A Simple SEO Strategy for Therapists: Start Where You Are
Apr 26, 2025Note: to watch this webinar, join the free community and click "Event Replay" on the left-hand side.
Building an online presence can feel like trying to find your way through a thick fog.
You know it matters. You know people need what you offer.
But the path to actually showing up in search results? That part feels overwhelming.
When I sat down with Daniel Fava from Private Practice Elevation, we talked about something that so many mission-driven therapists wrestle with: SEO doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be intentional.
If you’ve ever felt lost trying to get your website found online, this is your faithful first step.
Why Simplicity Wins in SEO
Daniel shared that the biggest mistake therapists make with SEO is chasing random tips instead of starting with where they are.
It’s like trying to patch a boat without checking if it even has a sail yet.
Here's the shift:
Instead of asking, "What fancy tricks should I use?"
Ask, "What is the honest state of my website right now?"
Before you dive into keywords, blogs, or anything else, you need a baseline:
- How many visitors come from search engines today?
- Which pages get the most traffic?
- Are people staying and reading, or bouncing away?
Just like in therapy, clarity comes before change.
The Four Mountains of SEO Success
Daniel introduced a simple, principle-centered way to think about SEO: The Four Mountains.
You don’t need to climb them all at once, but you do need to know they’re there.
- Technical SEO:
Can search engines read your website easily?
(Think: fast load times, mobile-friendly pages, and no broken links.) - Content:
Are you creating helpful, client-centered content that shows your expertise?
(Think: blog posts, service pages, and real-world examples.) - Onsite Optimization:
Is each page organized clearly with good titles, headers, and keywords?
(Think: clean outlines like a table of contents.) - Offsite SEO:
Are other reputable sites linking back to you?
(Think: guest blogs, podcast interviews, directory listings.)
You don’t have to master all four today.
But knowing they exist helps you build your strategy without guessing.
Small Steps That Lead to Big Impact
If you’re short on time (and who isn’t?), Daniel suggested this simple, faithful rhythm:
Step 1: Install Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
This will tell you where you stand. No more guessing.
Step 2: Create strong service pages.
Each major service (anxiety counseling, couples therapy, etc.) should have its own detailed page—not just a bullet list.
Step 3: Start answering real client questions in blog posts.
Use plain language, not therapy jargon. Write the way people talk when they’re hurting and looking for help.
Step 4: Keep going.
SEO is like planting seeds.
It’s not the one blog post or the one tweak that makes the difference. It’s the slow, steady showing up over time that bears fruit.
As Daniel put it, one blog post won’t move the needle much—but 20 blog posts over a year, linked thoughtfully back to your services?
That’s how you build a garden of trust online.
Faithful Effort Over Flashy Tricks
Here’s what I loved most about Daniel’s approach: it mirrors so many timeless values.
Patience. Stewardship. Building on a solid foundation.
You don’t need to chase every new algorithm.
You don’t need to master everything overnight.
You just need to start faithfully with where you are—and trust that small, steady actions matter more than frantic, flashy ones.
Or as Daniel reminded us, "Helping more people starts by helping Google understand who you serve."
A Gentle Next Step
If you're ready to stop guessing and start growing, begin by installing your free Google Analytics account.
Track where your visitors come from. Get curious.
Let the data guide your next small, faithful step.
And if you ever feel stuck, remember:
You’re not too late. You’re just ready for a better map.
Use resources like Private Practice Elevation to help you Reach Your Ideal Client Online.
Note: to watch this webinar, join the free community and click "Event Replay" on the left-hand side.
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