9 Tips for Creating a Therapist Website That Converts

You don’t need an intricate private practice website to effectively reach your intended niche of prospective clients. 

In reality, most private practices gain more value with a simple, clean, well-designed website. 
With that in mind, here are some key tips to ensure that your therapy website converts.

1. Make it easy for potential clients to navigate

The simplicity of a vertically-designed therapy website prevents visitors from getting lost in a maze of pages that don’t include a clear action for them to take. A recent study discovered that this type of website led to 38% more signups than a multi-page site.

2. Keep your information all in one place

This type of website also makes it easy to update your content as needed because it’s all on one, easy-to-navigate web page. Whether you’re updating your bio or adding more speciality services, you need to be able to easily add, remove, edit, or update your content at any time.

3. Make sure your content loads fast

Did you know that website visitors only wait an average of four seconds for a web page to load?
The fewer barriers there are for potential clients, the more likely they are to engage with you.

It’s one of those things that most people wouldn’t stop to think about, but it makes a big difference in your visitors’ experience. 

4. Ensure your website design is mobile-friendly 

Roughly 49% of website visitors come from mobile devices, which means people need to be able to easily navigate your website content from their phone. Your website should be able to adjust seamlessly to devices large and small, so users can read directly from their mobile device. While some platforms allow you to adjust for mobile separately, consider a therapist website builder that automatically accounts for mobile adjustments. That way, you have one less thing to worry about.

5. Get to the point

The truth is more than half of all visitors spend less than 15 seconds reading through a website before losing interest and leaving. The minimalism of a single-page site naturally encourages you to add only what’s necessary. This format also gives visitors a comfortable, linear experience that leads them toward the action you want them to take—like contacting you. 

6. Communicate your niche

Some practitioners avoid narrowing down their niche because they want to be accessible to anyone and everyone. It’s natural for business owners to do this. But frankly, you won’t be the right fit for everyone. However, you are the ideal practitioner for someone. 

The key is to determine which clients will benefit the most from your help. Once you define your client base, use language on your website that speaks directly to them. Ultimately, it’s all about individuals finding the best service provider that can address their specific needs.

7. Write for your audience

You’re an expert in your field, but your clients are not. Refrain from using industry-specific terminology on your website. This type of language can come across as impersonal or even cold. Use inviting, plain language, so potential clients can easily understand what you do and why you do it.

You don’t have to use complex language to make a lasting impression on potential clients. 

Your specialty should be clear to your audience from the very first line. Focus your writing so it speaks to the needs and wants of the clients you serve. Then think about the next step you want them to take. Book a consultation? Send an email? Fill out a contact form? Let them know. People want to be led and guided. Make the next step as easy as possible for your potential clients by having a call-to-action—like “Get in Touch” or “Schedule an Appointment.”

8. Shift the focus to your clients

Take another look at your website. How much of it focuses on you? It’s common for business owners to want to market themselves on their site. However, your website should really be about your clients. Consider what makes you the right person for them.

It can make a big difference to reframe your approach like this. Your site should mention the things about you that are useful and relevant to your client. You can still add your credentials, but explain how these degrees and licenses will benefit them.

9. Make it look professional

It’s natural to want to fill your site with graphics, color, and copy. But prospective clients are looking for a professional, so your website design should reflect your experience and personality in a refined way. As many do’s and don’ts are out there, your website just needs to be functional and representative of who you are.

How SimplePractice streamlines running your practice

SimplePractice is HIPAA-compliant practice management software with everything you need to run your practice built into the platform—from booking and scheduling to insurance and client billing.

If you’ve been considering switching to an EHR system, SimplePractice empowers you to streamline appointment bookings, reminders, and rescheduling and simplify the billing and coding process—so you get more time for the things that matter most to you.

Try SimplePractice free for 30 days. No credit card required.