The Impact of Listings Management on a Therapist’s Visibility and SEO

In the realm of therapist marketing, a standout factor that often goes unnoticed is the impact of listings management on visibility and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). 

To fully comprehend the influence of listings management in the digital marketing landscape, we’ll start with the story of hypothetical therapist Dr. Rebecca Williams.

Dr. Williams is an experienced therapist, with expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy. She’s adept at her job, and her patients adore her. 

But, there’s a problem. She’s having difficulty getting her practice off the ground due to insufficient visibility on the internet.

Enter listings management — the unsung hero of therapist marketing.

Unraveling the power of listings management

At its core, listings management is a critical component of local SEO. It involves maintaining consistency of a business’s information — name, address, phone number, and more – across all online directories and platforms. 

While it seems simple, its impact on local search rankings and, in turn, on visibility, is considerable.

Let’s get back to Dr. Williams. She decides to utilize listings management for her practice. She ensures that her practice information is consistent across all platforms, from Google Business Profile to Yelp. 

Not just that, she makes sure to keep her listings updated with the latest information — her working hours, areas of expertise, even patient reviews.

As Google bots crawl through these online directories, they find consistent and updated information about Dr. Williams’ practice. 

This consistency signals reliability to the search engine, and as a result, her local SEO ranking begins to improve. Her therapy practice starts to show up in local search results when people search for therapists in her area.

The result? Enhanced online visibility and more potential patients discovering her practice.

The dual role of listings management in SEO and therapist marketing

On the surface, listings management seems to only be about maintaining uniform information. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see its dual role — both in SEO and therapist marketing.

Let’s consider the SEO side first. When it comes to local SEO, search engines like Google prioritize accuracy and consistency of information. 

A well-managed listing, therefore, can significantly impact search rankings, driving more organic traffic to the therapist’s website.

Dr. Williams, for example, noticed a considerable increase in website traffic after implementing effective listings management. And, as she continued maintaining her listings meticulously, her local SEO ranking improved, further boosting her visibility.

On the therapist marketing side, listings management directly impacts the therapist’s online reputation. 

How? By providing a platform for collecting and showcasing patient reviews. And, we know how influential reviews can be for potential patients looking for a trustworthy therapist.

In Dr. Williams’ case, she made it a point to request reviews from her satisfied patients. As more positive reviews came in, her reputation skyrocketed, leading to more potential patients reaching out for appointments.

The connection between listings management, visibility and conversions

Visibility is fantastic, but the ultimate goal of any therapist marketing strategy is conversions — turning potential patients into actual ones. Here’s where listings management shines.

Consider this: a potential patient searches for a therapist in their locality. They come across Dr. Williams’ practice, which has not only consistent information across platforms but also numerous positive reviews. Impressed by what they see, they visit her website and eventually book an appointment. 

Just like that, a prospective patient has turned into an actual one, thanks to the magic of listings management.

A well-managed listing not only improves visibility but also provides a seamless experience for potential patients. 

From finding the correct contact information to reading trustworthy reviews, everything contributes to a positive image of the therapist. And as we know, a positive first impression significantly influences the decision to book an appointment.

Breaking down the intricate layers of SEO in therapist marketing

With the role of listings management in visibility now clear, let’s delve deeper into the intricate world of SEO in therapist marketing.

When we talk about SEO, we often focus on factors like keyword optimization and high-quality backlinks. While these are crucial, the impact of listings management, especially on local SEO, cannot be overstated. 

It forms the backbone of a robust SEO strategy for therapists, ensuring they rank high on local search results.

Dr. Williams, for instance, combined her listings management strategy with other SEO tactics like targeted keywords and regular blog posts. As a result, her website’s search ranking soared, bringing in more organic traffic and increasing her online visibility manifold.

But remember, SEO isn’t just about improving visibility. It’s also about attracting the right audience — in this case, potential patients looking for therapy services. 

A strong SEO strategy, combined with effective listings management, can help therapists reach their target audience more efficiently.

Sealing the deal with a call to action

After harnessing the power of listings management and SEO, it’s essential to seal the deal with an effective call to action (CTA). A well-crafted CTA not only encourages potential patients to take the next step, but it also leaves a lasting impression.

In Dr. Williams’ case, she added a clear and compelling CTA on her website — “Book your first appointment today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.” 

As a result, many of her website visitors felt motivated to schedule an appointment, improving her conversion rate significantly.

Amplifying therapist marketing with listings management

To sum it up, listings management is a powerful tool in therapist marketing, significantly impacting visibility and SEO.

