help your business thrive.
Unlock the full potential of your online presence and drive meaningful results that drive your practice forward.

About the Author

Olivia Ferguson graduated from Central Michigan University with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. With a prior history in crime victim advocacy, this brought her great knowledge of the legal justice system and the mental health profession. Connecting those tools together, her goal is to help therapists reach their ideal clients by improving their online presence and rankings with SEO.

April 9, 2024/0 Comments/by Olivia Ferguson

SEO Basics, SEO Tips

What is SEO for Therapists?

When you thought of becoming a therapist, you probably didn’t expect that you would also need to know about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). After all, your focus is on helping people and providing quality care. Not on driving traffic to your website or SEO for therapists. However, when the internet is where most people turn to when looking for mental health services, you cannot ignore the importance of having a strong online presence.

So, not only do you have to be a therapist but also a marketer. But don’t worry, we are here to help you understand what SEO is and how it can be beneficial for your private practice. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about connecting with your potential clients and helping them find you easily.

So, What Exactly is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It refers to the process of improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. When someone searches for mental health services in their area, you want your private practice website to be one of the top results that show up. For instance, if you specialize in online counseling in New Hampshire, you would want your website to appear when someone searches for “online counseling in New Hampshire.”

This is where SEO for online counseling and private practice comes into play. By optimizing your website for search engines, you increase its chances of ranking higher in the search results. As a result, more people will be able to find your website and potentially become your clients.

The Key Components of SEO for Therapists

There are a few key components that makeup SEO. These include keywords, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, and local SEO. Each of these plays a crucial role in improving your website’s visibility and getting it to rank higher on search engines.

Keywords

Keywords are words or phrases that people use when searching for something online. For example, “anxiety therapist in New Hampshire” or “online counseling services in Maine.” By including relevant keywords in your website’s content, you help search engines identify what your website is all about. This makes it more likely for your website to appear in the search results when someone searches for those keywords.

On-Page Optimization

On-page optimization refers to all the tactics and strategies you use on your website’s pages to improve its visibility. This includes optimizing your page titles, headings, meta descriptions, images, and content with relevant keywords. For example, if your private practice focuses on anxiety therapy, you would want to include that keyword in your page titles and content.

Off-Page Optimization

Off-page optimization refers to all the tactics and strategies used outside of your website to improve its visibility. This includes building backlinks from other reputable websites, creating social media profiles for your private practice, and getting listed on online directories. These actions help to establish your website’s credibility and authority, which can boost its ranking on search engines.

Local SEO

Local SEO is essential for therapists who have a private practice in a specific geographical location. Or for therapists who only see clients through online therapy. In simple terms, local SEO is the process of optimizing your website for local search results. This includes creating a Google Business profile, getting listed on online directories specific to your location, and using location-specific keywords in your content. Another tactic is writing blogs that include local places or events, which can also help improve your website’s local SEO.

Why Does Private Practice SEO Matter?

Now that you have a basic understanding of what SEO is, let’s talk about why it matters for your private practice, group practice, or online therapy business. Whether it’s by doing it yourself or through an SEO agency, it’s important. Here are a few reasons why you should invest in private SEO training and implement SEO strategies for your website:

1. Increasing Online Visibility

As mentioned earlier, most people turn to the Internet when looking for mental health services. By implementing SEO strategies, you increase your website’s visibility, making it more likely for potential clients to find you. This can lead to an increase in website traffic and potential clients.

2. Attracting the Right Audience

SEO allows you to target specific keywords relevant to your services and location. This means that people who are actively searching for mental health services in your area will come across your website. By attracting your ideal client, you increase the chances of converting them into clients.

3. Building Credibility and Trust

Having a strong online presence can help establish your credibility as a therapist. When your website ranks higher in the search results, potential clients may view you as an authority in your field. Google also tends to rank websites higher if they have valuable and informative content, which can help build trust with potential clients. This can lead ideal clients to choose you over a competitor and Google to rank you higher than your competitors.

