Simple SEO Tweaks to Help More People Find Your Mental Health Brand
If your dream clients can’t find you online, it’s not because they don’t need your help, it’s because they don’t know you exist.
You’re doing amazing work. You’re changing lives. But if your website isn’t showing up in search results, you might as well be running your business from a secret underground bunker.
That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) comes in. And before you sigh and close this tab, breathe. You don’t need to be a tech genius, and I promise there’s no scary jargon ahead.
A few small tweaks can make a BIG difference in getting your mental health brand seen by the right people.
I know this because I’ve done it myself.
When I first started my website 6 years ago, I wasn’t ranking for anything. Once I tweaked my site to use phrases that my audience often Googles, I started climbing the rankings. And now people find me when they Google for help with mental health content.
Let’s get your website working for you, too.
1. Use keywords your audience is searching for
I get it. You want to sound professional, credible, like you know your stuff (because you do). But your clients are not searching for “trauma-informed holistic wellness practitioner”. They’re typing things like “anxiety help near me” or “how to stop overthinking everything”.
How to find the right words:
· Start typing a phrase into Google and check the suggested searches.
· Use free tools like Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic.
· Pay attention to how your clients describe their problems—those exact words are what they’re Googling at 2 AM.
Example:
A psychologist might describe their work as “somatic therapy for nervous system regulation.” But if their ideal clients are searching for “how to stop panic attacks”, they need to adjust their website copy to match.
Action step:
Check your website right now, are you using words your clients would type into Google? If not, time for a refresh.
2. Write for humans first, Google second
Ever landed on a website that felt like a robot wrote it? Like:
"Looking for a Brisbane-based mental health copywriter? Our Brisbane mental health copywriting services help Brisbane mental health professionals with Brisbane content writing in Brisbane."
STOP.
SEO is important, but if your copy sounds forced, people won’t stick around long enough to book with you. Google’s algorithm is smart (it knows when you’re stuffing in keywords) and it will penalise you for it.
You want to use keywords naturally, like how you’d explain what you do to a friend.
Example:
❌ "I am a Brisbane-based psychologist offering CBT, DBT and trauma-informed care."
✅ "I help people in Brisbane manage anxiety, stress and trauma with therapy."
Action step:
Read your website copy out loud. If it sounds unnatural, tweak it until it feels like you again.
3. Quick website tweaks
You don’t need to tear your website down and start over. A few small fixes can make a big difference:
· Page Titles and Meta Descriptions – Your homepage title shouldn’t just say “Home”—it should say something like “North Brisbane Therapist | Therapy for anxiety”.
· Your URLs – Instead of www.yoursite.com/page-id1234, use www.yoursite.com/anxiety-therapy.
· Mobile-friendly design – More than half of searches happen on a phone. If your site isn’t easy to navigate on mobile, Google will push it down the rankings.
When I check my own website analytics, 80% of my traffic comes from phones. If my site is clunky to use on mobile, I am literally driving potential clients away.
Action step:
Google “Mobile-friendly test” and run your site through it. If it’s not mobile-friendly, it’s time for an update.
4. Start a blog
Blogging isn’t just for people who love to write, it’s one of the best ways to rank on Google.
Every blog post is another chance to use keywords and answer the exact questions your audience is searching for.
What to blog about?
The questions you always get asked (“What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?”).
Myths that need busting (“5 mental health ‘tips’ that actually suck”).
Stories that make people feel seen (“You’re not ‘too sensitive’—here’s why”).
I personally love blogging because it brings people to my site without me having to chase them down.
Action step:
Write down three blog topics your clients would find useful. Start with one and go from there.
5. Get found on Google Maps (for local SEO)
If you offer in-person services, Google Business Profile is your best friend.
How to optimise it:
· Claim your free profile (Google “Google Business Profile” to get started).
· Add real photos (not just a logo).
· Use keywords naturally (“Helping Brisbane clients with anxiety, stress and burnout”).
· Get reviews! Ask your happy clients to leave one, it seriously boosts your ranking.
6. Backlinks: the hidden SEO boost you’re probably ignoring
Backlinks = other websites linking to yours. Google sees this as a sign that you’re credible.
How to get them?
· Write a guest blog for someone.
· Get listed in directories.
· Collaborate with industry professionals
Even a few backlinks can make a huge difference.
Action step:
Make a list of potential partners or directories to get backlinks from. Reach out to one this week.
SEO doesn’t have to be hard
You don’t need to do everything at once - pick one or two tweaks and start there.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I can help you tweak your messaging and SEO so more people find (and trust) your brand.