Episode Overview

Podcast: Abundant Practice Podcast
Host: Allison Puryear
Episode: #722 – Building A Private Practice Website Doesn't Have To Suck
Date: January 10, 2026

This episode of Ask Allison tackles a prevalent roadblock for therapists starting or growing their private practice: Do you really need a website when you’re not tech-savvy or can't afford to hire someone? Allison Puryear breaks down the necessity of websites for private practice, acknowledges the struggle, and provides frank, motivational advice on overcoming tech and mindset hurdles to build a sustainable, profitable practice in 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Do You Really Need a Website?

• Listener Question (00:36):
  "I can't really afford to hire someone to build a website and I don't have the tech skills to do it myself. Do I really need one or can I just focus on other ways to market?"
• Allison’s Big Picture Answer:
  • Yes, you really need a website if your goal is to build a thriving, sustainable, and profitable private practice.
  • You can fill a caseload without a website, but it will go “painfully, painfully slow.”
  • Having a website isn’t just about marketing; it’s about credibility and basic visibility in a digital world.

Quote (02:00):

“The truth is you can fill your caseload without a website if you’re okay with it taking forever. Like painfully, painfully slow. Like you might question everything slow… But if you’re trying to build a real, sustainable, profitable practice in this year, in 2026, you need to be visible. And that starts with having a website.”
— Allison Puryear

2. The Client Perspective: Why Website Visibility Matters

• Scenario Breakdown (03:05):
  • When clients receive referrals, they check for websites to get a sense of the therapist—background, approach, personality.
  • If you don’t have a website, you’re often dropped from consideration.
• Real-Life Example:
  • Even as a therapist herself, Allison did not consider clinicians for her daughter if they lacked a website.

Quote (03:34):

“If they didn’t have a website, they were just off the list. I wasn’t messing with it. And your clients are doing the same thing.”
— Allison Puryear

• Bottom Line: Having no website = no credibility for modern clients.

3. The Real-World Struggle of Building a Website

• Common Stuck Points (04:00–04:30):
  • Therapists freeze on writing copy because website-building feels overwhelming.
  • Some have great website copy sitting unused in a Google Doc.
• The Reality Check:
  • Both DIY and hiring can be hard and frustrating. Outsourcing may avoid some tech hurdles, but can create its own challenges (deadlines, communication issues).

Quote (05:30):

“Either path, whether you’re DIYing it or you’re outsourcing it, there’s going to be some frustration. That’s just part of it.”
— Allison Puryear

4. Business Ownership = Discomfort and Growth

• Bigger Truth (05:38):
  • Building a website is “your version” of the discomfort therapists help clients through.
  • Don’t let discomfort stop you—if you avoid all hard things, running a business may not be for you.

Quote (06:15):

“We don’t tell clients, ‘Oh, setting boundaries is too hard. Never mind.’ No, we find a way forward. And that’s what I want you to do with your website, too.”
— Allison Puryear

5. Addressing Common Objections

• What About Word of Mouth or 30-Year Veterans? (06:35):
  • Some therapists get referrals with no website—great, but they’re leaving business on the table.
  • Therapists who have practiced for decades rely on reputation and an old marketplace—new therapists don’t have that luxury.

Quote (07:20):

“If you are building in 2026, you are in a completely different landscape. You’ve got to do things differently.”
— Allison Puryear

6. Your Website Doesn’t Need to be Perfect

• Minimum Viable Website (07:38):
  • Referencing Reid Hoffman: “If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.”
  • Focus on solid copy; design perfection can wait.

Quote (07:48):

“Done is better than perfect, right?”
— Allison Puryear

• Personal anecdote about Allison’s first, “embarrassing” website—“It worked because my copy did all the heavy lifting.” Over time, both copy and design improved.

7. Practical Tips & Support

• Recommended Platform: Squarespace is Allison’s go-to: intuitive, clean, easy, minimal maintenance.
• Outsourcing Option:
  • Allison offers a “Website in a Week” program for those who prefer to delegate without fuss—just DM her “website”.
• Free DIY Resource:
  • This episode’s downloadable worksheet: Top 5 Marketing Strategies and how a website fits amongst them. DM “sheets” for access.

8. Mindset Motivation

• Don’t Let Hard Stuff Stop You (08:18):
  • Discomfort is part of business. If a website is your only roadblock, business ownership may not be the right path—or it may simply be your first “growth edge.”

Quote (08:30):

“If a website is going to stop you from having a business, maybe business is not for you. If a website is incredibly frustrating and you wish you didn’t have to do it, dude, I feel you. Welcome to the club.”
— Allison Puryear

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Going Slow without a Website:

  “…if you’re okay with it taking forever. Like painfully, painfully slow. Like you might question everything slow.” (02:05)

• On Client Behavior:

  “If they didn’t have a website, they were just off the list. I wasn’t messing with it.” (03:34)

• On Launching Imperfectly:

  “If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” (07:38)

• On Business Ownership:

  “We don’t tell clients, ‘Oh, setting boundaries is too hard. Never mind.’…Find a way forward.” (06:15)

• On Facing Frustration:

  “If a website is incredibly frustrating and you wish you didn’t have to do it, dude, I feel you. Welcome to the club.” (08:30)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:36: Listener question & initial website truth
• 02:00: You can fill a caseload website-free, but it will be very slow
• 03:05–03:45: How clients choose therapists; Allison’s personal example
• 04:00–05:30: Tech overwhelm and the reality of DIY vs. outsourcing
• 05:38: Business is about discomfort & growth
• 06:35–07:20: Addressing common objections about not having a website
• 07:38–07:57: “Done is better than perfect”—the minimum viable website
• 08:00–08:30: Mindset motivation: pushing past discomfort

Action Items & Resources

• DIYers: Download the free worksheet with five top marketing strategies.
  (DM “sheets” to Allison for access to this and past ones.)
• Need help building your site? Inquire about “Website in a Week” by DMing “website.”
• Platform Recommendation: Try Squarespace for its ease-of-use and reliability.

Tone & Takeaways

Allison’s approach is candid, compassionate, and a little tough-love. She makes it clear that while building a website can be daunting, it’s a non-negotiable for private practice success in 2026. The episode blends practical advice (platform recommendations, resources) and motivational messaging (embrace discomfort, imperfect action beats perfection paralysis).

In short: Your website is your digital handshake—don’t let tech fear or perfectionism keep you invisible.