Common Mistakes Therapists Make When Writing an OT Potential Directory Profile

Want to connect with occupational therapy professionals, get found by clients, and contribute to being a positive face for the profession?

Then you need to create a profile on the OT Potential Directory! 

Think beyond just setting up an account, taking advantage of this platform means take a few extra minutes to craft a really great profile. At it’s core a great profile is like a strong introduction in person. It creates connection with others, leaves a positive, memorable impression, and gives your reader a clear way to work together.

So to help you succeed, here’s a little summary of what not to do in terms of writing up that profile. A keep in mind, this a no judgment zone if you’ve made or have currently made any of these mistakes.

Mistake #1: Not Filling Out the Bio Section of Your OT Potential Directory Profile

This is probably the most common mistake I see…

And it’s when a profile, especially the bio section isn’t filled out.

I attribute this problem to the fact that many therapists are busy or unsure of what to put into their profiles. A part of it might even be feeling uncomfortable with writing about yourself.

So my first word of advice (even if you make all the mistakes I list in the blog) —

Is that a filled-out profile is better than an empty one. 

This is a platform to connect and share what you do. And to get the most of the platform, you need to give people a peek into who you are and what you do. 

So take a minute to read some resources about writing a bio. AND THEN WRITE YOURS.

And remember your bio isn’t set in stone. There are no negative consequences for not hitting a home run on your first attempt. You get to edit as many times as you want. 

Mistake #2: Using Academic Tone

After years of honing your academic and clinical writing, it’s hard to change it up. However, writing in too formal of a tone is a big mistake. 

This makes the profile less engaging and relatable to potential clients.

After all, people prefer and more importantly, remember the interesting qualities of other people.

Start by making a shift in your brain that you’re having a conversation. Make your bio like you would talk —  while still being the professional that you are. This looks like writing in shorter sentences, adjusting punctuation, and writing in a way that is easy to read and flows naturally.  It also means considering if you can write using the “I” and “You” versus a 3rd person point of view.

If you want to specifics, grab my freebie about how adjust your writing style to be more approachable as a healthcare professional. 

Mistake #3: Overloading Your OT Potential Profile with Qualifications 

This is a problem because listing too many credentials and certifications can overwhelm clients and detract from the core message of how you can help them.

Especially when your reader doesn’t know what all those credentials or certifications mean. 

Again, think about the person who is reading your profile will understand and be interested in.

From there, pick 3 of your most notable or important certifications and wrap them into a sentence with meaning. 

For example: 

With certifications in SOS feeding and Trauma Informed Practice, I’m able provide an innovative approach to helping Autistic clients explore new foods without stress or pressure.

Another option is to create a bullet list that a reader can scan through. 

For example:

My approach is influenced by additional training in:

• Sensory Processing: Star Institute Level 1
• Relationship-Based Play: DIR FloorTime
• Feeding: SOS Feeding Course

Mistake #4: Targeting Too Broad an Audience 

Here’s the challenge, attempting to appeal to everyone by listing numerous specialties can make it difficult for potential clients to understand your primary focus and expertise.

This is a tough one for us as occupational therapy practitioners. We are trained to address so many people with so many different problems. It’s what we do. However, writing your profile from this perspective usually does a disservice to your reader who will end up confused. 

Instead, think about your top 1-3 specialties. What are you good at addressing?

Keeping things succinct and narrow on your profile is so much easier for another person to understand and remember later. 

This can be as easy as finishing this sentence…

As an occupational therapist, I most love working with clients on [Insert 3 key areas].

Mistake #5: Using Vague Calls to Action 

A lack of specific, actionable next steps can leave potential clients unsure of how to proceed. This is a missed opportunity. Especially when the OT Potential Profile gives you so many ways to customize your directory Profile.

To make your profile more valuable, consider a next step for someone who takes the time to read your profile. To do this, you need to give them a call to action.

First, optimize your profile for contact: 

• Email me button
• Social media accounts
• Website links

Next, the last section in your profile bio should be a specific invitation to your call to action.

Here are some options to inspire your call to action at the end of your OT Potential Profile: 

• Interested in working together? Email me at jen@jennygillcopywriting.com
• Want to learn more about sensory processing? Check out my YouTube Channel {insert link}
• I love sharing about copywriting with fellow occupational therapists! Join my email list to get ick-free marketing and copywriting tips to grow your private practice. 
• Think your child would benefit from OT with our practice? Call today for an appointment {insert your phone number}

#6: Not Picking the Right Profile Picture

The number one thing to consider is your headshot. That shows up in the general profile listing and then when a visitor clicks into your profile. And like it or not, this picture matters.

What you don’t want to do is put up a grainy selfie after a run through the woods. 

Some people prefer a formal headshot. That can convey professionalism which may or may not be your goal. A downside is if the professional headshot doesn’t match how you show up from day-to-day. This might feel disingenuous or confusing for those who meet with clients. 

You could also consider a less formal headshot which might convey your warmth, personality, or build a personal connection.

Another option is a close-up from a time when you’re teaching or giving a lecture. This option is great for those who want to do more teaching or speaking as it shows you being a thought leader.

Mistake #7: Failing to Customize Your OT Potential Profile Bio for Context or Audience

I’m big into repurposing quality content, including a well-written bio. However, there is one caveat to doing so. Don’t simply copy and paste the words from one place to another. Using the same text across different platforms without adjusting for flow or readability can make your profile seem impersonal or robotic.

Instead, take the time to read think about the reader and the purpose for the specific platform. Then, take a few minutes to read through your bio and make any needed adjustments to fit into the platform where it is going. Small tweaks can make a big difference.

For instance, maybe your website bio is written to the needs of potential clients and your OT Potential Directory Profile is going to get read by fellow occupational therapists. With this in mind, your opening line for your website bio might feature how you solve problems for clients and your OT Directory Bio might talk about how you teach fellow professionals how to work with that specialty area.