From Therapist to Website Designer - My Story
From Therapist to Website Designer - My Story
When I started my private practice in 2010, the world of business marketing was a foreign land to me. Enduring tedious coffee meetups and struggling to gain access to doctor's offices became my norm. Networking felt like a chore, and my initial attempts at a website were nothing short of comical. The freedom and flexibility I had envisioned seemed always out of reach.
Lacking the funds for a business coach, web designer, or accountant, I found myself starting from absolute scratch. I launched a bootstrap practice, furnished with thrift store finds and budget-friendly Kleenex. Every aspect was a DIY project, gritting my teeth through each challenge.
Yet, against all odds, I managed to cultivate a flourishing therapy practice in two vastly different locales. I began amidst the saturated market of Seattle, where therapists dotted every street corner. Later, I ventured to Gig Harbor, WA, a cozy town where everyone knew their neighbors, yet no one knew me.
Success demanded that I confront the daunting, unfamiliar facets of business operations and marketing head-on. I had to become the expert I needed, learning to generate income without extravagant spending. It meant delving into the unknown, often doing tasks I had no prior experience with. This journey swiftly taught me the invaluable lesson of patience and unwavering dedication.
Forced to prioritize due to financial constraints, I gained a profound clarity on what truly mattered in my business endeavors.
Through it all, I discovered that my website stood tall as the single most critical marketing tool in my arsenal. It served as the central hub, directing all paths towards it.
Whether a potential client stumbled upon my business via a brochure, Instagram post, blog entry, advertisement, or a colleague's referral, their journey always led to my website. And it became painfully clear - a lackluster website (or none at all) meant missed opportunities and lost business.
My tumultuous path sparked a desire to eliminate barriers for therapists venturing into private practice. The journey of a business owner, especially without mentorship and resources, is arduous. Yet, when done right, it can be the most empowering and life-affirming path one can tread.
“The journey of a business owner, especially without mentorship and resources, is arduous. Yet, when done right, it can be the most empowering and life-affirming path one can tread.”
That pondering led to an epiphany: Websites.
Having invested countless hours into crafting, refining, and relishing in the creation of my own websites, I realized I could streamline the process for fellow therapists. The design aspect was my forte; all I needed was to deepen my knowledge in digital marketing and copywriting. So, I dove headfirst into courses, books, and learning from the best in the field.
Enter High Five Design Co. - a gateway to a thriving private practice, without the incessant hustle.
What truly grates on me is the glorification of hustle within the entrepreneur community. Hustling perpetuates the notion of always needing to do more, sleep less, and sprint tirelessly toward success.
To that, I say a resounding NO THANK YOU.
Hustling allows anxiety and scarcity to reign supreme, leaving you feeling like you must sprint through life constantly. It inevitably leads to burnout.
My mantra: Work from a place of rest, not hustle.
A strategically designed, high-functioning, SEO-optimized website acts as the antidote to hustle. Here's how: Your website becomes a platform to establish credibility, build trust, and provide valuable content. In turn, clients gravitate towards you, eliminating the need for constant pursuit.
Now, do you see the magic?
