Written by: Sibora Halili, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Want to turn your template into a sleek and professional therapy website in no time? Do it with this step-by-step walkthrough.
When starting, it's usually easiest to design your site using a pre-made template. However, templates can also come with some challenges. Here's what usually happens:
The Template Trap
Anybody who's ever bought clothes online knows how annoying it is when they don't fit right. It can be tough to shop without being able to try them on first. Picking a template for your website is similar – at first, it looks great but falls apart once you add changes to personalize it.
The more changes you make, the less your template resembles its original form ‒ it's gradually becoming messy.
The pictures you selected clash in style and send out mixed signals.
The visual clutter can cause stress, and it's challenging to finish your copy or start writing.
The template's structure can make it challenging to present your offer appealingly.
The cycle begins anew when you start searching for a new template.
Consequently, you need help to complete your web project.
The main problem?
Clash instead of consistency
How can you tailor a website template to fit you, just like an outfit that makes you look amazing?
You're worth it. Your website should be too.
If you're a therapist who knows their worth, "will do" is probably not good enough for your website. You want more than that, right?
To better understand what drives you, let's look at the Maslow hierarchy of needs. The bottom of the pyramid meets the first requirements (food, safety, and love). However, the top-level addresses self-actualization and tapping into your potential.
Many people see website design as a requirement, but it's actually much more than that. Once you start building your page, you'll quickly notice how engrossing it becomes. Your website is an extension of yourself. You want it to be designed in a way that feels good and inspiring. How can you achieve that quickly, easily, and without hiring a costly web designer? And without succumbing to the template trap?
Here is your first step:
Develop a Website Color Scheme that embodies your vision
Just like clothes communicate different messages about your personality, the colors on your website do too. In fact, color is the first thing you want to consider when creating a new website because it sets the mood and atmosphere for everything else. Having a good color scheme is like having your own miniature branding:
It helps you to easily select images and fonts that fit your vision,
Making it simpler to attract people who are aligned with your values.
You can usually change the preset color scheme of the template in just a few clicks to match your desired look.
It will help you maintain consistency throughout your page.
And establish trust and credibility by looking professional.
The most efficient way to pick your website colors
The color palette you choose should be based on something other than your favorite colors. Instead, look at it as a scheme to achieve a specific look and feel.
Here is an exercise to help you visualize your colors:
Imagine the perfect hosting space for your clients. How would that place look like if everything was possible? What vibes do you envision - adventurous or safe? Cozy or elegant? Warm neutral colors or bright and cheery tones?
Once you have a clear idea, begin searching for pictures representing what you are going for.
Use a Color Palette Generator
The next step is uploading an image closest to your vision into a color scheme generator, such as this one from adobe.
You will get a pre-made palette of 5 colors that you can further adjust.
Use the most eye-catching color as your theme's primary color; for buttons, links, and other important highlights.
The four remaining colors can be used for backgrounds or other design elements. They can also be a reference for choosing images with similar tones for your website.
How to best pick images and fonts for your website
Suppose you need something specific to guide your search. In that case, finding images that complement each other well and capture your vision can be tricky. However, with your color palette on hand, you have the perfect starting point for your search. With such a great guide, specific images will stand out to you instantly.
Get images online
Now it's time to explore free image websites like Unsplash or Pixabay. Just remember to give credit where it's due on your website. Or, if you want to buy photos, videos or illustrations, visit sites such as Shutterstock or Istock. Many website builders also offer an in-built library of images from these sources.
Images are a vital part of any website or blog, so it's essential to choose them carefully. If you're planning on using free images, my first tip would be to try and get them from the same photographer. Having visuals that all share the same style will help your site look more cohesive and professional.
Use your photos
If you're planning a photo shoot, give the photographer your color palette. This way, he or she can edit the pictures to match your desired tone.
If you don't take professional photos but have a friend help you, try using an app like Lens Distortion or Snapseed. These apps allow you to apply filters close to replicating your chosen color scheme.
