Why do psychologists need a website?
Before we start explaining what we should find on the website of a psychologist, why do these specialists need one?
Whether they are independent or own an office with other experts, an online presence is vital nowadays. First, a complete website is where you can gather all the important information about your business, whether it is your services, team, address, or rates.
Moreover, a professional-looking website is also proof of credibility and professionalism. If you put the effort or money into getting a website, it tells that you wish to show that you have a serious business.
Finally, by taking the time to work on your SEO, your website can appear on search engines’ results. Consequently, if potential clients are looking for psychological services, they can find you more easily.
What do you need to create a psychologist’s website?
It is better to prepare yourself if you want to increase your chances of success. Let us see what you need to have before creating a website for a psychologist.
A plan
Before you start building the web pages, we recommend you make a plan for your site. You can list all the pages and sections you want to add or get an idea of the desired structure. There are various ways to proceed, but you can simply take a pen and paper and draw what you have in mind.
Branding
It will be easier to create your website if you already have thought about the components of your brand image. A brand image comprises all the elements that form the universe representing your brand. It includes your logo, the general style, and the color palette. These components will have an impact on the general look of your psychologist's website.
A template
Here is a tip to create a website easily: instead of starting with a blank page, take the time to find a site template that will meet your needs. You will only have to change the images and texts by having the proper structure. Regarding this, WebSelf has many website templates, of which several were created especially for businesses and specialists.
What should we find on a psychologist’s website?
Now, what should we find on the website of a psychologist? To help you avoid forgetting anything, we made you a list of relevant pages and elements.
A homepage
Every website, even those for psychologists, has a homepage. It is often the first page visited by your potential clients; therefore, it is essential that it is professional-looking and summarizes the rest of your site well. Consequently, pay special attention to the content and picture of this page.
An about us page
Let us now pass to the about us page. It is another important page of your website. It is the perfect place to present yourself, mention your studies and experience, explain your story and why you wanted to become a psychologist. Think about how you stand out from other offices and mental health specialists and do not hesitate to show your personality.
A page to present your services
Whether you offer appointments, therapy sessions, or coaching, your psychologist’s website must include a page with all your services. Besides presenting what you offer, try to answer all questions your potential clients could ask.
A contact page
If you want potential clients to contact you, you need to display the information to do it. About this, remember to create a contact page. You can add your contact information, like your address, phone number, open hours, email address, map, etc. You can also use a contact form if you do not want to share your personal information.
A link to book an appointment
Another way to ease the contact is to use an appointment management tool. Your visitors will then be able to book their next appointment in just a few clicks without having to do anything. Among the tools we know are Calendly, GoRendezVous, and Google Agenda.
Testimonials
Finally, to increase your professional credibility, we recommend collecting and displaying satisfied clients' testimonials directly on your website. It will show that you met your clients’ needs and that they recommend you. It can be especially useful if you have just started as a psychologist and are looking for new clients.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why psychologists should have a website. Besides increasing their credibility, it allows them to be found more easily online. Start the creation process by making a plan, thinking about your brand image components, and trying different things. If needed, do not hesitate to look at the latest web design trends for inspiration. Good luck!