Its role in maintaining accurate and consistent information across platforms enhances local SEO, driving organic traffic to the therapist’s website. 

Additionally, by providing a platform for patient reviews, it bolsters the therapist’s online reputation, influencing potential patients’ decision to book an appointment.

As our hypothetical example, Dr. Williams, showed, combining listings management with a strong SEO strategy can yield remarkable results, amplifying online visibility and boosting conversions.

In today’s digital age, where potential patients often turn to the internet to find therapy services, it’s imperative for therapists to harness the power of listings management. Because in the end, increased visibility leads to more patients, which is the ultimate goal of every therapist marketing strategy.

Are you a therapist looking to boost your online visibility and attract more patients? Learn more and see our plans and pricing

How to Build Trust Online for Your Therapy Practice

In the digital age, many people are turning to the internet to find the help they need. From researching a therapist and reading reviews to setting up online appointments. 

Whether you provide online therapy services or not, it’s crucial for therapists to create a trusting online presence to ensure their patients feel comfortable and secure. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the various ways therapists can build trust online, from utilizing social media to creating a professional website. We hope you find the information helpful in building trust online.

#1. Build a professional, secure website

Your therapist website is often the first impression potential patients will have of you and your practice. As such, it’s important to create the right first impression with a great website that builds trust with your visitors. 

Here are a few ways to  build trust with your website:

  • Choose a simple design – Your website should be easy to navigate and understand. Avoid clutter and complex designs that can be confusing for visitors. A simple design will help build trust and show that you’re professional and organized.
  • Include testimonials – Including testimonials from past patients is a great way to build trust with potential patients. Be sure to only use testimonials that are positive and relevant to your practice.
  • Make sure your website is secure – Your website should have a secure https:// address and include security features like an SSL certificate. This will help build trust with visitors and show that you take their privacy and security seriously.

#2. Use social media wisely

Social media can be a great way to connect with potential patients and build trust with your online presence. When used wisely, social media can help you build a positive reputation and establish yourself as an expert in your field. 

Here are a few ways to use social media to build trust:

  • Be active and engaging – Post regularly and interact with your followers to show that you’re active on social media. This will help build trust and show that you’re invested in your online presence.
  • Be transparent – Be open and honest with your followers. Don’t try to hide anything or make things up. Transparency will help build trust with your followers.
  • Be professional – Avoid posting anything that could be seen as unprofessional. This includes things like profanity, political posts, and personal photos.

#3. Get more online reviews

Online reviews are a great way to build trust with potential patients. When potential patients see that you have positive reviews, they’ll be more likely to trust you and your therapy practice. 

Here are a few ways to get more online reviews:

  • Ask your patients – The best way to get more reviews is to simply ask your patients. After their appointment, send them an email or text message asking them to leave a review.
  • Embed a reviews widget on your website – You can also embed a reviews widget on your website. This will show potential patients that you have positive reviews and help build trust.
  • Claim your listings on review sites – Make sure you claim your listings on popular review sites like Google, Top Rated Local® and Healthgrades. This will help you control your online reputation and ensure that potential patients see positive reviews.

#4. Invest in content marketing

Content marketing is a great way to build trust with potential patients. By creating blog posts, infographics, videos and other types of content, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and build trust with potential patients. 

Here are a few ways to use content marketing to build trust:

  • Create high-quality content – When creating content, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. Write blog posts that are well-researched and informative. Create videos that are professional and engaging.
  • Share your content – Once you create great content, be sure to share it on your social media channels and website. This will help potential patients find your content and start to build trust with you.
  • Use relevant keywords – When creating content, be sure to use relevant keywords. This will help your content rank higher in search engines and make it more likely to be seen by potential patients.

#5. Manage your local listings

Local listings are important for both local therapist SEO and building trust with potential patients. When potential patients search for therapists in their area, your practice should appear in the search results, whether that’s on Google or a local directory, like Top Rated Local.

Here are a few ways to manage your local listings:

  • Claim your listings – The first step is to claim your listings on popular local directories, sites and apps. This will help you control your online reputation and ensure that potential patients see accurate information about your practice.
  • Update your listings – Once you claim your listings, be sure to keep them up-to-date. This includes things like your hours of operation, address and contact information.
  • Encourage reviews – As we mentioned before, online reviews are a great way to build trust with potential patients. Be sure to encourage your patients to leave reviews on your local listings.

#6. Stay connected with email and text 

Email and text are great ways to stay connected with potential patients and build trust with your online presence. By sending regular updates and reminders, you can show potential patients that you’re invested in their care and build trust in your therapy practice. 