4. Staying Competitive in the Digital Age

Most everything is digital these days, and the same goes for mental health services. If you don’t have a strong online presence, you may lose potential clients to your competitors who do. By investing in SEO strategies and staying up-to-date with digital marketing trends, you can stay competitive in the ever-evolving world of private practice.

Important Strategies to Implement

Now that you understand the importance of SEO for therapists, let’s discuss some important strategies you should implement for your private practice, group practice, or online practice. These are things that even we SEO Specialists are doing at Simplified SEO Consulting to improve our clients’ website rankings.

Keyword Research and Implementation

As mentioned earlier, keywords play a crucial role in SEO. It’s important to conduct thorough keyword research and choose relevant keywords for your website’s content. This process is looking at keywords that potential clients are typing into Google and using those keywords throughout your website. This helps search engines understand what services you offer, making it more likely for your website to appear when someone searches for those keywords.

Optimizing Your Website Content

Once you have identified your target keywords, it’s essential to optimize your website content with them. This includes adding them to page titles, headings, meta descriptions, and content. However, it’s important to use keywords naturally and avoid “keyword stuffing,” which can negatively impact your website’s ranking. Blogs are a great way to include keywords and provide valuable information to potential clients.

Creating Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are links from other websites that lead back to your website. Google views these as a sign of credibility and authority. So having quality backlinks can help improve your website’s visibility and ranking. You can reach out to other websites and ask for backlinks (such as a local business that you can collaborate with) or create guest blog posts for websites in your niche.

Building a Social Media Presence

Having a strong social media presence can also help improve your website’s ranking and visibility. By sharing valuable content and engaging with your followers, you can drive more traffic to your website and boost its credibility. You can also use social media to connect with other professionals in your field and potentially gain backlinks from their websites.

Utilizing Local SEO Strategies

For therapists with a private practice in a specific location, utilizing local SEO strategies is crucial. This includes optimizing your Google Business profile, getting listed on online directories specific to your area, and using location-specific keywords in your content. By targeting your local audience, you increase the chances of attracting ideal clients in your area. Also, allowing clients who have had a positive experience with your services to leave reviews on your Google Business profile can help improve its ranking and attract more clients.

Are There Any SEO Mistakes to Avoid?

Like with any strategy, there are also some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to SEO for therapists. Google loves to see therapists making an effort to stay competitive, but there are a few things that can negatively impact your website’s ranking. Here are some common SEO mistakes in the private practice world:

Keyword Stuffing

While using keywords is essential, overusing them can be detrimental to your website’s ranking. Keyword stuffing refers to the practice of using a large number of keywords in content without making it sound natural. Not only does this make it less enjoyable for readers, but Google also penalizes websites that engage in keyword stuffing. When you’re using keywords think, “If I was the person searching for this, would I be happy with the information provided?” If not, try to incorporate them more seamlessly into your content.

Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Using a computer to look up everything is in the past. With the rise in smartphone use, it’s crucial to optimize your website for mobile devices. Google now prioritizes websites that are mobile-friendly. So, if your site is not optimized for phones and tablets, it may rank lower in search results. Plus, a majority of people use their smartphones for online searches, so having a mobile-friendly website can also improve the user experience and lead to more conversions.

Neglecting Local SEO

As mentioned earlier, local SEO is essential for therapists with a private practice in a specific location. Or therapists who are solely offering online counseling. Neglecting to optimize your website for local searches can make it challenging for potential clients in your area to find you. This includes using location-specific keywords, claiming your Google Business profile, and getting listed on online directories. By targeting your local audience, you can attract more clients who are looking for therapy services in their area.

Overlooking the Importance of Analytics

One common mistake that therapists make is not paying attention to website analytics. It’s important to track your website’s performance and see what strategies are working and where there is room for improvement. Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to track your website’s traffic, user behavior, and more. This information can help you make data-driven decisions for your SEO strategy and continuously improve your website’s ranking. For instance, if you have a broken link on your website that is causing a high bounce rate, you can fix it and potentially improve your website’s ranking.

