How to Get Your First 5 Clients in Private Practice
One of the most common challenges new therapists face is getting those first-paying clients. You’ve done the training, built the website, set up your socials and yet, no bookings.
It can feel disheartening, especially when you’re pouring time, money, and energy into your private practice.
I'm currently coaching a therapist who's right at the beginning of this journey. She's invested in a beautiful website and created thoughtful social media content. She’s done all the right things—but hasn’t yet secured her first paying client. Its frustrating.
If you're in a similar place, here’s what I’d recommend to start building momentum and get those first five clients through the door.
1. Anchor Yourself to a Location (Even if You’re Online)
Even if you’re working fully online, search engines still need a location to help show your website to people searching nearby. Without one, it’s harder to rank—and much harder for potential clients to find you.
👉 Action step: Add your location to your homepage, footer, and about page. Something like: “Online therapy and coaching, based in Manchester”.
2. Set Up Your Google Business Profile
This is one of the most overlooked (and powerful) tools to increase visibility. It helps you appear on Google Maps and in local search results—and it’s free.
👉 Action step: Set up or update your Google Business Profile with consistent contact info and location. This helps build credibility and search visibility.
3. Drive Traffic to Your Website
A great website only works if people are actually visiting it. One thing I often remind my coaching clients: you don’t need to be on every platform, but you do need to actively invite people to your website. If you notice there is a block to being more visible, read this
👉 Action step: Choose 1–2 marketing channels and commit to them for the next 90 days. Options include:
Posting regularly on Instagram with a link to your booking page
Sharing your offer in local Facebook groups (on designated promo days)
Running a small, focused ad campaign to drive traffic
Dont forget testimonials builds trust for your potential clients -
4. Clarify Your Niche
Without a clear niche, it’s hard for potential clients to see that you’re the right fit for them.
👉 Action step: Download my Free Niching Guide and reflect on:
Who do I love working with?
What are they struggling with?
How do I help them?
5. Start Talking About What You Offer
You don’t need to be salesy you just need to be visible. Let people know what you do, who you help, and how to get started.
👉 Action step: Try posting something like:
“I’m now offering online sessions and have space for 3 new clients. If you’re feeling stuck or looking for support, I’d love to hear from you. DM me or visit [yourwebsite.com] to learn more.”
Final Thoughts
Getting your first paying clients can take time—but it does happen. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Keep refining your message, stay visible, and track what’s working. Remember: the therapists you see who are fully booked didn’t get there overnight. They started exactly where you are now.
When you start getting your first enquiries your next step is providing your potential client with high-quality information so that they can make informed choices about who they work with - learn more here
And if you're looking for support along the way, Therapists Corner is here to help—with resources, Q&As, challenges, and a community of people on the same path.
Here a caseload challenge we created recently - give it a go
You're not alone. You’re building something meaningful—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
🌿 Sarah