Here are a few ways to use email and text to build trust:

  • Send appointment reminders – Appointment reminders are a great way to stay connected with patients and ensure that they don’t forget their appointment. This will help build trust and show that you care about your patients.
  • Send follow-up messages – After an appointment, send your patients a follow-up message. This can be a simple message to check in and see how they’re doing.
  • Send out mental health tips and other helpful information – Sharing mental health tips and other helpful information is a great way to build trust with potential patients. By sending out regular updates, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Building trust with potential patients is essential for any therapist. By utilizing the tips and strategies above, you can build trust with your online presence and ensure that potential patients feel comfortable and secure.

The Marketing 360® all-in-one therapist marketing platform gives you everything you need to build a trusted presence for your practice online. Plus, you can build a convertible website, master SEO and content marketing, connect with your community on social media and so much more — all from one place. 

Learn more and see our plans and pricing. 

10 Tips for Better Mental Health

Many people understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. But, while many people focus on their physical health by jogging or working out, mental health is often overlooked or forgotten about.

We’re all busy, and taking steps to protect mental health can take time. It’s all too easy to de-prioritize mental health exercises when we have so much on our plates. However, your mental health is well worth the time and effort.

Here are a few things you can do to protect and strengthen your mental health.

10 tips for better mental health

 

 

#1. Be cognizant of thinking traps

Too often, we give our thoughts a lot more power than we should, allowing them to control us when we should be controlling them.

Gaining more control over your thoughts starts with paying attention to them and recognizing thoughts that don’t serve you. Here are a few examples of thinkings traps people often find themselves in:

  • All-or-nothing thinking
  • Jumping to conclusions
  • Making overgeneralizations
  • Catastrophizing
  • Personalization

Once you begin to recognize when these unhealthy thought patterns come up, you can firmly and gently push them aside.

#2. Connect with others

While many of us are still spending a lot more time at home, that doesn’t mean that we should be isolating ourselves from the people we love.

Everyone needs people in their lives. We’re social creatures, even the most introverted of us. Even if it’s just close friends or family, it’s important to stay connected as much as you can.

You may or may not be able to see friends and family in person, but it’s important to make time to talk with them on the phone or schedule video calls with them.

#3. Breathe

When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, one of the best ways to slow down your thinking and heart rate is by also slowing down your breathing.

Take a few minutes each day to relax, take long inhales and exhales, and focus on your breathing.

The more you practice, the better you’ll be able to maintain your focus and the more control you’ll have over your thoughts.

 

 

#4. Get good sleep

Good sleep is a crucial part of both mental and physical health, but many of us end up sacrificing good sleep.

Here are a few things you can do to sleep better at night:

  • Establish a regular sleep schedule
  • Take a break from looking at screens before bed
  • Drink less caffeine and alcohol

Aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.

#5. Exercise regularly

Mental health and physical health go hand in hand, and you’d be surprised at what a difference a little exercise can make in how you feel.

Exercising causes the brain to release endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and help to reduce stress.

Make it a point to get a little bit of exercise every day. Even taking a simple walk each day can have a huge impact.

#6. Take a break from the news

Between the pandemic, unprecedented storms and weather events, political unrest and everything else going on, there’s a lot to keep track of in the world right now.

With so much going on, it can feel like you always have to be paying attention and staying up to date with it all, but giving yourself breaks is key.

The news can get overwhelming when you’re consuming it all the time. Limit your consumption to a few minutes each day so that you can stay in the know without stressing yourself out.

 

 

#7. Go outside

A lack of vitamin D can have a real impact on how you feel. That’s why people tend to feel down more often during the winter when they’re inside more. This is called seasonal affective disorder.

Weather permitting, try to get outside a little bit each day. Even a short walk each day can make a difference in how you feel.

When you’re unable to get outside, try bringing the outdoors in by growing indoor plants in your home.

#8. Give back

Sometimes, the best way to fill your cup is to first fill someone else’s.

When you’re feeling down or need a pick me up, try doing something for someone else. Giving back is one of the most effective ways to pick yourself up.

Giving back can mean all kinds of different things, from volunteering your time or making a donation to paying for someone else’s order in a drive-thru or helping out a friend.

#9. Eat well

How you eat, much like how well you sleep at night and how much you exercise, can play a part in how you feel physically and mentally.

Avoid eating too much sugar, which can leave you feeling tired and blah after the initial sugar high wears off, and limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.

Also, drink more water throughout the day, and eat healthy meals and snacks to avoid the lethargy that comes with skipping meals or making unhealthy food choices.

 

 

#10. Get support

If you’re serious about building better mental health, one of the best things you can do is to work with a professional.

