by Sara Brodeen | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
Why Your Holistic Practice Isn’t Showing Up on Google (And How to Fix It)
Running a holistic practice is deeply personal. You pour your heart into helping others heal, and the results speak for themselves. But when it comes to getting found online? That’s where the magic often fizzles.
You’re not alone if you feel invisible on Google. Most holistic practitioners are doing what they think they’re supposed to—posting on social, creating a nice website, maybe even dabbling in ads—but still aren’t showing up in search results. Let’s change that.
Below, I’ll walk you through clear, practical SEO tips that actually work for wellness businesses. No tech jargon, no paid ads—just real strategies that help you show up and stand out.
The Google Reality: Why Some Businesses Get Seen and Others Don’t
Google is like the town square of the internet. When someone searches for “acupuncture near me” or “naturopath St. Cloud,” they’re looking for answers. And Google wants to show them the best ones.
But “best” doesn’t always mean most experienced. It means most relevant, most trustworthy, and most clear. And here’s the truth: if your site is confusing, vague, or misaligned with how your ideal client searches, Google simply won’t send people your way.
Showing up isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about aligning your content and structure with what your audience is already looking for.
Common SEO Mistakes Holistic Practitioners Make
Let’s start by naming a few of the big mistakes I see nearly every week.
1. Trying to Appeal to Everyone
Using broad terms like “wellness for all” or “whole-body healing” may sound inclusive, but they lack the specifics Google needs to connect your site to actual searches.
2. Using Vague or “Feel-Good” Language
“Balance,” “alignment,” and “transformation” may describe your services beautifully, but they’re not how most people search. Google is keyword-driven. We have to meet it where it is.
3. Ignoring Local SEO
If you’re serving a local community, your content should say so! Many wellness websites don’t mention their city, county, or even state. Without those clues, Google assumes your business isn’t relevant to nearby searchers.
4. Treating Your Website Like a Brochure
Your website should be a tool, not a pamphlet. A homepage that just says “Welcome, we offer energy healing and massage therapy” doesn’t give Google or your visitors a reason to stay or explore.
Fix #1: Speak Your Client’s Language, Not Industry Jargon
Let’s talk about how your future clients search.
They’re not typing “reiki-infused somatic emotional release.” They’re typing things like:
- “natural anxiety remedies near me”
- “massage for fibromyalgia St. Cloud”
- “why does my back always hurt?”
You don’t have to abandon your beautiful brand language, but you do need to include the phrases your people actually use.
A simple test: Ask 3 people who fit your ideal client profile, “What would you Google if you were trying to find someone like me?”
Match your website headlines, services, and page titles to those answers. That’s how you align with both humans and search engines.
Fix #2: Optimize for Local First
If you’re trying to get found in your city or region, local SEO is your new best friend.
Here’s how to start:
- Set up and verify your Google Business Profile
- Include your city name and zip code on every page
- Add local testimonials or reviews that mention your area
- Embed a Google map on your contact page
And don’t just say “I serve the greater Midwest.” Say “serving clients in St. Cloud, Sartell, and the surrounding Minnesota communities.” Specifics signal relevance. Google is trying to deliver local results—help it know you’re local.
Fix #3: Make Your Website Easy for Google (and People) to Understand
SEO isn’t about stuffing keywords. It’s about structure.
Here’s what that means:
- Use clear headers (like H1, H2) to guide the flow
- Break your content into sections with descriptive titles
- Use internal links to connect related pages (ex: link your massage therapy page to your contact page)
- Avoid long, dense paragraphs. Google skims… just like humans do.
And yes, page speed matters. If your site takes forever to load, people bounce. You don’t need a fancy redesign—just make sure your images are compressed and your site isn’t overloaded with unnecessary plugins.
Insider Tip From Sara Brodeen
Most holistic business owners I work with are shocked when they see how many local people are already searching for what they offer… but are finding someone else instead.
One client in rural Minnesota wasn’t showing up at all. We added three things:
- Her city and county in key places across her site
- A Google Business Profile with reviews from her real clients
- Page titles that matched what her audience was searching
Within a few weeks, she started getting local traffic—and actual bookings—from people who hadn’t heard of her before. You’re not starting from zero. People are searching. Let’s make sure they find you.
What Happens When SEO Finally Clicks
When your site starts showing up in local searches, things begin to shift. You start getting inquiries from people who are already “sold” on what you offer. They read your site, they felt aligned, and they clicked “Book Now” without hesitation.
Instead of feeling like you’re chasing every lead, you begin choosing who you want to work with. That’s the power of visibility. It creates spaciousness. It builds confidence. And it puts you in control of your business again.
