Therapists and coaches know that slowdowns in client inquiries or referrals can send a little panic through your system.

Suddenly, you’re wondering if your website is broken, your SEO has tanked, or worse—if you’ve somehow stopped being a good therapist (just a thought, you’re doing great.)

First, deep breath!

It’s normal to hit slow patches.

What matters is how you respond. Here are 7 actions you can take today to help you bounce back from a client slump, calm your nerves, and feel like you’re moving toward a full caseload again.

1. Clarify Your Niche (Yes, Again)

How it Helps

A clearly defined niche makes your marketing more focused and effective. When potential clients visit your site, they’ll know immediately whether you’re the right therapist for them.

This reduces the chance of vague inquiries or time spent with clients who aren’t a good fit. By honing in on your ideal client, you can create services, content, and even consultations that truly resonate with your audience. Plus, a well-defined niche helps attract referrals from colleagues who know exactly what you specialize in.

Action Step Checklist:

Review your current niche: Is it still relevant?
Update your website copy to reflect your ideal client.
Use my Niche and Ideal Client Workbook to redefine and fine-tune your niche.
Add more specific keywords to your website based on your refined niche.

2. Boost Your SEO with a Few Tweaks

How it Helps

SEO can feel like a mystical process, but small changes can yield big results. When your site uses the right keywords, you increase the chances of being found by your ideal clients.

Improving your ranking on search engines means more visibility, which often translates to more inquiries. Even one or two blog posts with targeted SEO can give your practice a boost, bringing in clients who are specifically searching for what you offer.

Action Step Checklist:

Identify 3-5 keywords your ideal clients might search for (e.g., "LGBTQ+ therapy," "anxiety coaching").
Update meta descriptions, titles, and alt text on your website with those keywords.
Write or update one blog post focused on a service or client issue, incorporating SEO-friendly headings and keywords.
Consider adding internal links between your pages and blog posts to enhance SEO.

3. Update Your Calls to Action (CTA)

How it Helps: A great CTA isn’t just a button—it’s a gentle nudge that guides your potential client through their decision-making process. Strong CTAs help convert visitors into leads by making it crystal clear what the next step should be.

Whether that’s scheduling a consultation, downloading a free resource, or signing up for your newsletter, giving your site visitors clear options will boost your chances of getting inquiries. Even tweaking the language of your CTAs can make a huge difference in engagement.

Action Step Checklist:

Review all CTAs on your website (buttons, links, etc.): Do they guide visitors to a clear next step?
Rewrite at least one CTA to be more action-oriented and specific (e.g., "Schedule Your Free Consultation" instead of "Learn More").
Make sure every page on your website has at least one CTA, guiding visitors toward a specific goal.
Test your forms and links to ensure they work smoothly.

4. Reconnect with Referral Sources

How it Helps: Referral sources are gold. Maintaining relationships with other professionals in your field or related fields (like doctors or wellness coaches) can bring in a steady stream of clients.

Sometimes, just a simple check-in is all it takes to remind them that you’re accepting new clients. These referrals are often more qualified because they come from trusted sources who already know your specialty.

Action Step Checklist:

Reach out to 3-5 referral sources (via email, call, or even a quick coffee chat) to reconnect and update them on your availability.
Use my free networking spreadsheet to organize your referral contacts and track your follow-ups.
Offer to return the favor by referring clients their way.
Consider co-hosting a webinar or workshop with a referral partner to strengthen your relationship.

5. Refresh Your Website Design

How it Helps: Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of you. If it looks outdated or cluttered, people might assume your practice isn’t keeping up with the times.

Refreshing your design can breathe new life into your online presence, making it more appealing and easier to navigate. A clean, modern design helps establish trust and makes it easier for clients to find what they need—leading to more conversions.

Action Step Checklist:

Evaluate your website: Is the design visually appealing? Is it easy to navigate?
Update any outdated photos or content on your site.
Consider a new website therapist website template or a full redesign. Check out my Squarespace templates or inquire about a VIP Day for a complete overhaul.
Test your site on both desktop and mobile to ensure it’s responsive and user-friendly.

6. Offer a Free Resource

How it Helps: Free resources are a fantastic way to build trust and provide immediate value to potential clients. When people feel like they’ve already gotten something useful from you, they’re more likely to book a session or refer others.

Plus, offering a freebie can help grow your email list, giving you a chance to nurture relationships with potential clients over time. It’s also a great way to showcase your expertise and stand out from other therapists.

Action Step Checklist:

Create a simple, high-value resource (e.g., a self-care guide, an anxiety management worksheet).
Add a prominent CTA on your homepage and relevant blog posts to offer this free resource.
Set up an automated email to deliver the freebie and welcome new subscribers to your list.
Use the opportunity to mention your services or offer a consultation in the follow-up email.

7. Evaluate Your Marketing Channels

How it Helps: If you’re experiencing a slowdown, it might not be your practice or your skills—it could be the way you’re reaching potential clients.

Take a moment to evaluate where your inquiries are coming from. Are people finding you through Google, social media, word of mouth, or referral sources?

Knowing what’s working and what’s not can help you adjust your strategy and focus on the most effective channels. You might find that it’s time to put more energy into SEO, or maybe explore content marketing through blog posts or podcasts.

Action Step Checklist:

Check your website analytics to see where most of your traffic is coming from (Google, social media, referrals, etc.).
Identify any gaps—are there channels you haven’t been using that could help you reach more clients?
Consider creating a new piece of content (blog post, podcast episode, or social media post) aimed at your ideal client.
Track and measure your results after implementing any changes to see what’s most effective.
Check out The Blog Toolkit if you need help getting started

8. Check In with Your Practice Goals and Values

How it Helps: Slowdowns can trigger feelings of doubt, but they can also be a great opportunity to reconnect with your original goals and values. Sometimes, when things get busy, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started your practice in the first place. Use this slower period as a time to reflect.

Are you still aligned with your practice’s core values? Are you moving toward the bigger picture goals you’ve set for yourself, both personally and professionally? Taking time for this kind of internal check-in can provide clarity and reassurance that you’re on the right path, even if client inquiries have dipped temporarily.

It’s also important to practice some self-soothing during this time.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fear spiral when business slows down, but reminding yourself that client slumps are normal can help ease some of that stress.

Focus on small, actionable steps (like the ones in this post!) and trust that you’re building something sustainable and meaningful in the long run.

Action Step Checklist:

Set aside time to reflect on your practice’s mission and core values. Are you still aligned with them?
Revisit your long-term goals and check in on your progress. What small step can you take today toward those goals?
Practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that slowdowns are normal and part of running a business.
Consider taking a day off to recharge and refocus if the slump has you feeling overwhelmed.

You Got This!

The reality is that every practice goes through slow periods, but those slumps don’t have to last.

By taking intentional steps—whether it’s refreshing your design, updating your SEO, or reconnecting with referral sources—you can turn things around.

Don’t forget to check out my tools and resources for boosting your practice’s visibility and attracting more clients. If you want hands-on help, my VIP Day might be just what you need to revamp your entire web presence in one go.