What to say in a psychology today video, and more: tips from my practice video
Video has become the most popular format to consume content online. And yet, for therapists it remains a largely unexplored territory. My Practice Video is a tool that guides therapists in creating short videos for Psychology Today and more. Watch the video below of my conversation with the Co-Founder of My Practice Video and a therapist, Anna O'Brien, LPC. Keep reading to get practical tools to start recording videos for your practice right away.
Why should you record videos as a therapist?
If the idea of video marketing is making your palms sweat, you're in a good company. Many therapists experience a sense of unease recording themselves speak into the camera. As an introvert I can also relate to this feeling. When I started recording short videos for marketing my own business, I looked very awkward and uncomfortable. I had to push through the "cringe" but many people would give up and deem video unnecessary for their practice altogether.
That video is unnecessary for marketing your practice could not be farther from the truth. According to recent studies of consumer insights, people prefer video to other types of content. Here are some of the reasons why:
Video allows for a multi-sensory engagement. People like to put a face to the voice or the written word.
Video has a stronger emotional impact on the viewer.
Video allows you to build trust faster.
That's one of the reasons why Psychology Today rolled out its 15-second video capability. With such a saturated space like the PT platform, video allows you to stand out and start building a connection with the people who land on your listing. Writing an optimized Psychology Today profile is important, but adding a 15-second video to it will help you significantly increase your chances of booking new clients.
Additionally, video can be an engaging tool for your website as well. It allows a potential client who may be on the fence about booking an appointment, to connect with you and make their decision process quicker. Anna O'Brien, explains it well in our conversation above.
Why do therapists feel uneasy about video?
Anna did a beautiful job explaining the emotional blocks that therapists may experience when it comes to recording a video. Her research showed that some of the main reasons have to do with:
Past trauma that can get triggered when you get on camera.
Confusion and lack of direction about what to say in the video, even a short 15-second Psychology Today video.
Thinking that you need sophisticated technology to get started.
These are the issues that Anna and her Co-Founder took into account when building the My Practice Video tool. Through intimate understanding of therapists and empathy, they created a tool that guides clinicians in making videos, reducing the anxiety around it.
In addition to developing a step by step process to overcoming shyness and recording the videos, My Practice Video takes care of the technical aspects as well.
Helping you record authentic videos also means presenting you in a good light; taking care of awkward pauses, improving sound, and even correcting eye contact when needed. My Practice Video will even correct your lighting so your face is well illuminated and clear.
How to get started with video recording
If you need guidance and a step-by-step process of recording your first video, My Practice Video generously offered a 20% discount with the code: REDD20 to my readers. You can start here.
But if you'd like to practice on your recording your Psychology Today video first, here are the steps to follow:
Define who you are addressing in your video. Who is your Ideal Client?
Pinpoint what you can help them with exactly.
Create a quick and clear statement about how you're going to help.
Clearly state what action you would like the profile viewer to take next.
Put it together in a a script and test it so you don't go over 15 seconds.
And above all, remember that video is there to make it easier for your future clients to build trust with you. It's connection tool, not a sales pitch.
