What a website does for you
- Shows you are real. Photos, qualifications, insurance and registration give people confidence.
- Answers questions. Prices, locations, session types and what to expect, so fewer people need to ask.
- Helps people find you. A page for each thing you help with, written the way people search, such as "hypnotherapy for sleep in Derby".
- Takes bookings. Clients can book and pay at any hour.
- Belongs to you. Your own domain and content stay yours, whatever happens to a social media account.
Can I manage with a listing or social media?
Directory listings and social profiles can bring people to you, and some therapists start with only a listing. The limits are space and control: you cannot write a page for every issue you help with, and the platform sets the rules. A website works well alongside them.
What a good basic site includes
- Who you are and who you help, in plain words.
- What you offer, with session lengths and prices.
- Your qualifications, registration and insurance.
- How to book, and a free first chat if you offer one.
- A privacy policy and terms.
- Contact details and your area.
Keep it simple
You do not need a large site. Five clear pages that are kept up to date beat twenty out of date ones. If you want to build one yourself, choose a tool where booking and payments are included, so you are not stitching pieces together.
Update it when your prices, hours or qualifications change. Add one new page when you take on a new type of client. Small, regular improvements do more than a big rebuild every few years.
When a listing may be enough
If you see a few clients a week through word of mouth, and your waiting list is full, you may not need much more than a directory listing and a phone number. A website becomes more useful as you want new clients, want to offer online booking, or want to sell things such as vouchers and recordings.
It is also useful the day something goes wrong. If a platform changes its rules or closes your profile, your own site and domain are still yours.
More questions
Is a Facebook page enough?
It can be a start, but you do not control it, and it is hard to be found for each thing you help with.
Do I need my own domain?
It looks more professional and stays yours if you move tools. A free address works to begin with.
How long does it take to build?
A basic site can be set up in an afternoon if you have your photos and wording ready.
