I remember when I wrote my first blog post about therapy for local marketing purposes. The feeling of motivation was there to write it out, but I had experienced a cold case of mental blocks. Probably, because I was thinking too hard about the subject rather than thinking about the clients I served.
As soon as I thought of my caseload, something fascinating happened. The block was removed entirely.
Often, many clients have similarities when it comes to life’s obstacles. And access to these snippets of similarities have the ability to empower others once they read about it. Yes, I’m asking you to attempt writing for an audience for local marketing.
Believe it or not, you’d be surprised how often trends appear within the mental health realm. There would be weeks that the main topic of concern was traumatic experiences at the age of 15. Others consisted of couples in conflict over money. And some had deep paranoia about family members.
Whatever the trend, I guarantee the fact that you see this often in your practice, it’s likely that others in the community are experiencing some level of it. And you’ve just written a short piece about it. I’m not saying you’re a mind reader, but you’re pretty dang close.
Not only is this empowering to know that others can experience universality with difficult experiences, but they may have also found someone who cares to work with it—you! That’s local marketing done right.
Newspapers seem old school, and many have moved their good ol’ brick and mortar shops online, but many still read regardless of the medium. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been approached before because of something I had written in the local paper.
Take a little bit of risk and let those around you know what your work is about.
Where do I begin, you ask?
Find out who is the lead editor of the local newspaper, get their contact information and submit an op-ed (opinion) piece. Yes, it can be that simple.
You can call it marketing, advertising, or preparation to build your voice for your audience. Regardless, the perception of it is clear: you’re a professional providing “ah-ha” moments of your work for others to digest. What a gift.
This may or may not be helpful for your practice, and if you don’t have the time to do extra writing on the side, that’s okay too. But if you do, chances are you might turn some heads, and change some lives.
Jacob Kountz is the founder of Kern Wellness Counseling, a mental health blog, in Bakersfield, CA. His works have been featured on USA Today, Thrive Works, Fatherly, Martha Stewart Weddings, Thrive Global, and is a Practice of the Practice monthly contributor. His blog has also been ranked as one of the top 60 Mental Health Blogs and Websites to Follow in 2018. Currently, he is a therapist for a local non-profit clinic where he provides therapy for individual adults, couples, and families. He is also in the process of becoming an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. He aspires to one day open a private practice in Bakersfield, CA so he may continue to serve his local population. The opinions expressed are his own and do not represent the views of the clinic.
