more clients, less cringe
We get it–starting to market yourself as a clinician can be intimidating, especially when you don't know where to start. That's why we created this guide to help you build your online presence–without already being a social media influencer. Check out these helpful tips and tricks to guide you in your self-marketing journey.
network like a boss
Networking is an important part of building your professional community, but that doesn't make it easy! Talking to new people can be intimidating–which is why we've put together a few tips to hopefully make it a little more fun.
Networking isn't all handshaking and business card swapping–it's about forming authentic connections. Take the time to get to know people on a personal level, understand their interests, challenges, and aspirations. It's more useful to make two or three strong connections than try to chat with everyone.
This is the most important (and hardest) part! Attending the event, and being your authentic self in the space is the best thing you can do to make new professional connections. It CAN feel a little scary, which is where bringing a friend or gamifying the experience by setting goals and side quests can make a huge difference.
Networking is a two-way street. Offer help, support, and genuine opportunities to connect with the folx you're chatting with. Being generous with your time, knowledge, and resources help to foster relationships and community.
While the party might be over, your new found friendship is just beginning! Whether it's a tie back to your conversation, a podcast rec, or just a quick thank you, a little follow up goes a LONG way in fostering connection.
networking ideas to try
- Go to networking events & health fairs
- Sign up to be a speaker at conferences & workshops
- Sign up for continuing education courses to learn new skills. Getting trained in methods of therapy like IFS, EMDR, Gottman, DBT can make you more marketable. This is also a great way to meet other clinicians!
- Give your PCP provider a stack of business cards and let them know you are accepting new clients. Your PCP does a PHQ and/or a GAD-7 with all of their patients and they often are too overburdened with other tasks to provide a referral list. Giving them your card is a great way to get more potential clients reaching out.
writing & updating an engaging bio
Having an online presence and a solid bio are two things that can make a HUGE difference in how many clients you’re reaching, but that doesnt have to look like doing tiktok dances or hopping on lives all the time. In fact, we’re here to say you should only do those things if YOU want to. Otherwise, there are lots of easier ways to help make sure you’re reaching the right people. Starting off with the thing that is most impactful and easily overlooked- your bio!
The hook of your bio should be no more than two sentences and motivate your audience to keep reading.
Online searchers are not known for their attention spans. Keep your sentences to the point and yourparagraphs relatively concise.
One of the many reasons Inclusive Insight is so special is the focus we have on specialtiesand individuality. Your bio is the best place to showcase this–have fun with it and be YOU!
It's a good idea to address the readers' needs in the second person ("you" language) versus speaking to the reader about yourself in the first person ("I" language).
For example, instead of writing "I work with people who often struggle with feelings of anxiety or loneliness" you might start out with something like this: "Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety and loneliness?"
OR
"If you find it difficult to make friends and experience loneliness regularly as a result, come talk to me. Together we will work on strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties and build meaningful social connections."
Adding an 10-15 second intro video to your Psychology Today or website bio page can do wonders for your online visibility. Potential clients are able to understand your beautiful vibes very quickly and won't feel as awkward during the initial consult appointments.
questions to ponder
Ask yourself the following questions not only when thinking about your biography, but also when you're thinking about how to market yourself. Make it a thing–get yourself a cup of tea, light some candles, get a cool journal, and reflect on what you want your schedule and client base to look like. Use what you write down as a reference every time you make a social media post, send an email, or go to networking events.
1. how does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
2. how do your life philosophy & treatment philosophy overlap?
3. DO YOU USE HUMOR IN YOUR SESSIONS? WHAT KIND OF HUMOR?
(DARK, AFFILIATIVE, SARCASTIC, GOOFY, ETC.)
4. why did you choose to be a mental health professional?
5. what inspires you most about your career as a clinician?
6. what's the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you've learned as a mental health professional?
7. WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT? WHAT ARE THEIR PAIN POINTS?
8. WHAT IS YOUR UNIQUE STANDPOINT IN HELPING THIS IDEAL CLIENT WITH THEIR STRUGGLES?
9. WHAT IN YOUR PERSONAL STORY RESONATES WITH YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
10. what do you view as the key component of the therapeutic alliance/relationship?
11. are there any recurring themes or issues you've noticed as you treat clients in your area of specialization? if so, how has this insight guided your approach?
getting in touch
with us is easy
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personal empowerment
social media tips
We know you have heard it a million times "having social media is vital to growing your client base" And it's true- having a personal brand and social media CAN really help you reach new clients, but we also know it can be overwhelming to start...After all, you're here because you want to support your clients, not be an influencer! While it can all seem overwhelming and mysterious—especially with so many voices selling you "sure fire" ways to "beat the algorithm"—the truth here is that the best thing you can do to build your personal brand is to be your authentic self. Our best tips?
start small
This is a big one. A huge problem people face is trying to do everything they are "supposed to do" all at once, which just leads to creative burnout. Instead, post to the places you already find yourself spending time, and make content you enjoy making and watching! Whether it's social posts, blogs, guesting on podcasts, or something else, It's important to start in places you feel most comfortable being yourself, since odds are that's where your people are too!
post imperfectly
You will ALWAYS look back on your old stuff and cringe...It's inevitable, but it means you've grown, and that's worth celebrating! People aren't as interested in seeing highly edited slices of life on social anymore- they want real connection with real people...even if said person's dog barks in the background of a video or has a bit of toothpaste on their shirt.
use all the tools
As a team we are working on creating more tools and opportunities for support! For starters, Adam has set time aside in his schedule to record videos with staff that are posted to our socials! If you send us your professional handle, we will always be sure to tag you in them! We are also working on building out sharable resources you could post on your professional social media channels, and are happy to share the content you create on our channels if you let us know!