There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to running a doula business. But with a little bit of understanding and commitment, you can successfully build your own business.

One of the best ways to build a doula business is through networking. Networking with other doulas in your community and with professionals who offer related services (massage therapists, midwives, childbirth educators) will help you to grow your client base.

1. Set Your Goals

Creating a clear vision of where you want your business to go is one of the most important things you can do when you are starting a doula business. It will help you determine if you are on track or if you need to make changes.

Establishing a time frame for your goals helps you make progress and stay focused on achieving them. It can be as simple as setting a goal for next week or as long as five years from now.

In addition to establishing a vision, you should set your goals in terms of how much money you want to earn each month and how many clients you are hoping to attract. These goals should be measurable, attainable and realistic. They will also provide you with the structure and accountability needed to make the necessary changes in your life to achieve them.

2. Decide on a Business Name

Doulas provide support and education to expectant mothers during labor and new motherhood. They’re also known for their natural and gentle approach to birth.

A doula business name is an important decision, so choose one that reflects your brand and values. Ideally, it should be easy to say out loud and spell, as well as memorable.

To help you decide on a name, make lists of words that describe your doula business and the types of clients you want to serve. You may even want to include your city’s name in your business name.

Before you finalize your doula business name, search the US Trademark database to see if it’s already been used elsewhere. This will help you avoid any legal issues down the road. And it will also help you decide if your doula business name is unique enough to stand out from the competition.

3. Create a Website

A website is a great way to showcase your doula services. It can also help you market your business and build trust with potential clients.

If you’re not sure how to create a website, ask for help from a friend or family member. This will ensure that your site is properly designed and communicates your services effectively.

Once you have a clear idea of what your website will look like, it’s time to get started. This can be as simple as choosing a web hosting service that offers a content management system (CMS) to rough-in your site.

Once your site is ready, it’s important to maintain it regularly. This will keep it fresh and help search engines rank your site higher.

4. Set Up a Professional Phone Number and Email Address

Having a professional phone number and email address will help you make a good first impression and keep your business organized. It also makes it easier for you to separate business and personal calls, which can be especially helpful when supporting customers.

When establishing your professional email address, be sure to include your name. This can help you to create a strong brand identity that will set you apart from other doulas in your area.

A business phone number is essential for a doula to have, as it allows you to use one dedicated number on your website, business listings and other marketing materials. It can also help you to avoid having multiple business and personal numbers, which can be costly.

The next step in establishing your doula business is to create a services contract for clients, which can be important when working with extended clients or on a project basis. This will protect you and your business by defining payment terms and service level expectations.

5. Set Up a Business Bank Account

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your doula business for success is to set up a business bank account. It will help you stay legally compliant, provide financial security and make your business look more professional to customers and vendors.

A business checking account is a common type of business bank account. It allows you to write checks, deposit money, and transfer funds electronically.

You may also want to consider a business credit card. These accounts allow you to accept payments from your customers through credit and debit cards.

A separate business bank account can also save you money on bookkeeping and accounting fees. This is because your accountant won’t have to spend time separating out all of your personal and business transactions. It can also simplify your taxes.

6. Get Insurance

When you are starting a doula business, one of the first things you need to consider is getting insurance. This is an important step for doulas because it ensures you are protected against liability and malpractice claims.

Another good way to get insurance is by joining a doula association. These associations offer a variety of benefits, such as networking opportunities, professional development resources and educational seminars.

If you are going to work as a doula alone, or as part of an agency, it is essential that you have professional and general liability insurance.

Other expenses to consider when starting a doula business include office supplies, equipment and marketing costs. These can be a significant financial burden, and it is essential to budget for them when setting prices for services.

7. Create a Marketing Plan

When you create a marketing plan, you’ll be able to determine the goals of your business and how you intend to market it. It can also be helpful for obtaining financing from investors or lenders.

A marketing plan will include information about the campaign’s mission, buyer personas, budget, tactics, and deliverables. This will make it easier to track the progress of each strategy and see how it is working.

Another great way to market your doula services is by attending networking events and conferences. You can network with other birth professionals, meet new clients, and learn from industry experts.

In addition to these strategies, you can also use social media to promote your services. Identify the social media channels that your target audience uses and create a presence there. By engaging with your followers and sharing high-quality content, you can build a strong relationship with them and gain their trust.

8. Create a Business Budget

Running a doula business requires a lot of expenses. These include marketing, office supplies, and transportation costs.

A doula will also need to pay for ongoing education and training. This can cost thousands of dollars.

These are important expenses that should be included in the budget.

In addition, doulas will need to consider the cost of transportation when planning client visits.

The average doula travels about 20 miles to their client appointments, and this can add up quickly.

To avoid overspending, it’s best to create a budget and keep it updated. This will help you stay on track with your business goals and keep your company profitable.

9. Create a Marketing Strategy

One of the first steps to building a successful doula business is developing a marketing strategy. A well-planned and effective strategy will help you reach your goals, increase revenue, and build a strong brand.

To market your doula services effectively, create a website that offers high-quality content and showcases your expertise. Optimize your site for local search to make it easier for potential clients in your area to find you online.

You can also build relationships with other birth professionals in your area, including midwives, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, and photographers. These partnerships can help you expand your services and reach a wider audience. They can also refer new moms to your doula business.

10. Market Your Business

Starting a doula business is exciting, but it can take time to build up your client base. Here are some doula marketing ideas to get your services in front of the right people and make your business thrive.

#1: Market your experience

A doula with lots of years in the field and a lot of births under their belt will be attractive to clients looking for experienced support during childbirth. They may also have specific qualifications to work with certain kinds of births or with a particular doctor or midwife.

#2: Create a niche for your doula services

A great way to connect with a specific audience is by creating birth doula services that are specifically tailored to their needs. For example, offering birth doula services for plus-sized pregnant women would help you connect with your target audience because they can see how the support you provide is relevant to their unique situation.