Does your private practice need a blog?
5 ways a blog can help build your business
A blog can create extra work outside of your clinical role and business demands. So, why is it so important to have one for your private practice?
Blogging can benefit your private practice enormously. It can position you as an authority in your field, connect with new people (and potential clients) and build awareness in the online community about what you do and what you can offer. It can also grow your business through increased referrals and ultimately, greater cash flow.
Increase traffic to your website
Another reason to have a blog: the more words on your website the more Google will love you! It takes time to build up a good Google ranking and content is the way to do it.
When it comes to your website, Google loves new and regular content. Your website, unless updated regularly, tends to remain static. While a blog adds consistent content which works in your favour when it comes to Google algorithms. The more quality content you have on your website, the more likely you will rank higher in the search rankings and this leads to increased traffic. More traffic= more clients. This is how you can grow your business organically.
A blog positions you as an expert in the field
A blog is an excellent way to showcase your experience and knowledge of client issues. People will value the information you share and consider you the ‘go to’ person in the field. This builds confidence and trust in our clients who are seeking a health practitioner to support them.
Positioning yourself as an authority figure or the ‘go-to’ person in your field is also important if you wish to host webinars or workshops or present at conferences.
Connect with potential clients
Through your writing, your knowledge and expertise people learn about you, what you do and the types of clients you help. Even if right now they aren’t ready to engage your services, the content will keep bringing them back and when they are ready, you’ll be the first person they have in mind.
Extend your reach
If you feel passionate about something but your business is thriving, blogging is a way to extend your reach and build awareness on health concerns. You can share your knowledge, useful tips and insights with people- even if you don’t have capacity to see them all. Once you’ve grown your audience you can offer online courses to diversify your income streams and reach more people.
Opportunities
When you have a blog (and therefore an online presence and authority) you may be invited to write on major publications or on other practitioner websites. An online presence is also important if you wish to write a book or release a course at some point.
A note on ethical blog posts
Health practitioners must adhere to health advertising guidelines and be careful about the kind of ‘claims’ you make about your service. For Allied Health Professionals (psychologists, chiropractors etc.), the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority has strict guidelines on what you can and can’t say to promote your business.
Ready to start your private practice blog?
These three resources can get you started:
1. Download my free eBook with 10 content ideas for therapists and health practitioners
2. Or purchase my eBook for therapists with 101 blog prompts which is jam-packed with tips and tricks to plan, write and strategise your blog content.
3. Find out how to structure your blog post, find the right angle and come up with a catchy headline with my downloadable blog template and ebook.
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