How to Get at the Top of Psychology Today Results
Being at the top of Psychology Today (PT) is a great way to build your practice. Have you noticed that some therapists always seem to be at the top of PT search results? It's not just "one trick" that's getting them there. Most utilize digital marketing for therapists to shoot to the top of PT results. Here are some of the secrets that digital marketers use when helping their clients shoot to the top of the page:
A bio that resonates with potential clients
Professional headshots
A list of insurances accepted
A video for better engagement
How Does The Psychology Today Algorithm Work?
We should also demystify the Psychology Today algorithm before moving any further. The big shocker is that it's actually random. That means that all of the old "SEO tricks" that you may be using on your personal website or social media probably won't work. It appears that Psychology Today's algorithm rotates therapist profiles randomly within the searcher's search area in order to provide the best selection based on zip code, county, or city. That doesn't mean you don't have any control over your success on Psychology Today.
Having a complete profile using the methods shared above is the starting point for making sure you get seen on the site. The information you provide boosts views and engagement. The key is that it has to be genuine and informative in a way that works with the way PT feeds therapist profiles to page visitors. Of course, what it really comes down to is attracting the right clients who fit your niche or specialty.
Writing about our own expertise or "talking up" our accomplishments in a way that comes across as both professional and warm can be challenging. This is why you might want to consider having us write a polished PT profile or optimize the one you've been using. Next, let's run through five specific tips for getting your profile at the top of a psychotherapy website like Psychology Today.
1. Be Clear and Specific
Searching for a therapist is hard enough for most people! By making your profile clear, you can save potential clients time on their path to finding the right professional. Avoid any vague jargon or phrases that take up space without indicating your credentials or field of expertise. In addition to benefiting PT users, you're also saving yourself from the time and hassle of answering queries from clients you aren't equipped to help. Make sure you:
Highlight your niche
List your credentials
State your specialization(s)
List the conditions or issues you deal with by name
Make it clear you if you offer solo, couples, or family therapy
2. Keep Your Information Current
While managing your Psychology Today profile isn't something that requires daily attention, you also shouldn't have a full "set and forget" mentality. The general rule is to update your profile every time you acquire a new qualification or certification or expand your expertise. Do include the year that new qualifications and certifications are added to help clients see that you're constantly evolving in your profession. This gives them the confidence of knowing they're about to connect with an engaged therapist with an understanding of the latest theories and treatments.
You should also update your headshot at least once every two years. Once a year is also great! The reason for this is simply that providing the most recent representation of yourself eliminates the surprise a client might feel if you look dramatically different during a session. In a space as vulnerable as in-person or online therapy, feeling like you've been "catfished" by a therapist can be jarring. Professional Psychology Today headshots should be polished and professional. Avoid using the same photo you use for personal social media.
3. Write an Amazing Bio
Therapist bios are placed at the top of Psychology Today profiles. This is your connection point with clients. Your bio should not just be a quick list of your education and background. To make potential clients “click” on your bio, you have to bring them along on a journey that demonstrates that you have the credentials, proficiency, and understanding of complex issues they're looking for in a therapist.
A strong Psychology Today bio should be a representation of your philosophy and approach. It should be customized to speak directly to the ear of your niche client. Let them know that you understand their pain points, you see where the therapy process can bring them, and you're here to help them get on the path to healing and growth.
4. Really Think About Location
As covered when demystifying Psychology Today’s algorithm, how often your profile gets shown rests heavily on the location of the person searching for a therapist. Consider your true reach when selecting your practice location. Add up to four target locations that include the zip codes or cities you'd like to pull clients from within a serviceable distance from your practice. A good starting point is to simply look at where most of your previous or existing clients are from. If you offer teletherapy, be sure to include that!
5. Link to Your Personal Website
Did you know that your Psychology Today profile can actually be backlinked to your personal psychologist website? This is useful because backlinking helps Google and other search engines pick up your website. Yes, that means that you can use the "bigness" of the PT website to boost your own site. If you don't have a professional website for your practice yet, consider allowing us to create a new website for you.
What have we learned? There's no single trick for improving your ranking on Psychology Today. Building a strong profile that speaks to clients is the #1 to be seen by more people on Psychology Today. If you're about to start a therapy practice, linking out to your website from Psychology Today can help to boost your overall online presence.
Do you need help with creating a compelling Psychology Today bio or an amazing psychologist website? Looking for a therapist marketing agency? I provide premier digital marketing for therapists at a fraction of the cost of large agencies.
One of my strengths is creating amazing Psychology Today profiles that potential clients will click on! I also love dreaming up creative therapist websites. Reach out today and let me know what digital marketing services you need.
