Dear Therapists, Love Google: An Open Letter on SEO
Dear Therapist,
Hi. It’s me, Google. Yep, the big G. I know, you probably think I’m this huge, mysterious, all-powerful thing lurking behind the scenes, deciding the fate of your website traffic while you sip coffee and wonder why your site isn’t on page one yet. But let me clear the air: I’m really not that scary.
In fact, I like you. You’re out here doing the important work, helping people heal, and honestly, I want to connect you with all the folks who need you. But here’s the thing—you’re good at working with people who do weird shit sometimes, right? Like changing their minds, being unclear, or throwing curveballs? That’s kind of like me. Algorithms change, search rankings bounce around, and yeah, I’ll admit, I’m not always the most transparent friend. But trust me when I say this: I’m not out to make your life hard.
I want you to succeed. Really, I do. So let me let you in on a little secret about how to make our relationship work.
Let’s Keep It Real
First things first, don’t get your panties in a bunch when your site doesn’t land on page one right away. Page five is an accomplishment, okay? It means you’re showing up, and that’s more than a lot of people can say. Keep at it, and I promise, you’ll climb higher. The thing is, those other therapists? They’re going to get frustrated. They’ll give up. But you? You’re not a quitter. You’ve got grit, and I admire that about you.
What I Really Care About
Now, I know I can seem a bit... particular. But at the end of the day, I’m pretty simple. Here’s what makes me tick:
Be helpful. Write stuff that matters to your clients. Answer their questions. Help them feel seen.
Be clear. Titles, headings, keywords—think of them as a GPS for your site. Help me help you.
Show up. Post regularly, keep your site up to date, and don’t ghost me. Relationships take effort!
Be accessible. Fast-loading pages, mobile-friendly design, alt text for images—all of this makes it easier for everyone (including me) to see you.
Control What You Can
Okay, here’s the part where I get a little philosophical. Remember that thing you tell your clients? About how they can change their behavior, but they can’t control how someone else will respond? Yeah, that applies here too.
You can optimize your site, write brilliant blog posts, and sprinkle in all the right keywords, but you can’t control everything I do. Algorithms shift, competitors create content, and sometimes, weird shit just happens. That’s life with me. But here’s the good news: none of that needs to stop you.
Focus on the Relationship
Think about the most fulfilling relationships in your life. You can’t control what the other person does, right? But what makes those relationships meaningful is how you show up, consistently and authentically. That’s what I’m asking for. Show up for your website, for your clients, and for yourself. Over time, your effort will pay off.
You’re Doing Great
I know SEO can feel overwhelming, but you’ve got this. You’re already showing up, learning, and making changes—and that’s huge. I see you, and even if I don’t always give you what you want, I promise I’m rooting for you.
So keep going. Write that next blog post, tweak that title, and keep your head up. You’re climbing the rankings, one thoughtful step at a time.
Love,
Google
P.S. Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for the progress you’ve already made. I’m watching, and trust me—you’re doing better than you think.
Fine print: Google didn’t actually write this letter (obviously). This is just a fun exercise to help you relax about SEO and see me—uh, I mean, Google—as less of a mysterious overlord and more of a helpful, slightly quirky, algorithm-obsessed friend. Please don’t sue me, Google. We’re just trying to have a good time here.