If this all still feels overwhelming, that’s okay. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start small:
- Tweak your homepage wording
- Mention your city
- Write one blog post answering a question your clients ask all the time
You’ve already built something powerful. Now let’s make sure people can find it.
by Sara Brodeen | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
Holistic Meets High-Converting: The Design Blueprint Wellness Pros Need
You probably didn’t become a therapist because you love web design. Most of us in the holistic space didn’t. You became a healer, a space holder, a guide—and now you’re also expected to know how to build a website that turns strangers into clients.
Here’s the truth: most holistic therapists have gorgeous websites… that don’t actually work. They’re calming, soft, and lovely, but they quietly confuse or lose the visitor.
This blog isn’t about flashy design or trends. It’s about building a website that feels like you, serves your people, and invites them in without ever feeling pushy.
Let’s talk about how to make your site a place where potential clients feel seen, safe, and ready to say yes.
Beautiful Isn’t the Same as Effective
You can spend hours on colors and fonts, but none of that will matter if your website doesn’t clearly answer these three questions within the first few seconds:
- What do you offer?
- Who is it for?
- What’s the next step?
Your visitors aren’t being judgmental—they’re being overwhelmed. Most people visiting a therapist’s website are dealing with some kind of emotional or physical stress. If your homepage makes them think too hard or hunt for answers, they’ll bounce.
Design that works is design that communicates clearly and compassionately.
The First Impression Rule
Research says it takes people less than 3 seconds to form a first impression online. That’s less time than it takes to open a watermelon. (You knew I’d work that in somewhere.)
On a practical level, this means your homepage (and especially the section they see first, before scrolling) needs to:
- Clearly state what you do and for whom
- Use easy-to-read fonts and high-contrast text
- Feature a warm, professional photo (preferably of you, not just a stock photo of a flower)
- Include a clear call to action
If a client is scrolling at midnight looking for help with anxiety, your site needs to be the calm in the storm—not a puzzle.
Design Element #1: Clear Pathways That Lead Somewhere
Every page on your site should have one primary goal. One.
Whether it’s booking a session, downloading a guide, or contacting you, clarity wins every time.
Try this on your site:
- Is your call to action visible without scrolling?
- Are there too many choices in your navigation bar?
- Does each page guide the visitor to one logical next step?
You’re not trying to trap anyone into clicking something. You’re guiding them gently toward help.
Design Element #2: Trust Signals That Actually Matter
People decide whether they trust you before they read your credentials. It’s a vibe thing.
That vibe is created through:
- Photos that feel real and not overly polished
- Client testimonials that speak to transformation, not just “Sara was nice”
- Tone of voice that matches what someone would experience in a session with you
Did you know your website’s consistency is actually a trust factor? When your font, colors, and tone align across every page, people feel safe—even if they don’t consciously notice why.
Design Element #3: Mobile Experience Matters More Than You Think
Most of your visitors are seeing your site on their phone. If your website only looks good on a desktop… it’s not working.
Check this right now:
- Does your homepage text get cut off on mobile?
- Are buttons easy to click?
- Is your phone number tappable?
- Are your images making the mobile load time crawl?
Even simple things like fixing line spacing on mobile can change how a visitor feels—and whether they stick around.
Design Element #4: Color, Space, and Flow
Your website should feel like walking into your office—clear, welcoming, and not overstimulating.
Color: Choose 2 to 3 brand colors that reflect your practice. Blue for calm, green for growth, earth tones for grounding. Avoid overuse of pastels or overly saturated tones unless they match your brand energy.
Space: White space is your friend. It gives content room to breathe. Cramming too much information together creates subtle stress.
Flow: Each section should lead to the next like a gentle river. Intro → services → testimonials → next steps. Don’t make people jump all over the place.
Did You Know? With Sara Brodeen
One thing I notice over and over: many holistic therapists tuck their pricing in a hidden spot or don’t list it at all out of fear that it will scare people off.
But what actually happens? It creates mistrust. Visitors either assume it’s too expensive or feel unsure about reaching out.
Being upfront about your pricing—or at least your process—builds transparency. And transparency builds trust.
Design That Supports Growth
When your website is designed with intention, you’ll feel the difference in your business.
Instead of people asking, “So what exactly do you do?”—you’ll get inquiries like, “I feel like you were speaking directly to me on your website. How do I book?”
That’s what high-converting holistic design looks like.
