Alright, therapists, let’s talk websites. In 2024, your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s your online office, your therapy room, and the first impression many clients will have of you and your private practice.
Think of it like this: if your website was a dating profile, would people swipe right? No? Then let’s fix that.
First off, let’s get one thing straight—professional design is non-negotiable.
You wouldn’t hang up a crooked diploma in your office, so why would you settle for a subpar website? Your site should feel like a warm, welcoming waiting room—cozy but professional, and most importantly, it should scream, “I know what I’m doing.”
Research backs this up too. 88% of online users won’t return to a website after a bad experience. And if your mobile site is a hot mess, forget about referrals—57% of people won’t even recommend your practice. So yeah, investing in professional design is investing in your reputation.
Let’s dive into the details. You know, the stuff that separates the “meh” websites from the “wow” ones. Because yes, we do indeed want to have the best therapist website possible.
Imagine walking into a library where the books are organized by random colors instead of topics. Annoying, right?
That’s what a poorly navigated website feels like.
Your visitors should be able to find what they need without playing a frustrating game of hide-and-seek.
Clear, consistent navigation is key here. Keep your menus straightforward, your labels clear, and your contact info just a click away.
Accessibility isn’t just about ticking off a box—it’s about making sure every single visitor can interact with your website. And no, accessibility doesn’t mean slapping some alt text on your images and calling it a day. We’re talking high-contrast colors, easy-to-read fonts, and making sure your site works just as well with a keyboard as it does with a mouse.
Think of it this way: if your website was a swimsuit, would you pick a color that no one can see in the water? Of course not. Same goes for your website—don’t let it drown in poor accessibility choices. (Yes, that was a swimwear analogy. You’re welcome.)
Colors and images aren’t just there to look pretty—they set the entire vibe of your site. Picture calming blues, peaceful greens, or even earthy tones that give off a sense of stability.
The goal here is to make your visitors feel like they’ve just walked into your therapy office.
Use images that resonate with your practice, whether that’s serene landscapes, peaceful interiors, or abstract calming designs. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making people feel at ease.
If your website doesn’t have clear call-to-actions (CTAs), you’re basically leaving clients in the waiting room without telling them where the your actual office is.
Every page should gently nudge your visitors to take the next step, whether that’s booking a session, reading your blog, or reaching out for more info. And remember, subtlety is your friend here. No one likes being yelled at by a giant, flashing “BOOK NOW” button.
Contact forms should be easy-peasy.
You’re a therapist, not a data-miner, so there’s no need to ask for their mother’s maiden name and their first pet’s nickname.
Keep it simple: name, email, and maybe a short message. And for the love of all that is holy, make sure your forms are mobile-friendly. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to fill out a form on a tiny screen and accidentally hitting the wrong button.
Now, there are exceptions to this – if you want to do more screening of your inquiries then add more questions that will help with this. For example, if you only take private pay clients, then include a question that requires them to acknowledge that they understand this.
Client testimonials are like the Yelp reviews of your practice, only way more impactful. People want to see that others have walked this path before them and come out better for it. So, don’t just bury them on a random page—showcase them! Use rotating sliders, sprinkle them throughout your site, or even feature a few on your homepage. It’s like having a bunch of satisfied clients sitting in your waiting room, singing your praises.
Now, let’s talk SEO.
No, it’s not some mysterious tech jargon you can ignore. Search Engine Optimization is how potential clients find you. Without it, your site is basically a beautifully designed island in the middle of nowhere.
Or my favorite analogy, which is this:
Imagine you opened the best restaurant in the world. It has the best menu, best chefs, a gorgeous space and wonderful customer service. But it’s in the middle of a dessert and you don’t tell anyone about it.
Not great, right?
That’s why you need SEO – so you can tell people it exists!
To get started, do some keyword research.
Think about what your potential clients are typing into Google.
Spoiler: It’s probably not “existential therapy in Boise.”
Once you’ve got your keywords, sprinkle them naturally throughout your content. And yes, blog posts are your friend here—double whammy of boosting SEO and establishing yourself as an expert.
