How to Create a Brand For Your Counseling Practice

You're Not Just a Therapist - You're a Business

What I find to be most helpful to the therapists I work with is this concept of thinking of yourself as both a business and a brand. Often it’s hard for therapists to think of themselves as a business or a brand, but you have to think about yourself that way in order to grow like a business or brand would. You’re in this field to help people, but the reality is, you need to get connected with the right client in order to help them. That’s where the marketing comes in. And I’m assuming the majority of you are where you are today because you love helping people, not because you love owning a business. But that’s the reality of your situation. 

When you own a business you need to put a lot of effort into creating a brand. So here are my strategies for therapists and counselors to build their brand.

Creating a Brand

Choose a Niche

‍There are many different types of brands out there. But they have a lot of things in common. One is that they have a niche. They understand their audience. Walmart isn’t trying to sell things at a premium price while Apple isn’t worried about cutting you the best deal. They each have their own games and audiences they are trying to sell to. 

Let’s take this even farther, into your specific field. Twenty years ago, the global marketplace started changing from people choosing the best store in their town to shop at to the best store in the world.  All because the internet made it available. This increased competition to such a degree that people had to find a competitive advantage by being unique and specialized. That’s why most modern companies are based around selling a very small set of items that they do the best. Not an endless catalog. 

Due to the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic and resulting prevention efforts, this change happened within months to previously very personal in-person services like therapy. 

With online therapy you are now competing with everyone who is licensed in your state. You need to find your specialization to stand out, or lose out to the person who does. If I am a younger male struggling with anxiety issues why would I choose a general therapist when I can choose someone who markets their specialization in younger males struggling with anxiety?

Be consistent

Creating an unforgettable brand takes consistency. This comes in many different forms. Most notably your visuals like your logo, colors, and fonts to your messaging like your tagline and topics your cover. Like we just talked about, if you choose a specialization, stick with it! Stay strong and lean into your niche because that’s what creates strength in your brand image, anything else you market will simply dilute it. 

Then when it comes to your visuals, this is an easy way to look professional. Look across the entire therapy client journey. Each experience that someone has with you should look the same. Your social media should look like your website and your website should look like your office when they walk in. Your potential client should have a good sense of who you are and what they’re in for by the time they walk through your door (Or meet you online). 

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So, What Do You Need to Make a Brand?

The foundation of all your marketing sits on your brand. So, how does one make a good brand? Here's what you should be paying attention to.

1. Create a logo & icon
   This is the one unique identifier that you have. It's worth investing in something that you're proud of because it will be shown everywhere. Have a full logo that you can use anywhere, but also an icon that stands out for when space is limited like a profile picture.
2. Create a color palette
   Colors are a critical way to convey emotion. Choose a small set of colors around a: Light - 2 options like white and light gray. Dark - 1 option for something to be used for fonts like a pure black or off-black. Accent - 1-2 colors that will represent you and give you a pop of personality. Complimentary - an optional secondary accent color that can compliment your accent if needed.
3. Choose a font family
   Choose 1-2 different font families to use across all applications.
4. Develop Messaging
   More than just visuals a brand is also what's being communicated. Create a unified message with a tagline, mission statement, and common phrases that communicate clearly who you are and what you stand for.
5. Implement this everywhere
   A brand is only as strong as you use it. Check every online presence you have to make sure it fits your branding guidelines, but don't stop there. Also check your office, print materials, etc to make sure you're consistent across the board.
   

Interested In Learning More?

We'd be happy to chat. Whether you want us to manage some of this for you or simply want some free advice contact us or schedule a call.