Investing in SEO strategies and private SEO training is crucial for therapists looking to improve their online visibility and attract more clients. It can not only help you fill your caseload with ideal clients but also establish yourself as a credible and authoritative therapist in your niche. By utilizing SEO strategies, you can make your website more effective, and user-friendly, and ultimately achieve your business goals. So, don’t overlook the importance of SEO for therapists, and take action to improve your online presence today!

Invest in Your Online Presence With Private SEO Training

As a therapist, it can be challenging to navigate the ever-changing world of SEO and online marketing. That’s why investing in private SEO training can be incredibly beneficial for your private practice. Private SEO training provides personalized guidance and strategies tailored specifically to your business needs. Plus, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills that you can continue to use in the future to improve your online presence. However, if training isn’t an option for you, at Simplified SEO Consulting, we offer a variety of SEO packages that fit your budget and needs. Plus, we offer DIY resources and online courses to help you navigate SEO at your own pace. Our team of SEO specialists can’t wait to help you elevate your online presence and attract your ideal clients. 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?

Schedule Your Consult
Learn about our team
Become Visible, Available, and Confident on Google!

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:

Are you a therapist looking to grow your online presence? 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 and creates tailored SEO strategies that align with your brand and attract your ideal clients. Invest in the success of your 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.

November 30, 2023/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett

Analytics, SEO Tips

Understanding Core Web Vitals: What They Are and How to Improve Them

Our clients you’ve probably heard us talk about “on-page vs. off-page seo” at some point in the SEO process

I know we love to talk a bit more about specific on-page SEO aspects, but it’s still very valuable to understand some of the more technical parts that we might not be thinking about every day; your core web vitals.

Now, it should be mentioned there are newer metrics that can be helpful in optimizing web pages. However, for the purposes of this post, we are only going to be focusing on the main three that Google focuses on at this time.

These vitals themselves aren’t a factor that can influence how a page will rank in Google. But, the experience a user has on a page is.

The three core web vitals Google focuses on are things that can make it easier or harder for site visitors to navigate and interact with your site. These vitals go by the names of “Largest Contentful Paint, First Input Delay, and Cumulative Layout Shift”, and they can be some of your best friends or worst foes when improving SEO for therapists. So, today we are going to be discussing:

What each of these metrics are
How to spot issues with each metric on your site
How you can improve them on your site
And an upcoming change in March 2024 that will actually be changing one of these metrics entirely

Without further ado, let’s get into what you should first know about core web vitals.

Understanding Google and core web vitals

As I mentioned above, these vitals do not directly your rankings in Google. However, they do serve as guideposts. They can help you understand what may be affecting a given page on your site, and support creating a more optimized user experience. The better the user experience is, the more likely Google is to have a higher rank in the search results. This influence on ranking is only one of many other things that should be taken into account. Some of these other things can include the quality of your content, page authority, structured data, etc.

Another important thing to take into account is the fact that these metrics can change over time as Google changes. At this time, these are the three main core web vitals. However, this isn’t set in stone and is actually in the process of changing, which we will discuss a bit later.

With that said, let’s talk about the first core web vital, the largest contentful paint.

Core Vital 1: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

Largest Contentful Paint refers to a metric that measures the perceived loading speed of a web page. It specifically focuses on the moment when the main content that appears “above the fold” becomes visually complete and fully rendered for the user. This is a vital metric at this time because it ensures that visitors see meaningful content at the top of your page as quickly as possible. When it comes to what classifies as a “good” or “bad” score, you can expect:

Good: Load speed is 2.5 seconds or less
Needs Improvement: Load speed is between 2.5 and 4 seconds
Poor: Load speed takes longer than 4 seconds

The elements of your page that are considered when calculating your score include things like images, videos, and text/font on your site.

