Having a strong online presence is essential, especially for therapists like you, looking to grow your business. 🤩
Instagram, with its ever-growing user base, offers a valuable platform to connect with your community and potential clients: Instagram Stories!
However, you're thinking "It will only last for 24 hours, so why bother?" — and I understand where you're coming from!
Here's why Instagram Stories are important:
✅ You can showcase your personality ✨
Instagram stories give you the opportunity to showcase your personality and connect with your audience on a more personal level.
As a therapist, building trust with your community and potential clients is crucial, and Instagram stories can help you achieve this in many ways.
To create a more balanced approach to your Stories, consider mixing in content related to your personal list or interests.
For instance:
💡 If you're preparing for a special event or picking an outfit, create a poll to make your audience a part of your decision-making process!
💡 If you have a particular interest in a recipe or food, use the Q&A sticker to encourage them to share their thoughts!
This interaction can lead to valuable conversations in your Direct Messages (DMs) and help your audience get to know you beyond your professional role - and they can also discover what other hats you're wearing offline aka if you're a mom/dad, fur parent, an adventurer, the cool aunt/uncle - you know what I mean!
By sharing your interests and engaging with your audience, you build a stronger connection and make yourself more relatable not just as a mental health professional, but also as a person. 💖
✅ You can share your expertise 🤓
You can educate your audience not just in your Posts and Reels, but also in your Stories.
You can also use it to:
👉 address common mental health concerns,
👉 share coping strategies, or
👉 answer frequently asked questions
You also have the flexibility to go live, post pre-recorded videos, or simply type and post to your story — choose what works best for you!
By consistently sharing knowledge in any way, you show your audience your commitment to helping others and attract individuals seeking support. 💖
Pro tip: if you're sharing tips/strategies, make it digestible or easy to absorb for your audience, or else you'll lose their retention because it might become overwhelming for them.
✅ You can share what it's like to work with you 👀
You can provide behind-the-scene glimpses of your practice to give your audience a sense of what it's like to work with you.
You can make a video of a tour of your office, and then explain the environment and the therapeutic process.
Alternatively, you can also consider creating a quick summary of your client intake process.
These can make potential clients visualize their journey with you, making them more comfortable with the idea of reaching out for your services and other offers that you have.
Additionally, it adds a human touch to your profession, demonstrating that therapists are approachable and willing to offer a helping hand. 💖
✅ You can provide a low-pressure introduction 😊
For some people, reaching out to a therapist can be a daunting step for them.
With Instagram stories, you can actually provide a low-pressure way for them to get to know you and your practice before scheduling an appointment.
Beyond the content you post on your main Instagram feed, people often check your Stories to get a sense of who you are as a person, not just as a therapist.
This personal connection can make a significant difference when they decide to seek therapy.
By sharing your personal journey, your challenges, and your achievements, you create a relatable narrative that resonates with potential clients. 💖
Now the next question is, "How often should I show up on Instagram Stories?" 🤔
1️⃣ When you're starting out, try sharing 3x a week and plan your content in advance so it'll be easy for you to stay on track.
2️⃣ As you become more comfortable with this routine and start to gauge your audience's engagement, consider increasing your frequency to 5x a week.
The goal here is not to focus solely on the quantity of posts but to use this feature to connect with your audience effectively, and in a manner where you're still showing your authentic self.
This approach will help you refine your storytelling skills and gradually increase your presence.
Remember, your aim should always be quality over quantity. ✨
Therefore, even though Instagram Stories only last for 24 hours, their impact can extend far beyond that brief timeframe! 😉
Pro tip: Create an Instagram Story Highlights and add them there! Example:
Q&A with Martha - all of the Q&A discussion can be added here
All About Anxiety - all topics about anxiety that you've talked about in your stories can be added here!
By consistently utilizing this feature and focusing on quality content, you can enhance your online presence and, in turn, slowly cement your influence on Instagram.
Ultimately, it's about creating a genuine connection with your audience and leaving a lasting impression even after the stories fade away. 🌟
Looking for more support? HERE'S HOW I CAN HELP YOU 👇
◾ Instagram DIY Kit - you can get started using my FREE guide so you'll be familiar with the basics and start practicing and applying them.
◾ Instagram Management - you're starting to grow and you want additional help! Sign up for this monthly service and get dedicated support for the next 6 months.
◾ Virtual Assistance - do you have specific needs related to operations, tech, marketing or even launching? Explore this service instead!
Cheering you on,
MJ 💕
