Navigating SEO Challenges as a Psychologist: Seeking Guidance
Hello, everyone,
I’m reaching out to seek advice on improving the online visibility of my website. As a psychologist and psychotherapist based in a small city near Milan, Italy, I have been practicing since 2011. Initially, my practice was thriving, with a long waiting list and only a handful of professionals in the area. However, over the past few years, my situation has become quite challenging.
Up until 2016, I was fully booked. However, a few years ago, I shifted my focus to growing my Instagram presence, which unfortunately has not yielded the results I had hoped for. In June 2023, I launched a new website, but shortly after, I received a negative review on Google Maps from a former patient I’d not seen in years. In a moment of panic, I deleted my top-ranking Google Business Profile and removed backlinks from other sites, thinking I was protecting myself. This decision has proven to be detrimental.
Since that time, I’ve noticed a significant decline in web traffic, and for months, I have not received any new clients online. I recently created a new Google Business Profile, only to discover that an influx of new professionals has entered the market, pushing my profile down the rankings.
With my website struggling to attract visitors and minimal traffic reported by tools like Semrush and Ahrefs, it’s become clear that I need to revamp my approach. Despite efforts to create fresh blog content and improve SEO using tools like ChatGPT, I feel lost as to how to effectively compete in this saturated market.
I have also re-registered with professional directories and started posting on platforms like Quora and Medium, but the high cost of acquiring quality niche backlinks is currently beyond my budget.
So, I’m putting this out to the community: What strategies would you recommend for someone facing these SEO hurdles? In the worst-case scenario I find myself in, what actionable steps can I take to rebuild my online presence and attract clients once again?
I appreciate any insights or advice you can share!