Part 1 - Your 'Basic Listing'

In the introduction (click here to read it), we discussed the importance of setting the stage and effectively conveying your approach to helping clients. Now, in the following section, we will guide you step-by-step through the creation of a comprehensive basic listing. We'll cover everything from crafting your professional statement to selecting an engaging profile photo and establishing your unique identity.

To begin your journey on TherapyRoute, the first step is creating a Basic Listing. Once you have accomplished this, you can progress to building your mini-site. Think of the mini-site as an expansion of your basic listing, providing ample room for customization and detailed information, making it suitable even as your personal website! (We'll delve deeper into this in part 2 .)

But before we proceed, let's focus on your Basic Listing, which you would have already completed during the sign-up process. This data not only appears in the information block on TherapyRoute's homepage but also forms the foundation of your mini-site. Therefore, its significance cannot be overstated!

Considering the below will help you get the most from your Basic Listing (Login and select 'Your Details' to edit):

Complete all the Fields

Much of the information you provide is shown in your listing, but it is also used when potential clients refine their searches. The more information you provide, the more likely you are to be found. People use all the filters when searching on directory sites, and not filling out a field can mean that you are filtered out of a search. Selections in the following fields are used in TherapyRoute searches:

1. • Your Identity
2. • Works with
3. • Professional title
4. • Concerns in my scope of practice
5. • Distance therapy
6. • Language

Make sure to indicate if you offer remote sessions under "Online Consultations - I consult online."

You will also find 'online' listed as an identity (not available for org/clinic listings); we know it is not an identity, but by selecting this, in addition to indicating that you offer Remote Therapy, increases your chances of coming up in searches for online therapists.

Here's a tip to keep in mind: While it may be tempting to include as many options as possible in your profile to increase your visibility in searches, it's not always the best approach. When potential clients view your profile, they see all the selections you've made. It's important to remember that they are searching for a therapist who can address their specific needs and concerns. Listing an extensive range of options can dilute your offering, potentially portraying you as a "jack of all trades" without speaking directly to anyone.

To avoid this, we recommend selecting 2-5 options from each dropdown that most accurately represent you and your services. Consider the type of work you genuinely want to focus on. By representing yourself accurately and concisely, you'll attract clients who are the best fit for your expertise and offerings.

Refine your Professional Statement

Your professional statement holds immense significance. It's a single line that possesses the power to captivate readers and entice them to delve deeper into your profile.

Try to include:

1. • Your professional title or experience
2. • Your main focus
3. • Your location and if you offer online services
4. 
   

An example might be: "Compassionate psychodynamic psychologist in Kenilworth, Cape Town. I help individuals and couples rediscover connections. Online consultations offered."

Consider marketing and your unique "therapist's voice."

1. • As a mental health professional, it's essential to recognize that how you present yourself holds meaning and directly impacts the therapeutic relationship, even before meeting face-to-face. Everything from your attire to your smile and the tone of your writing influences the assumptions clients make about you and ultimately determines whether they decide to reach out. There isn't a single "correct" approach, but it's crucial to be mindful that you attract individuals who resonate with your presentation. Adopting a casual and light-hearted demeanor may appeal to those who prefer a more relaxed approach. Alternatively, projecting a strictly professional and authoritative image may attract individuals seeking clear guidance. Similarly, radiating a nurturing and maternal aura may draw those who feel dependent and in need of support.
2. • According to our marketing specialist, it's crucial to clearly communicate your services in a manner that highlights why potential clients should choose you. Instead of simply stating "I do in-depth therapy," a more effective approach is to convey, "Let's work together to uncover the root causes of your issues."
3. 
   

Keep it simple and relatable. Speak to your ideal client and remember, a person will read on if they think you are relevant to them.

Finding the right balance is key when crafting your statement. It's important to avoid extremes of being too broad or too specific. Many therapists tend to make the mistake of writing statements that try to encompass too much, casting their nets too wide. Paradoxically, this approach can make visitors feel that the statement doesn't directly speak to their needs, making it seem less relevant to their specific issues.

