From Inbox to In-Person: Building a Caseload through email.
How an email lists will make your private practice more resilient
Save the Date
For members of Therapists Corner, Sarah is hosting a mini-training session on how to get started creating an email list. This will be on Monday, 5th February at 9.15 am for 45 mins. We'll review the basics, share some tips, and answer all your questions if you have one but can’t make it pop your question below.
Find the Zoom link Below.
Have you ever considered setting up your own email list?
You might never have considered email lists yet for your private practice. Now, I know what you might be thinking, "Email lists? That sounds a bit techy and impersonal for therapy." But stick with us because it's much more exciting and helpful than it sounds, especially for private practice.
In the modern era of therapy practice, the journey from a potential client to an engaged one often begins not in the therapist's office but in the digital realm – specifically, in the inbox. Email engagement has become important in guiding clients from initial curiosity to committed, in-person sessions.
What's an Email List Anyway?
Simply put, an email list is a collection of email addresses you gather from people interested in your services or what you have to say. Think of it like a cosy group of people who've said, "Hey, I like what you're offering, and I'd love to hear more." It's a direct line to people who are interested in your therapy services, workshops, or future workshops you might want to share.
Unlike social media, where your posts might get lost in a sea of other content, emails go straight to their inbox. It's personal, direct, and way more intimate. Part of your job as a therapist in private practice is to help people decide if you are the right therapist for them; you do this by sharing information about how you work, who you are, what you believe in and the values you hold. We will never be the right therapist for everyone and one of the benefits of this digital era is that we can share more information so clients can make more informed choices.
Let's explore how we, as therapists, can navigate this path effectively.
Having your own email list with people who want to get to know you more fosters the know, like, trust factor and can be the start of a therapeutic relationship. Regularly engaging with your email list through informative, personalised information not only positions you as a knowledgeable and caring professional but also keeps you top-of-mind when clients need services or are in a position to make referrals. In essence, a well-maintained email list helps build a community of engaged individuals who are more likely to seek your services and recommend you to others, thereby increasing the likelihood of attracting more self-funding clients through direct engagement and word-of-mouth referrals.
Client Journey Overview for Therapists in Private Practice
Initial Website Visit
The journey begins when a potential client lands on your therapy practice website. Here, they find a welcoming and informative space that resonates with their needs, showcasing your expertise, services, and the unique approach you bring to therapy.
Interest and Email Sign-Up
As they browse, they encounter a sign-up prompt for your email list, perhaps offering a compelling lead magnet like a free guide, a webinar, or tips on a topic relevant to their interests. Intrigued and seeking more information, they decide to subscribe, initiating their direct engagement with you.
Regular Communication and Engagement
Once subscribed, they start receiving regular emails from you. These communications include valuable content such as therapy insights, personal stories, useful tips, and updates about your practice. Each email should be designed to add value to their lives, fostering a sense of connection and demonstrating your expertise and care.
Building the Know, Like, Trust Factor
Over time, through consistent and helpful email communication, you cultivate the 'know, like, and trust' factor with them. They get to know you and your therapy style, begin to like your approach, the insights you provide, and trust in your expertise and the safe space you create.
Taking Action: Booking a Session or Buying a Workshop
With this foundation of trust and familiarity, the client feels comfortable and motivated to take the next step. They might choose to book an individual therapy session, feeling confident in your ability to help them, or they may sign up for a workshop you’re offering, eager to explore the topics you’ve been discussing in your emails.
Continued Engagement and Growth
The journey doesn’t end with the booked session or workshop. You continue to engage with them through your emails, offering ongoing support and sharing new opportunities. This fosters a long-term relationship, encouraging repeat sessions, continued workshop engagement, and potentially leading to referrals to their network.
Building Connections and Trust
As therapists, we know the value of trust and connection. An email list lets you build that trust by sharing helpful tips, updates about your practice, or even personal stories that resonate with your clients. It's not about spamming them with constant promotions; it's about providing value and nurturing a relationship.
Reaching the Right People
One of the best things about an email list is that you're talking to the right people. Everyone on your list has already shown interest in what you do. So, when you have a new workshop, a book recommendation, or a slot open up in your schedule, you're telling people who are most likely to care and respond.
How to Start?
Starting is easier than you might think. Begin by simply offering your clients and workshop attendees the option to sign up for your email updates. You can also add a sign-up form on your website. Offer them something valuable in return, like a free guide or tips on managing stress – think of it as a little thank-you gift for joining your email community.
Keeping It Warm and Welcoming
Remember, every email is a conversation, not a sales pitch. Keep your emails warm, informative, and reflective of your unique voice and style. Share things like success stories (with confidentiality in mind), insights into therapy techniques, or updates on your practice.
Let's Dive Deeper Together
If you're intrigued but still feeling a bit unsure about how this all works, I've got something special for you.
For members of Therapists Corner, Sarah is hosting a mini-training session on how to get started with and make the most out of email lists. This will be on Monday, 5th February at 9.15 am for 45 mins. We'll review the basics, share some tips, and answer all your questions if you have one but can’t make it pop your question below.
So there you have it. Email lists might be the missing puzzle piece in your private practice toolkit. It's a simple yet powerful way to stay connected with those who matter most to your practice. And I can't wait to explore this more with you at our upcoming session. Here's to making meaningful connections, one email at a time! 💌✨
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