Core Vital 2: First Input Delay (FID)

FID measures the time from when a user first interacts with a page to when Google actually starts responding to the input. This interaction can be in the form of the individual clicking a link, tapping a button, or other actions like key presses. FID focuses on user interactivity and responsiveness. A low FID indicates that a website is quick to respond to user input. This enhances the user’s sense of control and engagement.

This is important because folks expect responsiveness on well-kept websites. If you click on a button and there is a major delay, it can be a frustrating, laggy experience that actually pushes more people away from your site than it attracts. Users expect sites to respond promptly to actions, and having a poor FID score can lead to higher bounce rates and less engagement/conversions on your site. Scores for FID generally look like the following:

Good: Load speed is 100 milliseconds or less
Needs Improvement: Load speed is between 100 and 300 milliseconds
Poor: Load speed takes longer than 300 milliseconds

Since this web vital is only measured when actions are taken, you can only measure it in the field. However, due to another newcomer in the world of web vitals known as INP, this may not be as important as it has been in the past. But, we’ll get to that in just a bit!

Core Vital 3: Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

CLS is a measure of the largest burst of layout shift scores for every unexpected layout shift that occurs during the entire lifespan of a page. These layout shifts happen whenever a visible element changes position on the screen. The layout of a page can change for any number of reasons, but these shifts can be really annoying when users don’t expect it. It could cause folks to interact with the wrong elements on your site or lose their place on the page. Ensuring a stable visual experience means that these elements don’t move enough to disrupt a reader’s experience. The score for this metric doesn’t rely on time, but you can expect the following thresholds:

Good: Less than 0.1
Needs Improvement: Between 0.1 and 0.25
Poor: More than 0.25

How to Spot Core Web Vital Issues

In order to identify your CLS score along with the other core web vitals, it is best to use tools that will take live data of your site and give you immediate feedback. Some of these tools Google offers include the Pagespeed Insights tool, Google Search Console, and Lighthouse. Another option that may be helpful is CrUX, but this is a dataset that can be a bit more technical to access and understand. Each of these tools can provide helpful tips on improving each of these metrics. For the purposes of this blog, we won’t go into the specifics of each. But, we will go into a bit more detail on what you can do to improve each of these vital metrics.

How to Improve Each Core Web Metric

LCP

Improving your LCP score comes back to making sure things like images, videos, and fonts aren’t taking up more space than they need to on your site. It means ensuring that you reduce the size of images, embed videos when possible, and only use web fonts intentionally to reduce the size of these elements on a given page. Issues with LCP can also be due to additional code added to your site. So, looking into plugins or other tools that can minify your code or space out the loading of your page can be another great way to help improve your LCP.

FID

Your FID score is most often affected by the amount of Javascript that is used on your site. You can improve it by optimizing how JavaScript parses, compiles, and executes on a given page. This can be accomplished by breaking up longer tasks into smaller segments through code-splitting or deferring unused Javascript code.

It is good to know what to do to support the health of this metric. But, this will soon be changing in the next year with the introduction of the metric Interaction to Next Paint (INP).

CLS

Improving your CLS score can be done by doing things like adding dimensions (width and height) to things like the images and videos you have on pages. Doing so will ensure the browser can reserve that space for these elements when they are loaded again. You can also defer JavaScript to load non-essential files to help increase speed. Another important part of improving CLS is making sure it is eligible for back/front cache (bfcache). Bfcache keeps pages in browsers memory for a short period after you navigate away from a page. If you return to them, then they will be restored exactly as you left them. This means the fully loaded page is instantly available without any shifts which may be seen during load due to a variety of reasons.

The Upcoming Change: FID to Interaction to Next Paint (INP)

In March 2024, Google will actually be switching out FID for another metric known as Interaction to Next Paint. This is a new responsiveness metric that measures how quickly a page responds to user interactions. INP observes the latency of all interactions a user has made with the page and can provide a more accurate estimate of responsiveness than FID. With this in mind, here are the scores you can expect from this metric:

Good: Load speed is 200 milliseconds or less
Needs Improvement: Load speed is between 200 and 500 milliseconds
Poor: Load speed takes longer than 500 milliseconds

To improve INP scores, you will need to identify where the slow interactions on your site are occurring. Once this is done, you can work to optimize these interactions, which are broken down into three parts; the input delay, processing time, and presentation delay. We won’t get into each of these parts in this post, since it deserves its own spotlight!

