5 SEO Mistakes That Might Be Holding Your Private Practice’s Site Back
Squarespace makes it easy to create a good-looking website, but getting found in search is a different story. We hear this all the time from private practice owners, especially in health, wellness, and coaching. You launch your site, feel good about how it looks, but you are not showing up on Google and clients are not finding you.
In most cases, a few small SEO mistakes are the reason. The good news is they are easy to fix. Here are three common issues we see and what you can do to improve your visibility.
1. You Are Only Focusing on Searches, Not Humans
It’s easy to get caught up in keywords and search rankings, but if your content doesn’t connect with real people, it won’t get you far. Search behavior is evolving. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are changing how people gather information, often pulling responses directly from website content. If your site is stiff, vague, or written only for algorithms, it won’t stand out.
How to fix it: Write for humans first. Make your content clear, conversational, and tailored to the people you actually want to reach. Use straightforward page titles that reflect your services and location. Anticipate and answer the real questions your ideal clients are asking, not just what you think Google wants to see.
2. Your Website Looks Great, But Is Not Structured for Search
Squarespace is known for clean design, but design alone does not mean good SEO. Without optimized titles, meta descriptions, and proper headings, search engines struggle to understand what your site is about. This makes it harder for your ideal clients to find you.
How to fix it:
Use clear, descriptive page titles that match what people search for
Write unique meta descriptions for every page
Break up your content with headings so it is easy to read and navigate
This helps both search engines and your clients find the information they need.
3. You Are Skipping Local SEO Even if You Work Virtually
Even with a virtual private practice, your location still matters. Google favors businesses that clearly state where they are based. If your website and Google Business Profile do not show your location, it is harder for clients to discover your services.
How to fix it:
Add your location to important pages like your homepage, about page, and contact page. Make sure your Google Business Profile is accurate. Use keywords that connect your services to your location, such as “Virtual Nutrition Counseling in Maine” or “Squarespace Website Design for Dietitians.”
4. Your Website Is Missing Keyword Research
Guessing what people search for is not enough. If your website does not reflect the terms and phrases your clients are actually using, it will not rank well in search results.
How to fix it:
Do basic keyword research (with a tool like Google keyword planner) to find out what your audience is typing into Google or AI tools. Use those keywords naturally in your page titles, headings, and website copy. This helps your site appear for the right searches.
5. You Do Not Have Enough Helpful Content
If your website only includes the basics like your homepage, about page, and services, you are missing an opportunity. Search engines favor websites that offer helpful, relevant content. Blogs, FAQs, and resource pages give you more chances to show up in search and connect with your ideal clients.
How to fix it:
Create content that answers common questions, shares your expertise, or helps your clients solve problems. This builds trust, improves SEO, and makes your site more valuable to both people and search engines.
SEO is changing, but it still plays a huge role in how your private practice gets found. With AI search tools and evolving algorithms, your website needs more than good design. Small SEO updates can make a big difference. Book a Free Consult → Let’s make your site easier to find.
Written by Alison Swiggard, MS, RDN, LD — SEO Marketing Consultant & Registered Dietitian
510 Main Street, Gorham, ME 04038
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Start by using clear, keyword-focused page titles and meta descriptions for every page. Break up your content with headings that reflect what your ideal clients search for. Be sure to add your location and services to important pages like your homepage and about page. Good SEO also includes optimizing your Google Business Profile and making your website easy to understand for both people and search engines.
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Yes. AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity often pull answers directly from websites. If your content is clear, trustworthy, and relevant to your services, it is more likely to get picked up by AI responses. Focusing on helpful, readable content can boost your visibility in both AI and traditional search results.
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The most common reasons include missing SEO basics like optimized page titles, meta descriptions, proper headings, or clear location details. Your website may also lack content that answers the questions your ideal clients are searching for. Even a good-looking site can struggle to rank without the right SEO structure in place.