SEO is like planting a garden—you can’t just throw seeds around and hope for the best. You’ve got to tend to it.
Start with those keywords and make sure they’re woven into your site copy, especially on key pages like your homepage and services page. And don’t forget to blog regularly. Google loves fresh content, and your clients will appreciate the valuable insights you share.
Want to make your website a little more dynamic?
Add some interactive elements.
No, I’m not saying you need to turn it into an arcade. But a quiz, an interactive infographic, or even a virtual tour of your office can make the experience more engaging for visitors.
Think of it as a way to bring a little bit of your personality into the digital world. Plus, it keeps people on your site longer—win-win.
We’re living in a digital age where privacy is no joke.
You wouldn’t ask your clients to share their deepest secrets without ensuring their confidentiality, right? Same goes for their data on your website.
A clear, comprehensive privacy policy isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a trust-builder. Make sure it’s easy to find, easy to understand, and easy to trust.
I always suggest Termageddon to my clients and we can even set it up for them!
Your website should be a digital reflection of your practice. Use it to showcase your personality, your approach, and your passion for therapy.
That means making sure your therapist logo is front and center, your “About Me” page is more than just a resume, and your content speaks to your ideal clients.
Share your story, talk about your specialties, and let your authenticity shine through. People connect with people, not faceless businesses.
So, you’re convinced it’s time to revamp your website, but where do you start?
Choosing the right website builder is crucial.
In 2024, the big three—Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress—are still top contenders.
But don’t just pick one because your cousin’s friend’s brother used it. Think about what you need.
Do you want something super customizable or easy to use right out of the box?
Are you planning to blog regularly, or do you just need a few static pages?
My suggestion is to start with WordPress – it doesn’t have to be fancy at first, keep it simple. If WordPress feels like it’s just too much, then my second suggestion is Squarespace. You can learn more about my thoughts on Wix in this post.
When it comes to templates, look for something that feels like you. Is it easy to tweak? Does it look good on mobile? And does it have the features you need, like a blog, an appointment scheduler, and a contact form? Remember, the template is just the starting point—you’re going to make it your own.
Content is king, right? But not just any content. Your site should clearly lay out what you do, who you are, and why clients should choose you. Make sure to cover the basics—services, qualifications, therapeutic approach—but also consider adding an FAQ section. Trust me, your future clients will thank you.
Writing copy for your website isn’t just about listing facts. You’ve got to connect with your readers, and that means balancing professionalism with warmth. Avoid jargon like the plague and speak in a language that resonates with your clients. Think of your copy as an extension of your therapy practice—empathetic, clear, and supportive.
Your therapist logo isn’t just a pretty picture—it’s your brand’s visual identity. Use it wisely. Make sure it’s prominent on your homepage, watermark your blog images, and keep it consistent across all your pages. A cohesive look helps build trust and makes your website feel more professional. It’s like wearing your favorite pair of shoes—if it fits well, you’ll walk confidently.
In the end, your website is an extension of your therapy practice. It should feel welcoming, safe, and professional—just like your office. By following these design tips and focusing on the user experience, accessibility, and SEO, you’ll not only attract more clients but also make sure they stick around. And hey, isn’t that the goal?
Now, go ahead and give your website the love it deserves. And remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s no shame in calling in the pros. You focus on your clients—we’ll handle the rest.
Courtney has 15+ years of experience putting together and designing marketing materials, WordPress websites, customer experiences, and workflows that help you save time and money. She developed these skills during her years as a Director of Corporate Health Services, Group Fitness Program Manager, Lead Wellness Dietitian, fitness and yoga instructor, and her own nutrition private practice, Vickery Wellness.
She also taught undergraduate courses at the University of Georgia where she graduated with the following degrees:
Declet Designs offers website design, strategy, and SEO for weight-inclusive private practices & small businesses. Located in Athens, GA, and serves businesses nationally and internationally.
Declet Designs is a welcoming and inclusive space for all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, neurodivergence, or national origin.
Declet Designs is located on the lands of the Muscogee and Tsalaguwetiyi people and wishes to acknowledge them as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We also pay our respects to their Elders, past, present & emerging.
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