Begin Improving SEO for Therapists with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team of SEO specialists are happy to offer support in improving both technical and on-page SEO elements for your site. You can apply to work with Simplified SEO Consulitng by following these simple steps:

Apply to work with us to improve your SEO
Meet with an SEO specialist
Start improving your SEO!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

We understand the many things involving 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 about SEO 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!

November 21, 2023/0 Comments/by Sterling Humburg-Cage

Business Tips, Local SEO, SEO Basics, SEO Tips

Are SEO Agencies Worth It?

The digital world holds immense potential for therapists seeking to expand their reach and impact. An important part of this online presence is SEO (Search Engine Optimization), particularly for therapists with private practices. Whether they are in-person or online. Leveraging SEO effectively, with the help of SEO agencies, can significantly boost your visibility on search engines, helping potential clients find your services with ease. This, in turn, builds your credibility and trustworthiness.

For example, in the field of psychology, people often search for terms like “psychologist near me” or “online therapy.” With the right SEO strategies in place, your website can appear at the top of these search results. Thus giving you an edge over competitors and increasing the likelihood of being chosen by potential clients. This is where working with SEO agencies that understand the unique needs of therapists can be a game-changer. They will optimize your website to rank higher in search results and attract more clients. When done right, SEO for online therapy is not just an investment, but a catalyst for growth.

What Exactly is SEO for Therapists?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of enhancing your website and its content. All with the goal to improve its visibility in search engine results. When it comes to private practice SEO, the focus is on ranking higher for relevant keywords. These are phrases or terms that potential clients use when searching for therapy services online. By optimizing your website for these keywords, you increase your chances of being found by those looking for what you offer.

But why is this important? Well, consider how many times you turn to Google when in need of a product or service. Most people do the same, including when it comes to therapy. So when potential clients search for phrases like “online counseling” or “psychologist near me,” search engines search many websites to find the most relevant results. SEO for therapists ensures that your website is one of those top-ranking results. Which is done by making you more visible and accessible to those seeking your services.

What is Local SEO and Why is it Important for Therapists?

Local SEO further amplifies this by targeting your SEO efforts to specific regions or areas. This is particularly useful for therapists who wish to serve clients in a certain city or region. For example, if you are a therapist based in Idaho, your private practice may not be relevant to someone searching for “online therapy” in Vermont. Local SEO aims to make your website more visible to those in your area, making it easier for potential clients to find you. It also helps search engines, like Google, understand the location and context of your website.

Furthermore, local SEO is really beneficial for therapists with online counseling services. As the internet allows us to connect with people from all over the world, competition can be high when it comes to ranking for general therapy terms. By focusing on local SEO and SEO for online therapy specifically, you can attract clients from a specific location. This not only makes your SEO efforts more targeted but also increases the chances of potential clients actually becoming your clients.

Challenges Therapists Face without SEO

Marketing strategies are ever-evolving, and the rise of digital marketing has changed the game for therapists. However, you went to school to become a therapist, not a marketing expert. So, many therapists, like you, may not have the time or knowledge to effectively navigate the world of SEO on their own. Yet your website and financial stability depend on it. Without SEO, therapists may face:

Lack of Visibility When It Comes to Potential Clients

With an increasing number of people turning to search engines to help them find the right therapist, not leveraging SEO can leave you invisible to potential clients. This could result in a decrease in inquiries and ultimately, a loss of clients. For example, if a potential client in your area searches for “anxiety therapist in Idaho” and your website is not optimized for this keyword, they may never come across your services.

