Grow Your Practice with Directory Listings and Online Reviews

So you’ve already invested your time, effort, and money into creating a compelling website for your therapy practice. You want to make the most of your investment and maximize your reach. The next step is to attract viewers, so that you can build rapport and ultimately convert visitors into clients. Attracting viewers requires a strategic approach. Crafting standout directory listings and revamping your online reviews are keys to increasing site traffic.

So, how can you optimize your directory listings and online reviews? Let’s dive in!

Creating SEO-friendly directory listings

Reputable search engine optimized (SEO) directories help land your business in front of your ideal clients. These platforms not only attract visitors – they also lend you credibility through association, increasing the viewer’s trust and rapport with your business from the start. This combination can help propel your practice growth.

Taking the time to build powerful directory listings can create a steady flow of clients for years to come. After the initial creation, we recommend that you update them whenever appropriate. If you complete a new course, gain fresh accreditation, or publish a book these are all great accomplishments to add to your listings!

Here are 6 tips to consider as you get started on your directory listing:

1. Research Before You Write – Before crafting your profile, research competitors’ listings. Look for elements that attract attention and make note of what doesn’t. Identify what appeals to your ideal client!
2. Write Engaging Copy – Overly formal, jargon-filled profiles tend to make viewers tune out. Use a conversational tone, addressing the reader directly (using “you” and “your”). Highlight unique qualifications and offerings that set you apart.
3. Optimize Your Introduction – The first 3 lines are crucial—they will appear first in search results. Avoid repetition and use this space to grab attention with a statement or question aimed at your ideal client. Showcase your expertise immediately.
4. Use Keywords for SEO – Choose keywords relevant to your practice (e.g., “telehealth”) and naturally integrate them throughout your profile. This enhances visibility in search engine results and within the directory itself.
5. Include Strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs) – Direct readers on what to do next—whether it’s scheduling a session or visiting your website. CTAs increase engagement and inquiries significantly.
6. Enhance with a Professional Headshot – A high-quality, friendly headshot creates a positive first impression. It distinguishes you from competitors and builds trust with potential clients browsing the directory.

RELATED RESOURCES: How to Do Keyword Research for Your Private Practice Website

Identifying the best directories for your business

With so many directories to choose from it can be hard to know where to start! First, consider your niches and compile a list of the conditions or challenges you specialize in. Next, type these into your search engine along with your location.

For example, let’s look at “depression therapist San Francisco”.

Image: results for a “depression therapist San Francisco” search

Under the Google Business Profile listings (we’ll cover how to claim yours next) and common questions, you’ll see a list of results. Take a look. PsychologyToday is a common directory highlighted above. Another great example is GoodTherapy.

We know they are SEO-friendly because Google has ranked them highly. As a qualified therapist, you can join these directories. Becoming a listed member of a directory like PsychologyToday or GoodTherapy gives you access to the benefits of their SEO and reputation.

Most directories let you to create a profile where you can insert keywords or phrases and a link back to your site. There may even be potential to write a blog post for them, attracting more traffic to your site.

Claim your Google Business Profile listing

This is an absolute “must-have”. Google is the most common search engine for most web users. So, claiming your Google Business Profile provides the information Google needs to tell the world about you.

Let’s take a look…

If we search for “therapist San Francisco” as an example, Google provides a list of results, with practice name, contact information, opening details, a rating, directions, and a link to a website, where possible. This type of listing allows you to be easily found. Which is great!

Image: results for a “therapist San Francisco” search

When we click on a red marker, we are shown more information about that specific practice. Your practice should have its own red marker! Particularly because Google Business Profiles sit at the top of the page. The first place searchers look.

Image: example of a Google Business listing for a San Francisco therapist’s practice

And there’s more to the story.

Google Business Profiles also include reviews. Being listed by Google shows a searcher that the businesses are real, but the reviews pack a punch when it comes to perceived expertise and trustworthiness. A business listing with compelling, authentic reviews can help to grow your practice.

If you haven’t claimed your practice’s Google Business Profile listing yet, our article, “Dear BV: How Do I Get a Google Business Profile Listing for My Private Practice?“, walks you through the steps. Check out our Google Business FAQs page for more answers to questions commonly asked by therapists.

Harnessing the power of positive reviews

Reviews matter and are crucial for your reputation. Like it or not, online reviews sway perceptions and decisions. As an article published on Qualtrics.com pointed out, a significant number of people (including your potential clients) read reviews to help them make a purchasing decision. Bad reviews absolutely turn people away.

BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey revealed much about the current review landscape. They found:

• 81% of searchers pay close attention to Google reviews
• 36% of searchers check reviews on 2 sites before deciding to use a local business
• 45% of searchers check Facebook for business reviews and 41% of searchers check Yelp – these non-niche platforms are important!

Referring back to the Qualtrics article, the author noted that great reviews:

• Increase trust
• Can boost search engine rankings
• Encourage action
• Boost profits

Whereas bad reviews have the opposite effect in that they:

• Reduce trust
• May make it more difficult to find you (through poorer SEO)
• Can convince a potential client to avoid your practice
• Can deeply harm your bottom line

It’s not surprising. Reviews act like digital word of mouth, particularly for younger generations.

So, how do you harness the power of positive reviews?

The kicker is that as a therapist, you can’t solicit reviews from clients. Instead, you should focus on inspiring good reviews.

People are more likely to leave a positive review if “the business went above and beyond to ensure you had an exceptional experience.”

Your job, then, is to ensure your service is a standout.

The hidden value found in reviews

Monitoring your reviews is important for a variety of reasons, including that they present the opportunity to improve. You can gain useful insights from reading your business reviews – as well as those of your competitors.

Ask yourself:

• What are people saying?
• Where are you (or your competition) going right and how can you double down on the positive?
• Where do you (or your competition) have space to improve? In short, what are reviewers complaining about, and how can you fix the problem?

If you take heed, this is practice building gold! They help direct improvement.

RELATED RESOURCE: How to Get 5-Star Google Reviews for Your Therapy Practice

How can Brighter Vision help?

Now, if you don’t have a website, or you don’t regularly interact with your potential and current following online, it’s difficult to take advantage of the power of reviews.

At BrighterVision, we specialize in supporting therapists — just like you — to grow their practices. We look forward to supporting you too!

Want the beautiful therapist website you deserve? Then you’re in the perfect place.

Brighter Vision is the ultimate marketing package for therapists, centered around the best therapist website you’ve ever had. Fill out the form below to learn more about our team of professionals who can’t wait to help your practice grow like never before 🙂

About Lucy Volway

Lucy is a Marketing Specialist at Brighter Vision! When she's not creating and sharing content for our network of therapists, she loves to read, travel, and spend time with her cat, Princess Meatball.