How To Start A Therapy Blog

Do You Dream of Making Passive Income as a Physical or Occupational Therapist? And have considered starting a therapy blog?

I also get asked often by therapists “Can I do teletherapy and watch my baby?” or “I am looking for a work-from-home job that is flexible” and unfortunately teletherapy is the same as in-person. You are seeing patients or clients on a regular schedule and need uninterrupted time, which requires childcare.

In comes ideas for passive income streams! See my article Therapists Can Create Online Income: A Decision-Making Chart for Therapists for more ideas, but this article focuses on how to start a therapy blog.

I started TheVirtualPediatricOT.com in March of 2020 and here is what I wish I knew.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase a product or service through my link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Start with the End in Mind

What is your goal with blogging? Don’t just be a free information source! What will you sell in the end?

It is very hard to make money JUST by blogging. The days of high payouts on ads are long gone. Understanding this reality is crucial for setting up a successful blog that generates passive income. Think about the products or services you can offer. These could range from online courses, e-books, consultation services, or physical products related to therapy.

Determine The Goal of Your Blog

Are you looking to attract more clients for your therapy practice? If so, your content should reflect the value you bring to therapy sessions, subtly encouraging readers to book your services.

Alternatively, if you aim to sell digital products or courses, your blog should establish your authority in those areas. Each post should serve as a stepping stone towards your end goal, helping to build trust and demonstrate your expertise.

Pick ONE Topic and Stick to It!

Focus is key when starting out. Whether it's baby-led weaning, returning to sports after an injury, or managing sensory processing disorders, pick one niche and create content that establishes you as an expert in that area. As your blog grows, you can expand into related topics, but starting with a focused approach will help you build a dedicated following.

Are you interested in eventually creating digital products or courses?

Who will they be for? Make sure you are talking to those people! I talk about understanding your audience and niche in my program Knowledge to Passive Profit.

Start with the Right Technology

Select an Appropriate Domain Name

Your domain name should reflect your blog's focus and be easy to remember. Use domain registration sites like Namecheap to find a suitable and memorable name for your blog.

Blog on WordPress

For anyone serious about blogging, WordPress.org is the gold standard. It offers the flexibility, features, and SEO capabilities essential for a professional blog. While platforms like Wix or Squarespace are user-friendly, they don’t offer the same level of control or optimization as WordPress. Learn WordPress.

Pick Good Hosting

A fast and reliable hosting service like Big Scoots ensures your blog loads quickly and remains accessible to your audience, enhancing user experience and SEO performance.

Learn How To Start A Therapy Blog from a Professional

Invest in learning from someone who has successfully navigated the blogging landscape. I learned invaluable lessons from Mike at Stupid Simple SEO, which helped me avoid common pitfalls and accelerated my blog’s growth.

Trust me, do not go it alone.  It took me so much longer to undo all the mistakes I made.

Understand the Purpose of a Blog

This is something I really wish I understood at first. A blog is a traffic-generating source. The goal is to bring people into your world. Blogging is one choice, another choice is social media. You do not need them all. What you do with that source is up to you.

Many therapists start by blogging because they enjoy it. Myself included, but then what? What does your dream include after that?

Blogging is not just about posting content regularly; it's about creating a brand that resonates with your audience. Your blog is a fundamental component of your larger personal or business brand, serving as a platform to build authority, trust, and a loyal following.

The essence of branding in blogging is to ensure that every element of your blog reflects your core values and goals. This includes the voice of your content, which should be consistent and authentic, helping to establish your unique presence in the digital world. Your blog's design should not only be visually appealing but also functional, offering a seamless user experience that makes navigation and content consumption effortless for your readers.

Content with Purpose

Every piece of content on your blog should serve a purpose. It’s about striking the right balance between providing value to your readers and leading them towards your end goal.

Whether it's selling a product, booking a service, or establishing your authority in a particular field, your content should be the pathway to these outcomes.

Starting a blog with a clear end goal, understanding your audience, focusing on a niche, selecting the right domain and hosting, and learning from seasoned professionals are critical steps in building a successful blogging career. 

Whether your goal is to generate passive income, attract more clients to your therapy practice, or establish yourself as an authority in your field, these strategies will set you on the right path.

With these insights and actionable steps, you’re now better equipped to start your journey in blogging as a therapist. Remember, success in blogging comes from consistent effort, strategic planning, and a willingness to learn and adapt over time.