The moment you have been waiting for has arrived: you started a new therapy practice, it is exciting, this is a dream come true moment for you. But few days in, and the reality kicks in: so what now? How do you go about getting your first few clients & growing your clients base. Most therapists aren’t taught marketing in school, and the online world can seem overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t need fancy ads or big budgets for this. Below are a few(& totally free) simple online steps can help new clients discover you naturally
Here are five practical things every therapist should set up to build visibility online
📍 1. Register Your Google Business Profile
If you only do one thing from this list, do this first. A Google Business Profile helps your practice appear when someone nearby searches for “therapy near me” or “counseling in [my city].”
It can take a few minutes to hours to register there, but once your profile is active, clients can find your profile, contact info, location, and opening hours instantly.
Most of people use google to search for anything, and this ensures that when people search for therapy near me(or a similar query), your profile shows up.
Once it’s live, encourage happy clients to leave a review on your google profile. Centers and therapists with more positive reviews appear higher in local results, which means more potential clients will see your name first.
👉 Tip: Use keywords naturally in your profile. For example, instead of just “SafeTalk Therapy Center,” write “SafeTalk Therapy Center – Counseling and Mental Health Services in Kuala Lumpur.”
🧠 2. Use a Clear, Descriptive Website Headline
Many therapy websites use poetic or abstract slogans like “Clear Your Thoughts” or “Find Your Calm.” While meaningful, they don’t help with Google search.
When people look for therapy, they don’t search for “I want to find my calm”, instead they type things like “therapy in KL” or “anxiety counseling near me.”
Make sure the main headline on your website clearly describes what you do and where.
For example:
✅ “Professional Therapy Services in Kuala Lumpur”
✅ “Online and In-Person Counseling for Stress and Anxiety”
Google uses this headline to match your website with search terms. The clearer it is, the more likely your site will appear when someone needs help.
👉 Tip: Keep your headline and first sentence focused on your profession, location, and the problems you help with.
🔍 3. Set Up Google Search Console
Once your website is online, connect it to Google Search Console. This tool shows you how people are finding your site, what keywords they search, which pages get the most visits, and where you appear in Google results.
It’s a totally free but powerful way to understand what’s working. You’ll see which topics or phrases attract visitors and can adjust your content accordingly.
You might need your web developer’s help to set it up since it involves verifying your domain, but it’s worth it.
🔗 Get started with Google Search Console
👉 Tip: Check your data monthly to see which search terms bring traffic. If you notice a phrase like “therapy for stress,” that’s a good clue for your next blog topic.
✍️ 4. Create Helpful Blog Content
Blogging is one of the easiest ways to attract new clients organically. When you write about topics people often search for, like “how to manage anxiety at work” or “tips to improve emotional regulation”, Google may show your articles in search results.
Every blog post increases your chances of being found online. Even writing one post a month can make a difference over time.
You don’t need to sound overly professional or academic. Simple, relatable writing works best. Focus on common questions clients ask in sessions, and answer them briefly in your blogs.
At the end of each post, you can gently include your booking link or contact form.
👉 Tip: Stay consistent. Regular posting signals to Google that your site is active, which helps ranking.
📱 5. Use Instagram to Reach New Clients
Instagram is a great platform for therapists to build awareness, especially for younger audiences or those who might not know where to start.
Reels work better than static images because short videos reach more people through the Explore tab. Even 15–30 second clips sharing small insights, like “3 signs of burnout” or “why therapy isn’t just for crisis” can make a big impact.
You don’t need fancy production. A quiet space, good lighting, and a calm tone go a long way.
👉 Tip: Post consistently, even if it’s just once or twice a week. Educational, supportive, and authentic content tends to perform best.
🌼 Final Thoughts
These five steps form the foundation of your online presence. They help potential clients find you, understand what you offer, and trust you enough to reach out.
Start with one step at a time, set up Google Business first, then move on to your website and content. Within a few months, you’ll start seeing more inquiries without spending a cent on ads.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover how to collect reviews, use directories, and build ongoing client referrals
