3 Ways to Get Your First 10 Private Practice Clients (Or Your Next 10!)
Dreaming of or planning for the launch of your private practice can be an incredibly exciting time in your journey as a therapist. Moving from your role as a student or full-time employee into a new role of an entrepreneur is quite an accomplishment, but it can also feel scary and nerve-wracking.
The transition period from when you launch your practice to when you have enough clients to cover your expenses is certainly a vulnerable time and the fear you may feel during this phase is extremely common! As cliche as it may sound, it is important to remember that there is no such thing as ‘overnight success’ - it takes time to build your caseload (and your confidence as a private practitioner).
With that said, there are several ways you can work towards getting your first 10 clients (or even your next 10). Keep reading for some tried and tested tips from the BYPP Success Coaches!
Start before you’re ready
One way you can build momentum in launching your private practice and finding your first clients is by actually getting started. Create social media accounts for your business and start sharing content to showcase your knowledge and expertise, build your website so that potential clients have somewhere to find you online.
It can take a few months for your website to start showing on Google search results, provided that you’ve incorporated an SEO (search engine optimization) strategy. So building a simple website and starting to write blog content is a great way to build your online presence prior to your official launch.
Be sure to also take the time to set up your profile on Psychology Today and Theravive before you launch your practice. This will ensure that potential clients visiting those sites have an opportunity to find you and learn more about your therapeutic approach before you feel like you are scrambling and stressing to fill your caseload.
The business of launching your practice will be tedious as it is, so working to get yourself in front of your clients will help make your transition to entrepreneurship go more smoothly.
Don’t discount word-of-mouth marketing
How many times do you recommend a local business or a new favourite restaurant to your friends or family? Word-of-mouth referrals are also a great way to build your private practice caseload. Prior to launching your practice, take some time to reach out to your friends, family and acquaintances (even your Facebook friends) with a genuine message to let them know your exciting news.
As you email or direct message your network, be sure to include information on your ideal client and the services you will offer and ask them to share your website or email with anyone who may be interested in working with you or with those who could benefit from your services.
As a private practitioner, your passion for the work you do will be apparent and word-of-mouth referrals will come naturally to your network as you share the news of your new adventure and the launch of your business.
Optimize your profiles for online directories
Psychology Today can be an excellent source of referrals and can help you build your caseload, when done correctly. Think about your behaviour as a consumer. When you are researching a business or brand you are considering working with, what do you look for?
It’s likely that you resonate more with small business owners who share pictures of themselves and incorporate some of their personality. You may feel drawn to businesses that speak to your challenges in a way that you understand. These are all important things to consider when building your profile in online directories such as Psychology today or Theravive.
As a starting point, your Psychology Today profile needs to include details about your services, the types of clients who benefit from working with you and a professional headshot that is warm and welcoming - don’t forget to smile!
It’s also important to ensure that you avoid clinical jargon. Potential clients reading your profile may not know what post-partum depression entails but they are likely to resonate with phrases such as ‘feelings of hopelessness, ‘chronic fatigue’, ‘anxiety’ or ‘difficulty sleeping’. Speaking the language of your ideal client will help earn their trust and pique their interest in working with you.
Transitioning to entrepreneurship and building your private practice can feel scary but with some preparation leading up to your launch, you will be closer to filling your caseload and embarking on your journey to sustainable business success.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed as you dream about going into private practice or plan for the launch of your business, be sure to check out our programs designed to help you in every stage of your private practice journey.
