7 Marketing Strategies That Are a Waste of Your Time (and What to Do Instead) [episode 10]
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The beginning stages of your practice when you're trying to fill your caseload is the absolute hardest time to be in business.
You don’t have an online audience yet. You don't have trusted referral sources or clients who are saying amazing things about your work in the community. You don't have a steady, consistent caseload, and you're needing a lot of clients to come in and to start working with you (like NOW).
And honestly...you’re probably not great at marketing (yet), because you haven’t done it before.
Yeah...all of this feels hard, because it IS!
I know the issue of ‘time’ (whether that’s too much or too little) is a big one. And yes...it may be holding you back from growing your private practice.
I’ve learned there are certain marketing strategies I would NOT do if I was trying to fill my caseload. I want to help you focus on the right things, so you can see results with less time spent in your business!
In today’s episode, I’m sharing 7 marketing strategies that are a waste of your time (and what to do instead).
Something that is a huuuge waste of your time (and big energy suck) is cold calling other people to ask for referrals. Instead, choose to network with other therapists and health professionals on Instagram. Not only can you nurture these into high-quality relationships over time, but you can showcase your expertise too. You’ll be top of mind when someone needs to send a referral!
A big ‘NO’ from me is buying followers. Doing this will tank your overall engagement, and truthfully…it does nothing for your business. Fake bots will never ask to work with you, nor will they refer you clients.
If you’re wanting to grow your following and get in front of MORE of your ideal clients, start creating reels! Reels are a fun and free way to reach massive amounts of people on Instagram.
With my Reels Membership, I take the guesswork out of what you should post. And no...it won’t take you a ton of time to create and post either! This is a much better use of your time and money, regardless of where you are with your private practice.
Another marketing strategy I wouldn’t recommend in the beginning is creating a course. I don’t have anything against courses (I have one that has been very successful).
But…you’re going to spread yourself WAY too thin if you’re doing this while trying to fill your caseload. It’s actually much easier to sell your 1-1 therapy spots on Instagram. These days, everyone is going to therapy - people crave that personalized relationship that therapy brings!
Focus on filling your caseload and being satisfied with the rates you are charging. Make sure your business is super stable and feels good before adding something else to your plate!
I’ve got 4 more marketing strategies that you should avoid (and one is a littttle controversial), but you’ll have to tune into the episode to learn what those are!
At the end of the day, I want to save you time and energy, and achieve the results YOU are after. Staying focused is going to be your greatest strength when building your private practice - you’ve got this!!
In this episode, 7 Marketing Strategies That Are a Waste of Your Time (and What to Do Instead), I cover:
Why the beginning stages of building your private practice feels extra challenging
7 things I would NOT do if I was trying to fill my caseload + what to do instead
Resources & Links:
⭐️This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️This episode is sponsored by Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2 month grace period
Related Episode:
More about the Business of Therapy podcast:
Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”
Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.
Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!
Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice.
These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.
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