Alternative Marketing Channels That Are Perfect for Therapists
Alternative Marketing Channels That Are Perfect for Therapists: Break out of your marketing rut and grow your practice with fresh ideas
Most therapists are familiar with marketing strategies like SEO, collaborating with other professionals, social media, or attending networking events. While these tactics can work, they have their limits. Maybe:
You’re burned out from the same routine
You’re inconsistent with them
They’re attracting the wrong kinds of clients
They just don’t give you adequate return on your investment
That’s why I’ve got some alternative marketing channels for you. These strategies can inject new energy into your practice, target a different audience, and align with your strengths.
Choosing the Right Strategy
When it comes to alternative marketing, it’s not about trying everything. The right strategy should feel natural, sustainable, and play to your strengths. Here’s the key: Do what you enjoy and skip what you dread. If public speaking gives you nightmares, cross speaking engagements off the list. If you don’t have repeat customers, don’t bother with newsletters. The right strategy fits you and gets you closer to your ideal clients.
1. Podcast Interviews (as a Guest)
Podcasts let you dive into meaningful conversations with hosts and their audiences. You’re able to share your story, your expertise, and your approach in a way that feels personal and authentic.
Good for: Therapists who are comfortable speaking off-the-cuff and have a defined message.
Not ideal for: Those who struggle with public speaking or feel overwhelmed by live interviews.
2. Guest Blogging
Writing for established websites in the mental health or wellness space can significantly boost your visibility. You can share your expertise, build authority, and drive traffic back to your own website.
Good for: Therapists who enjoy writing and want to improve their SEO or reach new audiences.
Not ideal for: Therapists who don’t have time to write or find it overwhelming.
3. Speaking Engagements (Virtual or In-Person)
Sharing your knowledge through speaking engagements, whether at conferences or community events, is a powerful way to position yourself as a thought leader.
Good for: Therapists who enjoy presenting and thrive in interactive environments.
Not ideal for: Those with severe public speaking anxiety or who find the prep work draining.
4. Email Newsletters
Newsletters are a great way to stay connected with past clients or workshop attendees, keeping your practice top-of-mind for future referrals. However, they don’t always work well for therapists who only see clients for one-on-one therapy. Why? Because those clients already know you and don’t need newsletters to decide to come back.
Good for: Therapists with repeat clients or who run events, like workshops, that warrant ongoing updates.
Not ideal for: Therapists who only work with one-time or short-term clients.
5. Leverage Quora and Reddit
Platforms like Quora and Reddit allow you to answer questions related to mental health, share your expertise, and drive potential clients to your website. It’s about showing up where people are already looking for help.
Good for: Therapists comfortable with online forums who can regularly contribute.
Not ideal for: Therapists who don’t want to commit to frequent online engagement.
6. EBooks and Collaborative EBooks
Writing an eBook allows you to offer valuable information on a mental health topic while building passive income. You also establish yourself as an authority in your field. If writing a whole book feels daunting, consider collaborating with other professionals to create a shared resource.
Good for: Therapists who enjoy writing and want a lead generator that can convert readers into clients.
Not ideal for: Those who don’t have the time or energy to commit to long-form writing.
7. Go Back to Basics: An Unexpected, Yet Powerful, Marketing Strategy
Sometimes, the best marketing strategy isn’t shiny or new—it’s something you abandoned along the way because you thought got enticed by other strategies. Here’s an old-school strategy I used years ago that still brings in clients today: postcards.
I design simple postcards on Canva, introducing myself and offering to connect. I send them to healthcare practitioners, women’s organizations, and complementary medicine providers—essentially, anyone who is likely to see my ideal client first. I hand-sign the postcards, include a few business cards, and mail them out.
Then, I track who sends referrals. At the end of the year, I send a thank-you card to those who referred clients, along with more business cards. It’s personal, memorable, and incredibly effective.
Why not just email? Emails are easy to overlook. A physical business card and a hand-signed note leave a lasting impression that sticks with people longer.
Conclusion
Alternative marketing channels can breathe new life into your therapy practice. By focusing on strategies that align with your strengths and build authentic connections, you can attract more of your ideal clients—without burning out or chasing the wrong leads.
