Everything You Absolutely Need To Know About Hiring A Content Writer For Your Therapy Website
Part 1

You know content is crucial for your website, but you don’t know where to start.

Maybe your web designer needs text for your pages, but your words aren’t sounding right. Maybe you want to start blogging, but you’re not sure which topics to choose. Perhaps you keep rewriting your Psychology Today personal statement or LinkedIn bio, and you still don’t feel satisfied with the content.

Hiring a content writer can be one of the best investments you make for your practice. That said, this service isn’t always straightforward. What exactly does a content writer do, and how do they support your business? How do you find the right candidate, and how much should you expect to pay?

You’ve got questions, and we have the right answers. Let’s get into the definitive guide of every detail you need to know!

The Landscape Of Mental Health Is Changing: Here’s Why Your Marketing Plan Needs To Adapt

Once upon a time, word-of-mouth referrals trumped all marketing efforts. While word-of-mouth still plays an essential role in reputation and client acquisition, you still need an online presence.

Think about when you need a professional, and a friend or family provides you with a trusted referral. What’s your next move? Do you make that initial phone call? Or do you first head online? Do you search to see if they have reviews or a legitimate website? Do you check their Facebook or Yelp page?

Moreover, what if you’re just starting to launch your business? How will colleagues or potential clients know you exist? How will you attract new clients if you don’t have a reputation generating word-of-mouth referrals? Even if you have a Psychology Today or social media page, a short bio limits potential clients from truly understanding your purpose.

Subsequently, popular telehealth services like BetterHelp and Talkspace have changed the traditional associations of psychotherapy. Today, many therapists offer online services to meet their clients’ needs and preferences. Clients seem to like this adaptation. In the face of COVID-19, two-thirds of individuals indicate having a willingness to try telehealth treatments (source: Healthcare It News).

The bottom line? People will continue using the Internet for everything from initial research to assessing the competition to filling out inquiry forms. Therefore, your online presence needs to:

1. Exist in the first place.
2. Meet your potential and current clients’ needs.
3. Be professional, enticing, and dynamic!
4. Stand out from the competition (because if it looks like every other cookie-cutter site, you probably won’t pique a visitor’s interest).

What Exactly Is Content Writing?

Content writing refers to the extensive process of creating, writing, and revising ideas. Content writers aim to harness your unique voice to attract a targeted audience. Furthermore, while excellent content writers engage their readers, they also help increase your traffic and site ranking.

Content writing can include a variety of types of content, including:

• Blog articles.
• Email newsletters.
• Podcast scripts.
• Academic white papers.
• Web page copy.
• Landing pages.
• Video descriptions.
• Social media posts.
• Press releases.

What Is The Difference Between Copywriting & Content Writing?

Although many people use the terms interchangeably, the practices are very different.

Content writers seek to educate, entertain, or otherwise intrigue your readers. High-quality writing is the most significant priority. An excellent content writer understands your business’s mission and core values. They weave those principles into everything they create.

Copywriters aim to sell a product or service. Popular in the advertising or sales industries, copywriters use enticing buzzwords and compelling language. Their job is to convince readers to take an intended action. Excellent copywriting is sharp. It stirs emotion and helps people feel connected and motivated to take the next step.

Copywriting can include:

• Social media ads.
• Commercial dialogue.
• Trade show materials.
• Print marketing material.
• Product descriptions.
• Non-SEO landing pages.
• Business names.

Copywriting has an essential place in the marketing world. Good copywriting persuades people to take immediate action. While this strategy works in motivating readers to upgrade their cell phone or buy a new purse, it’s not how most therapists want to attract new clients.

Content writers, on the other hand, write content that your readers want to read. They write to keep people on the page. Although they recognize and optimize your business’s goals, they don’t engage in sales tactics to push numbers.

(Continues in Part 2)

​Read Part 2​