Welcome, therapists and group practice owners! I’m Nicole McCance, a psychologist turned business coach for therapists, and I know how hard it can be to find a marketing strategy that actually works. If youāve been struggling to make your marketing efforts actually work for you – Iāve got the solution. I want to share 13 proven marketing strategies to help you level up like never before. If youāre ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real growth, youāre in the right place.Ā
P.S. Not a huge fan of reading blogs? (Iām more of a podcast girl myself.) You can listen to my podcast episode all about this topic by clicking here!Ā Ā
Stuck in the Learning Phase?
If youāre like many therapists and practice owners I work with, youāve probably found yourself stuck in an endless cycle of podcasts, masterclasses, and blog posts, always on the hunt for that one elusive strategy that will change everything. The truth is, thereās no magic pill. What you need is to break free from the confusion and focus on the right strategies. These arenāt hidden secrets or complex tricks – theyāre simply how to market as a therapist (aka actionable steps that actually get results).
Hereās Where Youāre Stuck:
Itās not about not knowing what to do – most of you probably already know the basics. The real issue is that youāre stuck in the learning phase. You’re overloaded with information, but youāre not putting it into action.Ā Ā
If youāre tired of feeling stuck and want to move forward with confidence, this series is exactly what you need. Itās time to stop learning and start doing.Ā Ā
Find What Works and Double Down
If you’ve already found a strategy thatās delivering results, there’s no need to change course. Instead of chasing every new trend or idea, focus on refining and optimizing whatās already working for you. Hereās why sticking with your proven approach can lead to even greater success. Marketing private practice is about building trust and providing value consistently:
- If your current marketing strategy is working (e.g., Google Ads, social media, referrals), double down. You want to suck all of the juice out of the thing that is guaranteed to work.
- Avoid getting distracted by shiny new ideas.
- Success comes from focusing on what works, not constantly switching strategies.
- If youāre getting a positive return, stick with it.
The Three Marketing Funnels That Work
Wondering how to market as a therapist? There are three main marketing funnels – every strategy falls into one of these categories:Ā
1. Past Clients
Yes, past clients are a funnel! When youāve already helped someone and delivered results, they should become walking billboards for your business. If theyāre not, itās time to reconnect. Hereās how:
- Email Marketing: Reach out to your past clients. Itās free, but it takes time and effort.Ā Ā
- Following up: Create a system for checking in with clients who no-show, ghost, or donāt book after a consult call.Ā
2. Cold Traffic
Cold traffic refers to people who have never heard of you before. This is the biggest funnel because there are so many potential clients out there who donāt know you exist yet.Ā Ā
Paid Marketing
- Google Ads: If you have the budget, running ads is one of the fastest ways to get clients.Ā Ā
- Facebook Ads: Interruption marketing, this puts the ad in front of an audience that you believe will convert. The intent is higher for google ads that is why I typically recommend starting there. BUT Facebook ads are a great tool for niche marketing.Ā
- Google Business Profile: This is going to come up when they search up therapy near me, you need to have one! It can be tricky if you are a virtual practice but it is possible
- Directories: Are you on Psychology Today or any other directory? DirectoriesĀ increase online visibility and offer an easy way to showcase specialties, credentials, and contact information.
Hot Tip: I have a Psychology Today template that’s proven to convert. Do you want it? Click here to access my free template.Ā Ā
Organic Marketing
- Social Media: Build brand awareness and authority through strategic content creation.Ā Ā
- SEO and Blogging: Improve your websiteās searchability so new clients can find you.Ā Ā
3. Referrals
Did you know, one strong referral source can feed your practice multiple clients for months?! The best part? Building a referral network is free, it just costs you your time and effort.Ā
- Family Doctors: Where do people go when they need help? If they arenāt googling their symptoms they are seeing their family doctor. They have established trust with their patience and they will send them your way if they need mental health support.
- Schools: If you work with kids, reaching out to schools is a great option. Teachers and counselors will recognize signs of mental health challenges and can connect you with the family to provide support.Ā
- Other therapists: There are therapists out there that do what you do, have a waitlist and want to refer to you.Ā Ā
- Healthcare practitioners: Look to your own network, who do you go to for your own self care? Massage therapists, Naturopaths? These are great referral sources
- Find a Bridge: This is a person that can introduce you to the person you want to meet. My bridge was my Husband, heās a realtor that worked with a lot of doctors. He was able to introduce me to them!Ā
Want my script for calling family doctors? DM me the word āDoctorā on instagram (nicole.mccancemethod) and I will send it to you!Ā
What Should You Do Next?
Now that you know all 13 strategies, you have a foundation. Success comes from focusing on the 20% of strategies that will generate 80% of your results. Marketing private practice is all about consistency and sticking with what works. If you want to see real results in 2025, donāt overthink it – start implementing the strategies that feel most natural to you!
Want even more strategies for building a thriving and sustainable therapy practice? Follow me on Instagram or listen to my podcast, The Business Savvy Therapist!
Your business bestie,
Nicole