Relying On Expensive Marketing Strategies

Without SEO or SEO for online therapy, therapists may have to rely on traditional and often costly marketing strategies. This can be strategies such as print ads, referrals from other professionals, or even word of mouth. These methods certainly have their benefits, but they may not be sustainable or effective over time. Especially if you decide to offer new services that may not be reflected in your initial marketing efforts.

These methods can be effective, but they require ongoing investments of time and money. With SEO, however, your website can work for you 24/7. It can help you reach potential clients without the need for constant investment. Additionally, investing in SEO can provide long-term and cost-effective marketing results. You can adjust your SEO strategies as your practice and services evolve, ensuring that your website always reflects the most current version of your private practice.

Losing Clients to Competitors with Strong Online Presence

When you can look for therapists with a few taps of a button, potential clients often have multiple options to choose from. If your competitors have strong SEO strategies in place, they may appear at the top of search results for relevant keywords. This increases their chances of being chosen by potential clients over you. With the growing number of therapists offering online counseling services, it’s becoming even more important to stand out among the competition.

Investing in SEO for online counseling or private practice seo can help you rank higher and establish your authority in the field. By improving your online presence, you can also build trust with potential clients but also search engines! This can lead to more conversions and ultimately, more clients for your practice.

How Investing in an SEO Agencies is Beneficial for Therapists

With all these challenges that therapists face when it comes to SEO, investing in SEO agencies can be a game-changer. They are specialized in optimizing websites for search engines and can help therapists achieve their SEO goals. Often, they also have multiple packages to choose from, making them accessible for therapists with different budgets and needs. So, here are some key benefits of investing in SEO agencies for therapists:

Expertise and Experience in SEO

SEO agencies are made up of SEO Specialists who have the expertise and experience to optimize therapist websites effectively. They are knowledgeable about SEO and the ever-evolving algorithms of search engines. Your SEO specialist will help to ensure that your website stays relevant and visible to potential clients. By utilizing their skills and knowledge, therapists can focus on what they do best: providing therapy to their clients.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, our SEO specialists not only are experts in SEO but also have experience working in the mental health field. We understand the unique needs of this industry, and we use that knowledge to tailor our services to help therapists succeed online. Our specialty is SEO for therapists, and our goal is to help you reach yours.

Saving the Time and Effort for Therapists

As a therapist, your time and energy are valuable resources. Ones that are better used to help your clients. By investing in SEO agencies, like Simplified, you can save yourself the time and effort it takes to navigate SEO on your own. Instead, you can focus on providing quality therapy services and growing your practice.

Your SEO specialist will be in charge of meeting with you, creating a personalized SEO strategy, and implementing it for your website. This allows you to have peace of mind knowing that your online presence is in good hands. It will also help reassure you that your keywords are being targeted, and your website is optimized for maximum visibility.

Long-Term Investment for Sustained Online Presence

Investing in an SEO agency is a long-term investment for therapists. It’s not a one-time fix but rather an ongoing process to ensure that your website remains optimized and relevant to your target audience. With consistent efforts, your website’s visibility can continue to improve over time, leading to a sustained online presence.

For example, blogging is a powerful SEO strategy that can help therapists rank higher on search engines. By creating engaging and informative blog posts, therapists can attract potential clients to their website and demonstrate their expertise in the field. An SEO agency can help you plan, create, and optimize these blog posts to ensure their effectiveness in reaching your target audience. We recommend blogging at least once a week to maintain your online presence and keep your website fresh with relevant content.

You Gain a Competitive Advantage

By investing in an SEO agency, you also gain a competitive advantage over other therapists who are not utilizing SEO. With a strong online presence and optimized website, you can stand out among your competitors and attract more clients to your practice. If your local or online competition is not utilizing SEO for online therapy or private practice SEO, you can gain even more of a competitive edge by investing in these strategies. You will rank higher on search engines, be more visible to potential clients, and ultimately gain a larger client base.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we not only focus on optimizing your website but also on building a strong online reputation for your private practice. This includes creating content that is in your brand voice, making sure your content is relevant, and even engaging in social media marketing. Our goal is to help you build a strong and trustworthy online presence that sets you apart from other therapists in the field.

