As a therapist, you excel in helping others navigate their lives, yet when it comes to marketing your own practice, you might find yourself at a standstill. This phenomenon, known as marketing inertia, is more common than you think.
It's the overwhelming sensation of not knowing where to begin, coupled with a fear of taking the wrong steps. If you're nodding in agreement, this guide is tailored for you. We're here to journey through the fog of marketing inertia and lay down a path that’s clear, manageable, and effective for your hypnotherapy business.
Understanding Marketing Inertia
Marketing inertia often creeps in when there's a lack of clear direction. You know you need to market your services, but the how, what, and where can be baffling. It's not just about lack of knowledge; it's also about the overwhelming number of choices. I have experienced it myself, thinking that I must start an account on every new social media platform, only to find that maintaining a consistent flow of content on them, is really challenging.
This inertia is a natural response to the complexities of modern marketing. It's crucial to recognize that you're not alone in this, and feeling stuck does not reflect on your capabilities as a therapist.
Identifying Your Marketing Goals
Begin by defining clear, attainable marketing goals. Ask yourself, “What do I want to achieve with my marketing efforts?” This could range from increasing client bookings to enhancing online visibility. It may help to remember, your goals should be specific, measurable and achievable. It makes it so much easier to track and gauge progress if they are.
Next, pinpoint your target audience. Who needs your services? Understanding your audience’s needs, challenges, and where they spend their time (online and offline) will inform your marketing strategies. Get really clear on their problem-related behaviours, feelings and beliefs. Write down as many words as you can in each of these categories, as later on you can use this language in your marketing efforts to grab their attention, meeting them where they are at.
Essential Marketing Tips for Therapists
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Establish an Online Presence: In the digital age, an online presence is non-negotiable. Start with a professional website and choose one or two social media platforms where your target audience is most active. Remember, consistency is key. If you cannot build a website yourself, then I encourage you to reach out to someone that can on Upworks. You don't need a complex website. You need one that functions, and that you can update. We have found websites built on the Squarespace platform are a good place to start.
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Content is King: Share valuable content that resonates with your audience. This could be blog posts about common mental health issues, tips for self-care, or insights into hypnotherapy. Engaging content establishes your expertise and builds trust. It should always be shared with the client in mind, and should always be educational or transformational. Simply ask yourself, 'Does this content have a chance of helping my potential client get closer to their desired outcome?'
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Leverage Your Network: Use your existing connections to spread the word about your services. Attend local networking events, join online forums, and consider partnerships with other health professionals. Too many therapists adopt a lone wolf approach, and miss out on the insights and support gained from networking. The stronger your community connections are, the better.
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Client Testimonials: Positive reviews from past clients can be incredibly persuasive. With permission, share these testimonials on your website and social media. Ensure that at the end of a successful interaction with any client, you actively ask for a testimonial, and make it as easy as possible for them to provide one. If you want words, ask for a text or email. If you want them to use a business review platform, ensure they have links and instructions. If you would like a video testimonial shot in portrait orientation, then ask. Make it as easy as possible for them.
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Start Small and Scale: You don't have to do everything at once. Pick one or two strategies and build upon them as you grow more comfortable. This is the key to avoiding overwhelm. Stick at one thing, with at least one piece of content per week, at first. Don't immediately judge the results, or lack of, as it takes time to build these relationships. Just keep serving your potential clients via your content.
Creating Your Marketing Plan
An effective marketing plan acts as your roadmap. Start by setting small, weekly goals. For instance, in the first week, focus on setting up your social media profiles. The next week, work on creating a content calendar. Gradually, add more tasks as you become more confident in your marketing abilities.
Remember, this plan is not set in stone. Be flexible and adapt as you learn what works best for your practice.
Embarking on your marketing journey might seem daunting, but remember, every expert was once a beginner. Marketing is an evolving process, and with each step, you'll learn and grow. The most important thing is to start. Take that first step today, and soon, you'll look back and marvel at how far you've come.
At Jacquin Hypnosis Academy we host a weekly Professional Momentum session, open to all, where we delve deeper into each of these strategies, providing you with more tools and insights. Stay tuned, and remember, your journey in marketing your hypnotherapy business starts with a single, yet significant, step forward.