For instance, a statement that is too broad may read, "I provide psychotherapy and other services to adults, teenagers, children, and families." On the other hand, an overly specific statement like, "I specialize in addiction treatment for airline pilots" can potentially limit your potential audience.

By striking the right balance and avoiding these extremes, you can create a statement that resonates with a broader range of individuals while still conveying your unique expertise and services.

Like all the other elements of your online listing, your professional statement will become a part of your mini-site so it warrants thought and time to ensure you get it right.

Specify your Identity

Help visitors find you by selecting from the dropdowns in the Identify field (Asian, Black, Blind, Deaf, Female, Latinx, LGBT+, Male, Non-Binary). These selections are used to filter results when potential clients refine their searches. They won't appear on your profile but are also used in the background to send signals to search engines.

1. You can also include your identity in your Professional Statement:
2. • As a therapist, remember when people look through listings they are asking themselves questions like "Will this person get me?", "How can they help me?", "Are they competent, kind, and compassionate?", "Will they judge me?", "Do they know something about the life I live?", "Have they ever suffered?". Mentioning your identity (e.g. female) can help potential clients believe that you will be able to relate to and help them.
3. • According to our marketing specialist, it's important to acknowledge that many individuals are actively seeking therapists with specific identities. Providing the information, they are looking for will greatly increase the chances of them choosing you.
4. 
   

Get your Location Right

It is helpful for potential clients to know where your practice is. Most people can't or won't dedicate long periods to travel so location is an important search criterion.

If you are consulting online, the location may not seem important but our platform utilizes your office address to determine the most relevant location for your profile. While it is essential for your address to be valid, it does not need to match your physical location precisely. In cases where you operate solely online, you have the option to add an "Online office" and provide the address of a nearby landmark representing your desired target area.

Select a Welcoming Website Photo

Your picture is communicating with potential clients before they open your profile. This one shouldn't be left blank.

Creating a strong connection with potential clients can be challenging when they are unable to envision the therapist they might work closely with. It's important to keep in mind that leaving blank spaces, such as missing images or neutral logos, acts as a canvas onto which individuals can project their fears and uncertainties. The mental image they form of you can greatly influence their decision to engage with your services.

A warm picture helps people feel comfortable reaching out to you.

Tip: It goes without saying that your photo should portray you looking professional but personable. A smile is generally best, making you look kind but not insincere. Dress as you would for your therapy sessions and make sure it's a high-quality image.

Contents of the Series

Introduction To The Series

Setting the scene, communicating how you help clients, and being mindful of keywords and search phrases in your writing.

Part 1 - Making Your Basic Listing Work for You | This Page :)

The first step in creating an online profile is to create your listing . We take you through the various elements involved, from your professional statement to your profile photo and identity.

Part 2 - Creating your Mini-Site

Consider your mini-site as an enhanced version of your basic listing, offering more detailed information and allowing for customization to create a truly unique digital presence. In fact, it can even serve as your personal website! By completing your listing, you've already laid the foundation for your mini-site. The information you've provided will automatically populate your Home and Services page. We'll assist you in expanding on your Services section and filling the Approach page with comprehensive details, ensuring potential clients gain a clear understanding of your offerings and how you can support them.

Part 3 - Using Your Blog

Your Blog posts can be shared on your mini-site or submitted for inclusion on TherapyRoute. Here we explore a Blog to bring more visitors to your profile, through sharing your own unique and creative writing.

Part 4 - The Look and Feel

We look at the importance of your profile's look and feel and discuss mundane but vital factors, such as formatting and editing.

Part 5 - Help your Mini-Site Get Found

Once you have created a mini-site, one of the most important tasks you can do is to ensure it gets found. We discuss how you can share your profile link and include relevant keywords to boost your site's findability. Finally, you have completed creating your online profile. Now you can sit back and let it work for you!