Some experts believe websites should be designed to move visitors along a continuum from point A to B.  Under this model, each web page is seen as part of a process, not a place to visit.  Others talk about the importance of simplicity when designing a site.  Websites must have a sense of purpose and clarity so readers aren’t confused by clutter or mixed messages.  More recently, web experts talk about moving away from a “static website” model to one that stresses community and conversations.

All of these bits of advice are important and useful.  However, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s not forget about the most essential of all website tips.

YOU NEED TO HAVE ONE!

Last week I shared the story of Pam Dyson, a St. Louis based therapist who noticed that almost none of her colleagues had an online presence.  She jumped right in and became a very big fish in a small pond.

There are all kinds of choices when it comes to building a website, and this is part of the problem.  The options seem endless.  People freeze up, don’t know where to turn, and choose to do nothing.  You may decide to take action, to follow in Pam’s footsteps, but then you’re left wondering how in the world to get started!

Here’s a resource I believe will help you move in the right direction.  It’s from a company called TherapySites.com.

If you don’t have the money to spend on a custom designed website I highly recommend www.TherapySites.com.  I was able to spend some time talking with them about the state of the industry and what they had to offer the clinical community.  Below are excerpts from that conversation.

Good luck and if you decide to give them a try go to their site HERE and use the promotional code PromoDD.  You’ll get the first month free for being a part of my Blog community!

Q: What is TherapySites?

A: Our product was created to be an online marketing solution for therapists who want to successfully market and manage their practice online, but who may not have $2500 – $3000 to fork out for a custom website.  It is the quick, easy and affordable website option that outperforms most websites while still looking ever bit as professional.

Q: What sets TherapySites apart from other website companies?

A: TherapySites specializes in working with therapists.  We are experts at what makes a therapist website effective, engaging and optimized (*This means we work hard to get your site noticed online in all the right places).  TherapySites is extremely easy to set up, offers everything a therapist needs for a professional, therapy tailored website, at an affordable price.  But I’d have to say the biggest thing that sets us apart is the search engine optimization that we give all our customers.

Search Engine Optimization refers to the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a website.  The real name of the game in website marketing, is to show up on that first page when someone does a search for therapy in their area. TherapySites does a lot to fulfill this for many of its customers in a variety of ways. One way is by listing each of our websites in over 50 different online directories and and all of the top search engines.  Additionally, TherapySites has optimized all of it’s content and metatags.  And, in each of our websites there is a “Hot Topics” section where we update monthly, the latest articles that are getting the most buzz in the mental health field.  Together, all of this tells search engines that a TherapySites website is content rich, with relevant information that people want and is well networked throughout the web.  This all boils down to great search engine results for our customers and ultimately new clients.

Q: What sort of results are your customers experiencing from their websites?

A: Our customers are thrilled with the performance of their websites overall.  Many are reporting a first page listing on google search engines.  And, are seeing a consistent flow of new clients because of their website.  One customer I recently spoke with was excite to share that she was receiving a new client weekly from her website. It is very satisfying to work with our customers this way and see such great results for their practices.  The results of course will vary from city to city depending on the demand for therapy and the competition.  TherapySites is proud that it’s customers are so satisfied and this is shown in our 98% retention rate.  That’s really saying something since we have no long-term contracts and our customers can cancel anytime.  So I’d say our websites are definitely providing a great service.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: $59 a month. There are no set up charges or additional hidden fees for our services.  There are also no long term contracts.  Our customers are free to cancel at anytime and are able to enjoy our services with the confidence of our 30-day money back guarantee.

Q: How difficult/easy is it to get a website set up?

A: It can take as little as 20 minutes to have your website up and live from beginning to end.  And it is so easy and fun to do.  Our websites are also entirely customizable with our easy to use editing system.  So, if you want to really get fancy, you can spend more time with it, putting your own photos in, video, add unlimited pages, and write as much content as you wish.  In that sense your time spent with it is really up to you.

Q: What sort of bells and whistles do you offer?

A: TherapySites integrates professional website design, hosting, website content, HIPAA compliant web services, personalized domain purchase and upkeep, integrated email, technology maintenance, do-it-yourself editing tools, and the ability to add photos, audio and video.  Additionally, TherapySites includes Search Engine Optimization, downloadable forms, multiple language sites, client management tools, mental health resources, credit card processing, online appointment notifications, along with unlimited technical and customer support.

Q: So how does someone get their website set up with TherapySites?”

A: Just go to www.therapysites.com and start your free trial to play around with all our great designs and launch your new website.  When you purchase your site, provide a promo code of “PromoDD“, and you will receive one month of free service with Therapysites. Call our customer support at 866-597-2674 and have them walk you through the process. Don’t forget to mention “PromoDD” for your free month!

Q: Can you give us a comparison example so people can visualize what you have been talking about?

A: I googled “San Diego, CA MFT” and on the first page I found this TherapySites website:  
http://www.cunninghamtherapy.com/

This is a non-TherapySites website under the same google search on page 10:
http://www.lornahecht.com

The second site shown here, although not bad, has not been optimized as effectively as the TherapySites website.  And in the end, this site, on page 10 is likely not generating the new business as the TherapySites website. You can also see that the TherapySites website gives a lot more information like the rates and hours of operation, helpful forms to download, a links page and more.   This gives a potential client far more upfront information that is more likely to lead to an informed decision to hire.