BRIGHT BITE: Should You Write in First, Second, or Third Person on Your Therapist Website?

You may remember learning in school about the different points of view (or POVs) from which you can write. First, second, and third person POV all have a particular use in writing – and your website content is no exception. There are contexts where certain POVs shine – and situations where they’re simply inappropriate.

Let’s review the different writing POVs and learn how to best use them (or not!) on your therapist website.

Third Person POV

What Is It

Writing in third person means writing from an outside perspective, using pronouns like “she/he/them” and “her/him/they.” When you write in third person, you’re writing about someone.

Third person is the most formal of the three writing POVs. While it can help to lend your writing a tone of authority and clout, it can also give a cold and distant feeling.

When To Use It

When it comes to your therapist website – don’t.

Unless you are part of a large or very well-known company (and I don’t just mean in your local neighborhood), you want to avoid using third person on your website.

If you use third person on your therapist website – a place meant to connect emotionally and personally with the visitor – you risk appearing too full of yourself.

Second Person POV

What Is It

Writing in second person means writing directly to the reader, using pronouns like “you” and “your.”

Second person POV has a more persuasive feel than third person because it’s speaking directly to the reader, but that also means it can start to feel accusatory if used too aggressively.

When To Use It

Second person is best used on your website when you’re either A) trying to persuade the reader, or B) calling the reader to action.

This means that areas like your Homepage and your calls to action (CTAs) are excellent places to use second person to address your potential clients directly.

First Person POV

What Is It

Writing in first person mean writing from your personal perspective, using words like “I,” “me,” “us,” and “ours.”

First person is the most casual of the three writing POVs, but it’s also the most personal for obvious reasons. When you’re speaking in your own voice and with your own opinions about topics in your area of expertise, it can provide a powerfully persuasive insight into yourself or your business.

When To Use It

While it would be incorrect to use first person for your entire therapist website, it’s still going to show up a lot. From your About Me page, to your Services pages, there are many areas where you’ll want to provide a personal voice or insight to your potential clients.

You may be tempted to slip into third person when describing your business in general, but remind yourself how important it is for your therapist website to feeling personable and empathetic to the reader – and then stick to your first person POV.

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About Wyatt Megla