Working with a local therapist, psychiatrist or mental health care professional will give you more insight into your situation and different ideas on how to work through it.


If you’re looking for a therapist or psychiatrist near you, start your search with Top Rated Local®.

You can compare mental health professionals side by side, read therapist and psychiatrist reviews from across the web, see a snapshot of a mental health professional’s online reputation overall and more.

Find a mental health professional near you today.

Mental Health Tips During Coronavirus

Now, more than ever, we should all be thinking about our mental health.

The coronavirus pandemic — as well as the economic consequences of it — has created a lot of stress and uncertainty for many different people. And, it’s during these times that it’s most important to make your mental health a priority.

How to Protect Your Mental Health During Coronavirus

#1. Don’t binge the news.

The pandemic is just one of many things going on right now, and suffice it to say, there’s no shortage of news out there. History is happening around us every minute, and thanks to 24-hour cable news and the internet, you could watch and read about it happening all day, every day. But, that doesn’t mean that you should.

Everyone needs a break from the news every now and then. With everything going on, it’s all too easy for the weight of the world to start weighing you down. Schedule time out of your day to catch up on events, and take a break from the news the rest of the time.

#2. Take care of your physical health.

Mental health and physical health go hand in hand, so make sure to schedule out some time each day to focus on physical fitness. Fitness centers may or may not be open in your community, but even if they’re closed, you can still get in a great workout from home.

Don’t worry so much about trying to get in a gym-quality workout every day. If you want to keep up with that at home, it’s entirely possible (and more power to you), but if going on a walk or doing a gentle yoga workout is the most you can bring yourself to do, know it’s far better than doing nothing. A little movement a day is a great start.

#3. Do something to give back, if possible.

There’s not a lot the average person can do about the murder hornets, the economic downturn, or the coronavirus pandemic, and everything going on right now can easily make you feel helpless. But, there’s a lot you can do in your community to support those around you. Here are a few ideas of ways you can help:

  • Give blood – Blood banks across the country have had to cancel blood drives due to the pandemic, and many are in need of donations.
  • Make masks – The CDC recommends that everyone wears a mask in public places where six feet of distance can be maintained. Making masks to donate to people in your community is easy and fun; you don’t even have to know how to sew!
  • Donate – More and more people are relying on local food banks right now, as well as many other nonprofit organizations. A donation of even $5 can go a long way.

#4. Stay connected to the people you love.

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean severing the connections you have with the people you love, and it shouldn’t. Make it a point to talk to the ones you love on a regular basis. If you can’t bring yourself to do yet another Zoom call, you can always do an old-fashioned phone call or even take a socially distanced walk with them.

Human beings are social animals and need other people in their lives. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to stay connected while still social distancing. You may just have to be a little more creative.

#5. Maintain your routine as much as possible.

Normal is the last thing most of us are feeling right now, and one of the best ways to re-establish a little normalcy during all of this craziness is to try to maintain a routine of some sort.

You may be working or studying from home, or maybe not at all. You may be in the midst of the last few weeks of your child’s school year from home, or you may be wondering how you’re going to keep them busy this summer without summer camps or sports. Whatever your situation, build a routine around it.

#6. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, it’s full of beautiful loaves of bread, fabulous artwork, and impressive DIY projects. As Americans, most of us are not used to having endless amounts of free time on our hands, and there’s a tremendous amount of pressure to do something — to write the next great American novel, perhaps, or to organize every square inch of our homes, or transform into Arnold Schwarzenegger. But, if you don’t feel motivated right now, that’s OK.

In fact, it’s perfectly natural not to feel especially creative, motivated, or productive right now. If you can’t focus, it’s not a failure on your part. Take it easy on yourself, be patient, and give yourself license to take a break.

#7. Get outside help when you need it.

If you’re feeling lonely, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or you just need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to seek out mental health services near you. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to see a therapist or counselor in person, but most are more than happy to talk with you over the phone or via Zoom or Google Hangouts.

#8. Know that this too shall pass.

We may not know how long this pandemic will go on for, but we do know that it will not go on forever. When everything starts to feel like it’s too much, think of that old Persian adage, “This too shall pass.”


Looking for a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional near you? Start your search with Top Rated Local®. Top Rated Local allows you to read reviews from across the web, and makes it easy to compare businesses’ overall reputations’ side by side.

Find a mental health professional near you today!

Do I Need Therapy?

Everyone struggles from time to time, whether it’s due to work stress, relationship problems, family issues, or poor mental health. If you are currently struggling, it may be time for you to seek out a local therapist.

