Create your own Business Website

How Creating My Own Website Transformed My Practice

A few years ago I was struggling to find clients for my counselling practice.

I found it difficult cold-calling GP practices and doing other kinds of networking. I began to lose confidence in my own abilities, and that, of course, made me less effective.

Which in turn affected my confidence.

Does this ring any bells for you? It’s a familiar story, isn’t it?

Eventually I decided to take stock and do something about the situation I was in. First thing on my list was to get a website.

Easy – and cheap!

I investigated bespoke designers, and was horrified at the price. Then someone told me about the web host 1and1.co.uk. I investigated.

They offered a website that would only cost me £1.99 per month to run, and no set up costs. Even better, I would have complete control over it. I’d just have to use their simple software and set it up myself.

Now I’m not a techie, but I have some familiarity with computers and word processing from the writing side of my business. So I decided to give it a go.

In the event I built the site over a weekend, and very pleased I was with it too! It was clear, straightforward and attractive. (Check it out here). I went on to set up two further websites in the same way - including this one!

A turning point

Looking back on that period now, I realise that my decision to set up and run my own website was a turning point – both for my practice and for my confidence.

• My practice benefited because finally I had a presence in the virtual world. Clients are increasingly looking for services online, and a website gives them so much more information about you than a name in a directory. It also gives them a real feel for your practice. Clients began emailing or phoning me for further information, or to make an appointment. And I have never looked back.
• My confidence benefited in two ways. Setting up the website was hugely empowering. I have bog standard computing skills, yet I’ve ‘built’ a website! I can change any detail on the site at the click of a mouse. I do not have to rely on a ‘webmaster’ or pay huge fees. Secondly, of course, my confidence soared as my appointment book began filling up.

You can do this too!

I’d like you to benefit from my own experience. Why not log on to 1and1.co.uk and do the same as me? Buy one of their ‘Beginner’ packages and off you go!

To make this easy for you, clicking on the button below will take you to the site:

If you need help …

I have been recommending this approach to colleagues and other therapists I meet. But I’m also finding that some of you need a helping hand through the process.

So I have put together a coaching package that aims to get you up and running with a 1and1.co.uk website. Not only that, the package addresses the four other key things that you need to make your website work well for you:

• Good writing. A website has to have good content, written with the client’s needs in mind. As a published writer, both of books and promotional materials for businesses (including websites), I will provide feedback on the content of your website.
• Good Google rankings. I have teamed up with an SEO expert (search engine optimiser – yes, it’s a profession!) so that your website will have a greater chance of being listed on the first page of Google when your clients search for a therapist.
• Good advertising. I have found that having a website is not enough. You also need to advertise yourself in strategic online directories, which link to your website. And how you advertise yourself is an art in itself. I guide you through this virtual jungle.
• Control. The emphasis is on you being in charge of the process. At the end of the coaching you will have the skills to continue making changes to your website, and feel as smug as you like!

The ‘Get A Website’ coaching package consists of:

• Five one-to-one coaching sessions. These can be face to face or over the phone.
• Email and phone support in between sessions.
• Coaching at the right level and pace to suit your individual needs and skills.

Remember – only basic word processing skills are required. You do not have to be a techie!

To book your ‘Get A Website’ coaching package, or to find out more, please contact me:

Phone 01453 751457
Email kim@therapysuccess.com

Transform your practice, as I transformed mine!

Kim Richardson
the therapists' coach
supporting therapists in Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham and throughout the UK

Home - About me - Coaching - FAQs - Get a website - Testimonials - Contact