From Inquiry to Client:

Improve your Doula Interviews

As a doula, turning inquiries into clients can feel pretty overwhelming. However, with insights from my 14 years as a postpartum doula, and hundreds of client interviews, I’m here to help you master the process.

Let’s dive into how you can take an inquiry and turn it into a hired client.

Simplify Your Contact Process

Make it as easy as possible for potential clients to contact you. This means having a simple, easy-to-navigate website with many clear contact options. Whether it’s a form, phone number, or email link, ensure these options are prominently displayed.

Keep initial inquiry forms short—ask for just the essentials like name, email, and a brief note if necessary. The goal is to lower the barrier to contact. If a potential client sees a form with dozens of fields to complete, they probably will just keep scrolling.

Respond Promptly and Personally

Respond to inquiries as quickly as you can, ideally within 24 hours. Set up an auto-responder to acknowledge receipt and explain that you’ll reply as soon as possible, but sometimes you’re at a long birth! Always personalize your responses to make a strong first impression. Your clients want to feel that human connection from their future doula.

Qualify Potential Clients to Save Time

Before diving deep into conversations, confirm if the client is within your service area. Ask me how I know this ;-) This can save you time and effort if they are outside your area. Additionally, I like to clearly list my prices on my website. This helps me save time by not having to discuss prices on calls AND filter out clients who are not interested in paying my full rates.

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Doula Client Interview Tips - What to Ask to Help you Get Hired

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Set the Energy & Tone

During interviews, maintain a calm and confident demeanor. Your energy during the conversation reflects the support you’ll provide during their doula experience. Let the clients talk more than you do. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in their responses. This builds a connection and shows that you value their needs and concerns.

Highlight Your Services Clearly

Provide a clear and relatable explanation of what a doula does. Use specific examples to make your services tangible. For instance, instead of saying you provide "physical, informational, and emotional support," you might say, "I’ll make sure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting the rest you need while I take care of the baby."

Understand Client Needs

Ask clients about their main concerns for their birth or postpartum period. This helps you understand their priorities and tailor your support accordingly. For example, some clients might prioritize sleep, while others might need help with meals or managing family dynamics. Knowing their primary concerns allows you to provide focused and effective support. Clear communication leads to higher client satisfaction and better reviews.

Track Marketing and Referrals

Always ask clients how they heard about you. This information is invaluable for tracking which marketing strategies are working and who is referring you. Thanking referral sources, whether they are past clients or healthcare providers, can help maintain and grow these valuable relationships.

Implement these strategies to make meaningful connections with people and enhance your client conversion rates so you can build a thriving doula practice.