The Real Value: Cost vs ROI

As with any business investment, understanding the financial aspects is crucial. Investing in SEO agencies for therapists may seem like an added expense, but the potential returns far outweigh the cost. One way to think about it is every new client you gain through SEO is essentially increasing your return on investment. They are also a long-term source of income for your practice. Plus, with higher visibility and a competitive advantage, you have the potential to gain more high-value clients who are willing to pay for your services.

This is why considering the cost versus the ROI of SEO services is essential. While the initial investment may seem high, the long-term benefits and returns make it a worthwhile investment for your practice. Also, an SEO agency may offer different packages and options to fit your budget and needs, making it accessible for therapists at any stage of their practice. For example, at Simplified SEO Consulting, we work with therapists to help them find a package that fits their budget and goals. We believe in transparency when it comes to cost versus ROI and will work with you to achieve optimal results within your means.

Some Things to Consider:

When you are considering the cost versus the ROI of SEO services, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the cost is not just about the monetary aspect but also the time and effort saved for therapists by SEO agencies. This allows you to focus on your clients and grow your practice while leaving the SEO work to experts. Even when deciding between packages, such as Do-It-Yourself or Done-For-You, consider the time and effort you will have to put in versus the potential returns.

Another factor to consider is that SEO supports you in the goal of acquiring new clients through an improved online presence. It is a valuable investment in the growth and success of your practice. By targeting specific keywords and optimizing your website, you can attract potential clients who are actively searching for therapy services in-person or online. This targeted approach leads to higher conversion rates and, ultimately, a greater ROI.

Remember that SEO is an Ongoing Investment into the Future of Your Practice.

As algorithms change and your practice grows, your SEO strategies will need to adapt. From targeting new keywords to updating your website, it’s an ongoing process that requires consistent effort. But the long-term benefits are worth it. By investing in SEO for therapists and SEO agencies, you are investing in the future success and sustainability of your practice.

Invest in Your Success with Simplified SEO Consulting

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we specialize in providing top-notch SEO services for therapists. Our team of SEO specialists will work with you to create a personalized strategy that targets your ideal clients and reflects your brand voice. We understand the importance of SEO in building a successful therapy practice and strive to provide the best results for our clients. This is why we have a variety of SEO packages to fit your budget and needs. Plus, we offer DIY resources for those who prefer a more hands-on approach.

Don’t let your website get lost in the sea of online therapists. Invest in SEO for online counseling, psychologist SEO, and online therapy, and watch your practice grow. 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?

Schedule Your Consult
Learn about our team
Invest in your future success with Simplified SEO Consulting!

Other SEO Services At Simplified SEO Consulting

If you feel as if you know all about SEO or want to learn more about other wonderful services we offer, 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 if you’re just getting started and want to make sure your website is set up for success. We also provide ongoing support with our SEO maintenance packages, perfect for private practice owners who want to ensure their website’s SEO stays optimized. Or, if you’re ready to work with a passionate and skilled team, our Done for You Program is perfect for you. Whatever your SEO needs, Simplified SEO Consulting has you covered. Invest in your practice and your future success with our expert SEO services today!

About the Author:

Meet Lynsey, the passionate SEO Content Specialist at Simplified SEO Consulting, who combines her love for writing and mental health to help therapists grow their online presence. With a background in mental health and SEO, she understands the unique needs of therapists and uses her expertise to create SEO strategies that align with their brand and attract their ideal clients. Let Lynsey help you unlock the power of SEO for your therapy practice! To learn more about Lynsey and the rest of our team at Simplified SEO Consulting, visit our website today! Remember, investing in your SEO is investing in the success of your practice. Contact Simplified SEO Consulting today to get started!

November 7, 2023/0 Comments/by Lynsey Heskett