Powerful Business Tips for Doulas
Every Birth Doula wants to grow a thriving, sustainable business and the way to do that is with a mindset of excellence and adaptability — in other words, to #BeTheFerrari
1. SHOW UP LIKE A PRO - EVERY TIME!
You’re not “just” a doula. You’re a business woman and the brand and company that you represent is YOU. You’re a trusted professional in one of the most transformational seasons of someone’s life. That means clear communication, consistent branding, timely follow-ups, and a polished presence online and in-person. Show up as the person that you want to be! My momma always said to dress for the part that I wanted…When you go to your first meeting with a client (in-person or via zoom) dress for the occasion. This may sounds crazy to say but I’ll say it anyway - this means Business Casual not jeans and a tee shirt (unless it’s a past client or friend who already knows you!). If you need to go shopping for a few outfits, it’s worth it - And, don’ t forget - that is a tax write off. Keep your receipts.
“Show up as the person that you want to be! ”
2. YOUR MARKET WON’T KNOW THAT YOU EXIST UNLESS YOU LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU EXIST!
Actively network with birth workers, OBs, midwives, chiropractors, pelvic PTs, and prenatal fitness pros. Offer value-based talks or mini-workshops. Pitch yourself for podcasts. Every connection is a ripple that leads to clients.
And for your birth clients, you HAVE to show up. Show up in Social Media. That means posting regularly. That means being active in mom groups on Facebook. Respond to questions asked about birth and education. See number 1 about getting to know your providers and what they offer. When a mom asks about where to have her baby, you should KNOW her options and be able help her find what she is looking for. This can be subtly done by writing something like “my doula clients love X” or “my birth doula clients have gone to Y for massage". That lets them KNOW that you are a birth doula without be obnoxious about it!
BE where your clients are. Visibility builds trust. Social media is FREE and that is also where you clients are! Show up!
3. CLEARLY OFFER WHAT YOUR SERVICES ARE AND WHERE YOU OFFER THOSE SERVICES!
Your website - your Facebook page - your Instagram page should read something like: “(insert your biz name), Birth Doula Services in (insert your city and state).
Be crystal clear on your services, your philosophy, and why you’re different. Are you the doula who specializes in VBAC prep? Perinatal fitness? Emotional birth trauma support? Define your niche and speak directly to those clients.
A common misunderstanding is the idea that you have to serve any and all clients. When you niche down, you become the expert, which allows you to charge more for your services! You’ll actually be working smarter, not harder!
“Work Smarter, Not Harder”
4. DON’T GET STUCK IN THE DISCOUNT DOULA ZONE
Many doulas are afraid that if they charge more, they won’t get clients. I have actually found the reverse to be true.When you are charging the same as “the rest of the doulas” in your area, you get stuck in what I call the Discount Doula Zone. There are so many doulas in that price range that you and your services get lost.
If something in your business isn’t attracting the right clients, draining your energy, or keeping your income stuck — change it. The best way to get out of the “middle of the pack” is to elevate your services with a special addition of a class or offering. Add that to your contract as part of your contract - not an add on. It should be included in your services. You client can decline those services but you have raised your fees enough to cover that service.
Elevate yourself above the run of the mill doula. When you are driving down the road, you don’t notice the honda civic chugging along…But you sure do notice the Ferrari zipping by. While a civic is a great little car, there is nothing special about it… #BeTheFerrari and shine!
“Oh my gosh! When you told me to increase my birth doula price, I was afraid I wouldn’t get any clients. But, the opposite happened! You are were right! I am now fully booked for the Fall, and that only happened after I raised my fee. Thank you, thank you!”
5. Even Doula Mentors have a Mentor!
Skip the “school of hard knocks” and accelerate your path. Learn from someone who’s done it. Whether it’s business coaching, certification upgrades, or marketing strategy — growth comes faster when you're not trying to figure it all out alone. High-performance doulas invest in their business like it matters — because it does. Don’t think that you can afford a mentor? All of my doula mentees have increased their revenue because they invested in a mentor. I, too, have a business mentor. It pays you back in ways that you can’t imagine.