It doesn’t chase. It invites. It doesn’t pressure. It encourages. It doesn’t shout. It resonates. And when that happens, you’ll spend less time explaining… and more time helping.
by Sara Brodeen | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
How to Make Your Website Feel Like a Healing Space That Converts
Your website is more than a digital brochure. For a naturopathic clinic, it’s often the first experience someone has with your care. Before they book, before they call, before they trust—you’ve got one shot to make them feel safe, seen, and understood.
But here’s the problem. Too many naturopathic websites look the part—earthy tones, a photo of a leaf, maybe a stock photo of someone holding a cup of tea—but they don’t function like a true healing space. They don’t guide. They don’t build trust. They don’t convert.
Let’s change that.
Below, we’ll walk through how to optimize your website so it not only reflects your values but also works quietly behind the scenes to help your practice grow.
What Website Optimization Actually Means (For People Like Us)
“Website optimization” sounds like a techy thing someone in a hoodie does behind a keyboard. But for holistic providers, it means something much simpler:
- Creating a smooth, calming user experience
- Making it easy for potential clients to find what they need
- Removing friction so people can take action when they’re ready
Optimization is about removing confusion, building trust, and getting out of your own way online.
Google will like you more. Visitors will stay longer. And you’ll book more ideal clients without adding more to your plate.
Optimization Area #1: Speed and Performance
Let’s start with the basics. Your site has to load fast. If your homepage is dragging, potential clients won’t wait.
Why speed matters:
- Visitors decide in seconds whether to stay
- A slow site signals unprofessionalism, even if your services are stellar
- Google ranks faster sites higher in search results
Quick Fixes You Can Make:
- Compress images before uploading (tools like TinyPNG work great)
- Avoid background videos or large slideshow banners
- Use a simple, clean theme instead of something flashy and bloated
Did You Know with Sara Brodeen: A client once told me, “I don’t get any traffic from my website.” I checked their site—it took 14 seconds to load. After compressing images and cleaning up the home page? New patient inquiries within a week.
Optimization Area #2: Navigation and Flow
Think of your website like a first-time visit to your clinic. Are the directions clear? Do people know where to go next? Or are they wandering the digital hallway?
Your site should guide people like this:
- Welcome message or headline
- Clear explanation of who you help and how
- Services overview
- Proof of results (testimonials or success stories)
- Easy way to book or contact
Avoid:
- Dropdown menus with 10+ options
- Dead-end pages with no call to action
- Overlapping services that confuse visitors
When people feel guided—not overwhelmed—they’re more likely to trust you before you ever speak.
Optimization Area #3: Content That Educates Without Overwhelming
You’re a natural educator. But on your website, less is more.
Your goal isn’t to teach someone everything about homeopathy or gut health in one scroll. It’s to help them take the next step.
Try this structure:
- Service Page: Describe the issue you help with, how you help, and what outcomes clients can expect
- Blog Post: Dive deeper into a single topic (e.g., “Natural Ways to Manage Anxiety”)
- Call to Action: Offer something small but valuable (free guide, discovery call, newsletter)
Keep your voice clear, friendly, and aligned with how you speak in real life. If it sounds too clinical or overly poetic, it might confuse your reader.
Optimization Area #4: Local Signals and Credibility
This is where many naturopathic clinics accidentally hurt their visibility.
Google wants to know:
- Where you are
- What you do
- Why people trust you
If your address isn’t clear, your Google Business Profile isn’t claimed, or your city isn’t mentioned throughout the site… Google might assume you don’t serve that area at all.
Ways to build local trust:
- Mention nearby cities or neighborhoods you serve
- Embed a Google map on your Contact page
- Use testimonials that mention location (ex: “I found Dr. Ames through a friend in St. Cloud and I’m so glad I did!”)
Bonus: Use consistent name, address, and phone number across your website, social media, and listings. Google notices.
Insider Tip From Sara Brodeen
Your website is like a front porch. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to feel welcoming, sturdy, and maintained. A lot of wellness websites forget this.
Don’t overthink. Just ask yourself:
- Would I feel safe reaching out through this site?
- Does the design match the experience I offer in person?
- Is the tone clear and calming, or is it confusing and cluttered?
If your porch light is on (AKA your call to action is visible) and the walkway is clear (AKA your navigation is intuitive), people will come knocking.
When a Website Starts Doing Its Job
Once your site is optimized, you’ll start noticing little things:
- More people booking directly instead of emailing with 15 questions
- Better-fit clients who already understand what you offer
- Less explaining, more connecting
And the best part? You’ll finally stop wondering if your site is helping or hurting your growth.
It’ll start feeling like a team member who’s always working… quietly, calmly, and confidently.