Signs You Could Benefit from Therapy

You are having inexplicable physical symptoms.

Many people do not realize that many mental health conditions come with physical symptoms. If you have seen a medical professional and all your tests are coming back negative, your doctor may suggest therapy for treatment. This is particularly true if you’re experiencing intestinal distress, as mental health and the digestive system are connected.

You feel stuck in a pattern of behavior.

You know your actions aren’t getting where you want to go, but you don’t know how to break the vicious cycle. If you are feeling trapped and unable to behave in a different, healthier way, talking to a therapist may help you. Whether it is staying in a toxic relationship, feeling trapped at an unsatisfying job, or using unhealthy coping mechanisms, it is possible to break negative patterns of behavior to live a healthier and happier life, and a therapist may help.

You feel out of control of your emotions.

Being more emotional than other people in your life doesn’t mean that you need therapy. However, these people can generally regulate their emotions to respond appropriately to situations. If you feel that you have no control over how you feel and it is causing problems, therapy may help you. For example, you might feel an overwhelming surge of rage over small inconveniences that has a negative impact on your relationships. If you’re feeling out of control emotionally, you may benefit in particular from cognitive behavioral therapy, which is designed to help with emotional regulation.

You’re unhappy with your life.

Things can’t always be perfect, and everyone experiences unhappiness with their circumstances from time to time. However, if you have a running dialogue in your head thinking about how you hate your life, or maybe even thoughts about how you would rather be dead, this means it is time to talk to a professional. A therapist can help you challenge those negative thought patterns and determine changes you can make in your life that will help you be happier.

You cope with alcohol or other drugs.

Drinking to cope with stress is common in our culture, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. If you are regularly using alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions, it’s a red flag that a deeper issue is lurking beneath the surface.

If there is any part of your life that causes distress that you feel hopeless about, there is no shame in reaching out for help. Professional therapists have helped millions of people work through their issues, and the right therapist may be able to help you as well.

About the Author

New Transitions Counseling Center offers cognitive behavioral therapy in Palatine, IL. We have a staff of dependable and affordable therapists who can help you with a variety of issues, from depression and anxiety to autism spectrum disorder to grief. If you are interested in learning whether we would be a good match, contact us for a free phone consultation.

How to Find a Therapist

Finding a therapist can be daunting, but when you are experiencing mental health problems or struggling in some other way personally, the right therapist can make all of the difference in the world. If you have never sought therapy before, you might feel overwhelmed. Here is a simple guide to finding a local therapist who can help you.

Consider What is Important to You

Start by thinking about what specialties you would like your therapist to have and whether or not there is a gender you would prefer talking to about personal issues. Also consider logistical concerns, such as where their office is located. You might like a therapist’s personality, but if you have to travel 45 minutes to and from their office, it will be a lot harder to stick with a regular therapeutic schedule. Pick a therapist who you can connect with and who will be convenient for you.

Understand the Different Types of Therapists

There are many different types of mental health professionals from whom you can receive therapy.

  • Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in psychiatric illnesses. They attended medical school and are licensed to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are also trained in psychotherapy and psychological testing.
  • Psychologist: Psychologists are professionals with doctorates in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). While psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are trained in psychotherapy and psychological testing.
  • Social Worker: Social workers provide social services, most commonly in healthcare settings, though there are a variety of environments in which they work. Social workers specialize in helping with interpersonal problems, providing empathy and counseling to help individuals thrive mentally and emotionally.
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): LPCs have a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-grad experience in the field. They are licensed or certified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

Exploring Your Therapeutic Options

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of therapists and have determined which type is right for you, it’s time to find a list of professionals who meet your needs.

  • Go through your insurance. If you plan to use your health insurance to cover part or all of the cost of therapy, it’s best to start with a list of providers who are covered under your plan. You may be able to find a comprehensive list on your insurance company’s website, or you can contact a representative to ask for it.
  • Do a Psychology Today search. Psychology Today has a helpful tool on their website that is essentially Facebook for counselors. Local therapists in your area have profiles which you can read through, and you can even filter your search based on what you’re looking for specifically.

Keep in mind that it usually takes some time to develop a healing therapeutic relationship. It may take a few sessions before you feel comfortable opening up to your therapist. That being said, if you don’t feel you are the right fit, there is nothing wrong with moving on and finding a professional who better suits your needs.

About the Author

New Transitions Counseling Center provides compassionate and meaningful therapy to the residents of Palatine, IL. We specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We pride ourselves on being dependable and affordable therapists. Contact us for a free phone consultation to determine whether one of our therapists is right for you.