Pick fonts
The most crucial element of your font selection is not to choose intricate ones but rather those that are easy on the eyes. To streamline the process, only decide between two fonts: one for headlines and another for body text.
To begin, select a headline font; you can opt for something more simplistic like sans serif or include a character with a serif or handwritten style. Afterward, settle on a body font that is large enough to read (i.e., 14-16 pt) and comfortable on the eyes.
So far, we've determined the following for your therapy website design:
A color palette that reflects your vision.
Images that match and complement each other
Two fonts that are easy to read.
Now, let's discuss the template you want to use them on.
Overcome the temptation of fancy templates
When it comes to designing your website, simplicity is critical. Resist the urge to use complex designs or too many bells and whistles. Stick to a simple template that's easy to use and easy on the eyes. You want potential clients to be able to easily navigate your site and find the information they're looking for.
A blank slate will provide the best opportunity for consistency and clarity. Apply your color scheme palette without any visual aids getting in the way. Then, insert images, copy, and use 2 fonts of your choice. Too many elements are distracting and challenging to manage - keep it simple for the best results.
Need help determining which template or website builder to use?
Here are three options I recommend:
Appear locally
If you want to attract therapy clients within your area, why not use a google site? It's free and easy to navigate. Plus, it automatically applies your color palette throughout the entire page. Remember to create a Google business page that shows up in map searches; this way, potential customers can find you more easily. This is the simplest solution if you're looking to attract local clients quickly and cheaply.
Use Email Marketing
Use an all-in-one provider like Mailchimp to build a sales funnel. You can automate your email marketing with user journey presets, buy domains, and use their basic clean templates in their website builder. Plus, Mailchimp has a color skin-building feature where you enter your color palette, and it will automatically adjust the template colors to match. It's great because it's all consolidated into one platform.
Tailor every feature to your liking
WordPress is an excellent choice for people who want more control over their website's design, SEO, and functionality. However, it can be challenging to use WordPress if you still need to become familiar with it because there are so many features. With WordPress, you have "building blocks" for your website that you can use to create the site of your dreams. You can also install plugins (like RankMath or YoastSEO ) to optimize your site for SEO. Or, if you want an even better-looking website, you could buy professional builders like Elementor or Divi. The sky's the limit!
Here are three of my client's WordPress websites that were designed following the same principles you've just learned.
3 Therapy Website Design Examples based on Color Schemes
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If your teenager is constantly skipping school, the School Refusal Treatment can help get them back on track. Especially if previous methods, such as psychotherapy, failed or you're still waiting for an appointment with CAMHS. Sarah Hayes specializes in helping these types of cases and offers a free newsletter to guide parents through these situations. The central aspect of her work is the "School Refusal Programme," which uses playful and interactive 1:1 Hypnotherapy sessions to ease teenagers back into confidence at school.
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Remember, the best web design is
Simple
Easy to navigate
Applies your color palette throughout
Includes 2 easy to read fonts
Uses images that match and complement each other
Now it's time to apply what you've learned and design a website that attracts your ideal clients.
Are you stuck?
I am excited to offer my professional guidance in the form of a 90 Minute Design Workshop to help you create an authentic website you can be proud of.
Sibora Halili, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Sibora Halili (short: Sibi) is a Hypnotherapy Marketing Expert. She first discovered Hypnotherapy from a client's perspective when she transitioned into motherhood. Experiencing the power of Hypnosis firsthand was a game-changer for Sibi. Now she helps Hypnotherapists find a profitable Hypnotherapy Niche. There is a lot of Myth and Misconception around Hypnosis. Sibi designs unique positioning strategies to overcome them. While everyone else jumps on Social Media, she focuses on Google Power Search. She helps Hypnotherapists reach untapped client pools and secure long-term business success. Sibi has a Master's in Digital Media Technologies and founded the Seabee Design Studio in 2015. Also, she's been teaching at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences. Her story began in Vlorë, Albania. When Sibi was a toddler, her artistic family moved to Austria. Later, she lived in Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Norway. Today she's settled in the Austrian Alps with her family. Being multicultural, she loves working with clients worldwide.
