You’re an SLP, not a marketer, and that’s okay. But if you’ve ever found yourself doing random marketing tasks (posting on Instagram one week, sending out an email the next, then forgetting all about marketing for a month), you’re not alone.
That scattershot approach is the number one marketing mistake we see private practice SLPs making. And it’s not your fault; it’s what happens when no one teaches you how to market your practice in a way that works for you, not against your time.
Let’s discuss why that random marketing approach leads nowhere and what time-saving solution you can use instead to bring calm, clarity, and actual clients into your business.
The Marketing Mistake That’s Wasting Your Time
Here it is: doing disconnected, one-off marketing tasks with no system or strategy.
You know the type of marketing tasks we’re talking about:
- Making a pretty Instagram post but not having a clear goal behind it.
- Writing a blog post but not knowing what to do with it afterward.
- Running a Facebook ad but not having a solid website to send people to.
- Started an email list and then forgot to email anyone for three months.
It’s not that these things are bad. They’re just ineffective when done in isolation. It is like trying to bake a cake by throwing flour, eggs, and sugar in a bowl and hoping it turns into dessert. It might technically be cake ingredients, but it won’t rise.
Why This Happens to SLPs
You’re trained to assess, diagnose, and treat as an SLP. You’re used to systems. But when it comes to marketing? It feels like the Wild West. There’s too much advice, too many platforms, and no roadmap.
So, you try what you can when you can. But it never quite clicks. It feels like a lot of work for a minimal payoff. And because there’s no system, marketing feels like a burden instead of a tool.
The Better Way: Build a Simple, Repeatable Marketing System
The solution? Systems over scattered tasks.
A marketing system is just a fancy way of saying: You know what to do when to do it, and why you’re doing it.
When you have a system in place, marketing no longer feels like a chaotic chore. It becomes a calm, step-by-step process supporting your goals even when knee-deep in client sessions.
Example: Meet Sharon
Sharon is a private practice SLP. She was frustrated because she kept trying new marketing tactics, but nothing stuck. She posted on Instagram sporadically, built a website herself that no one visited, and signed up for an email platform she never used.
Then Sharon implemented a simple system: one social media post a week, one blog post a month, and a basic email sequence that automatically sends when someone downloads her free guide. That’s it.
Now, her Instagram posts actually lead people to her site, her site captures emails, and her emails nurture trust. The system works for her even when she’s in back-to-back sessions.
What a Good Marketing System Looks Like for SLPs
You don’t need to do everything. You need to do the right things consistently. Here’s what a foundational marketing system could look like for your SLP practice:
1. A Clear Website That Converts
Your website should:
- Explain who you help and how
- Offer an easy way to get in touch or book a consult
- Include a freebie (like a guide or checklist) to grow your email list
This property is your digital home base. Everything else should point back to it.
2. A Simple Content Plan
Pick one platform where your audience hangs out (Instagram or Facebook is usually best for SLPs) and show up consistently, even if it’s just once a week.
Use your posts to:
- Educate your audience
- Share client success stories (with permission)
- Show your face and build trust
- Point people to your services
You don’t have to go viral. You have to be visible.
3. An Email Nurture Sequence
When someone downloads your freebie, they should get a short series of emails that:
- Introduce yourself and your practice
- Share helpful tips or stories
- Invite them to book a consult
This activity builds trust and reminds them you exist without lifting a finger after setup.
Why Systems Save You Time (and Sanity)
Here’s the best part: once you build your marketing system, it saves you hours every week.
You’re no longer scrambling to figure out what to post or where to market. You’re not bouncing between ideas or platforms. You’ve got a repeatable rhythm that brings in leads while you focus on what you do best: helping your clients.
It’s like meal-prepping for your business. Yes, it takes some setup, but it makes the rest of your week (and your mental space) easier.
Start Small, Win Big
If the word “system” feels overwhelming, here’s the truth: your system can start super small.
- Step 1: Get a website or landing page that clearly says who you help and how to contact you.
- Step 2: Create one free guide your ideal client would love (like “5 Signs Your Toddler Might Need Speech Support”).
- Step 3: Set up an email service to send them a welcome email and a few follow-ups.
- Step 4: Pick one platform and post once a week with intention.
That’s a system. And it’s more potent than 100 random posts with no path forward.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Do More. You Need a Plan.
At Practice Factory, we believe consistency wins. We help SLPs like you trade overwhelm for clarity by showing you exactly what to focus on and in what order.
If you’re tired of guessing, tired of spinning your wheels, and ready to finally have a marketing plan that works for your life, your schedule, and your goals, we’ve got your back.
Check out our Marketing Essentials for SLPs e-book. It walks you through the four tools every private practice SLP needs to get clients without spending your whole life on social media.
Because done is better than perfect. And systems? They’re your shortcut to sustainable success.
If you feel lost in a sea of marketing advice and strategies, let this book simplify things for you. You don't need to try every marketing tactic on the Internet and this book proves it.