Just like you.
by Sara Brodeen | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
Can Reviews Make or Break Your Practice? Short Answer: Yes
In the world of alternative medicine, trust is everything. Most of your clients aren’t just buying a product—they’re buying belief in a better path to healing. That trust often starts long before someone ever meets you.
Where does it begin? Your online reviews.
Reviews are the new word of mouth. They shape decisions, send signals about your credibility, and quietly influence whether a potential client clicks “Book Now” or moves on.
Managing your online reviews isn’t just a customer service chore. It’s a critical piece of your holistic business growth. And if you’re not actively guiding how those reviews show up, you’re leaving your reputation in someone else’s hands.
Let’s dive into why reviews matter, what to do when they go wrong, and how to build a system that works for you.
The Quiet Power of Reviews
You might think reviews are only for restaurants and gadget stores. But wellness is personal. And when people are vulnerable—dealing with pain, anxiety, burnout—they seek safety and social proof.
A testimonial from someone who says “I felt heard for the first time” carries more weight than 20 polished Instagram posts.
Your potential clients are reading your reviews. Here’s what they want to know:
- Did people feel better after working with you?
- Was the experience easy and supportive?
- Did you feel like a real person, or just another practitioner?
How People Actually Use Reviews
Most readers don’t scroll through every word. They skim. But they’re looking for patterns.
- Repetition matters. If multiple reviews mention your calming energy or effectiveness with chronic fatigue, that becomes your brand in their minds.
- Recency matters. A five-star review from 2020 doesn’t mean as much as one from last month.
- Realness matters. If your reviews feel overly generic or robotic, readers won’t trust them.
What doesn’t matter? Perfection. In fact, a perfect 5.0 rating across 78 reviews can look suspicious. One or two honest critiques (handled with grace) actually make your entire profile feel more authentic.
The Risk of Ignoring Reviews
If you’re not managing your reviews, someone else is. And silence sends a signal.
A lack of reviews can imply:
- You’re not experienced
- You’re not active
- Or worse… you’re not trusted
Even a couple of thoughtful reviews can flip the switch on your credibility.
And if someone leaves a not-so-glowing comment and you say nothing? Potential clients may assume it’s true. Worse, they might think you don’t care.
How to Encourage Reviews Without Feeling Pushy
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to beg. You just need a system.
Timing is everything. Ask for reviews when clients are feeling grateful, usually right after a breakthrough or a positive outcome.
Use language that’s gentle and genuine:
“If you’ve found our work together valuable, I’d be honored if you shared a few words in a review. It helps others who are seeking this kind of support find their way here.”
Make it easy:
- Text or email them a direct link
- Remind them they don’t need to write a novel
- Let them know they can use just their first name or even initials
People want to support you. They just need to be reminded.
Responding to Reviews the Right Way
Whether it’s glowing or less-than-perfect, every review is a chance to show your character.
How to Respond to a Positive Review:
- Thank them sincerely
- Reflect something specific they mentioned
- Reinforce your mission or values
Example: “Thank you so much, Kelsey. I’m so glad our sessions helped ease your migraines. Supporting clients like you is exactly why I do what I do!”
How to Handle Neutral or Negative Reviews:
- Take a deep breath
- Don’t go on the defensive
- Stay kind, professional, and non-personal
Example: “I’m sorry to hear your experience wasn’t what you hoped for. I’m always open to feedback and committed to making each visit more supportive and effective.”
Never share private details. Keep it classy. How you respond matters more than what was said.
Reputation Management for Holistic Businesses
In the alternative medicine space, you walk a unique line. People trust you with their stories, their health journeys, and often their last hope.
That’s why your reputation—online and off—is sacred.
Tips to manage it ethically and effectively:
- Protect client privacy. Never quote session notes or hint at personal health info in public replies.
- Stay in alignment. Respond the way you would in a healing session: with grace, boundaries, and clarity.
- Monitor regularly. Set a reminder once a week to check for new reviews across platforms.
Did You Know? With Sara Brodeen
Google doesn’t just show your reviews. It reads them. The words people use in their reviews—like “acupuncture for anxiety” or “natural hormone balance”—can help Google understand what your business is about.
That means your reviews aren’t just social proof. They’re SEO tools.
Encouraging specific, heartfelt reviews isn’t just good branding. It’s good visibility.
Turning Reviews Into a Growth Tool
Once your review system is in place, things start to shift:
- You show up more in local search results
- New clients feel confident before they even meet you
- Your brand begins to speak for itself
And as you grow, your reviews become a living, breathing portfolio of your impact.
This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need hundreds of reviews. You just need a handful of honest voices that reflect the care you already give every day.
Build the system once. Keep showing up. And let your clients help you shine.
