Doula Business Planning Made Simple: How to Determine the Right Timing for Course Launches, Workshops, and Sales
Are you ready to unlock the secret to effective planning as a birth doula, ensuring your course launches, workshops, and sales align with your business goals?
If you’ve been trying to figure out the perfect timing for launching your doula business initiatives, then get out a pen and paper, this episode is for you!
The 3 questions we answer in today’s episode are:
When planning for the future of my business, how do I determine how often to do things like launch my course, host workshops, or do a flash sale?
How do I combat writer's block for social media? I love what other birth workers put out but feel like I’m copying them when I look to their posts for inspiration.
Are there other effective ways to connect moms/make a virtual mom community that isn’t through social media?
Every Friday, I answer your biggest questions right here on the Birthworker Blog AND the Birthworker Podcast.
To submit a question for next week’s podcast, click here.
If you're tired of second-guessing your business decisions and missing out on potential opportunities, then you wanna listen up!
Question #1: When planning for the future of my doula business, how do I determine how often to do things like launch my course, host workshops, or do a flash sale while I'm also putting out my regular content? -Beth
Know your audience.
To master the art of timing, it's crucial to understand your target audience intimately. Dive deep into their desires, pain points, and preferred communication channels. By knowing your audience inside out, you'll gain insight into how often they want to hear from you and engage in your offerings.
Conduct surveys, engage in conversations, and be receptive to feedback. (Instagram stories will be your best friend for this!) Remember, timing is all about striking the perfect balance between being present and not overwhelming your audience.
Create a content calendar.
Planning is the key to success. Develop a well-structured content calendar that aligns with your business goals and caters to your audience's needs. Determine the optimal frequency for your regular content and weave in your course launches, workshops, and flash sales accordingly. By doing so, you'll ensure a consistent presence while maximizing the impact of your special offerings.
The power of anticipation.
Timing is not only about frequency but also about building anticipation. I might even say anticipation is MORE important than the timing itself…
Create a buzz around your upcoming launches and events. Tease your audience with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes insights, and countdowns. Utilize social media, email marketing, and your website to generate excitement. By strategically planning the buildup, you'll have your audience eagerly awaiting your next big move.
Question #2: How do I combat writer's block on social media? I love what other birth workers put out but feel like I'm copying them when I look to their posts for inspiration. -Clara
I understand that sometimes finding inspiration for your social media content can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Let's banish that creative rut and let your unique voice shine through.
Embrace the power of inspiration.
Feeling inspired by other creators is a natural part of the creative process. Rather than seeing it as copying, view it as an opportunity for growth. Let their work ignite your imagination, and then put your own unique spin on it. Inject your unique perspective, personal experiences, and voice into the content. Remember, inspiration is the seed, but your creativity is what makes it bloom.
Embrace contradictions.
Contradictions are a *goldmine* for content creation. Explore opposing viewpoints, challenge popular beliefs, and stir up conversations. Take advantage of contradictions and use them to get your audience thinking. By being unafraid to embrace contradictions, you'll stand out in a sea of same-old same-old and spark valuable conversations with your followers.
Rhetorical questions and bold statements.
Want to grab attention? Use rhetorical questions and bold statements in your social media posts. They create curiosity, encourage interaction, and make your content memorable. Challenge the status quo, pose thought-provoking questions, and make bold claims that resonate with your audience.
Embrace your unique experiences.
As a doula or birth worker, you have a wealth of personal experiences to draw from. Share personal stories of impactful moments, lessons learned, and the beautiful connections you've forged. Use these stories to guide your social media posts. Your audience will appreciate the genuine, personable content that only you can provide.
(Disclaimer: Do not share any client’s personal information/experiences without their consent. Client confidentiality is still in effect here.)
Engage in conversations.
Social media is a powerful tool for connection. Don't just post and disappear; actively engage with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and foster meaningful conversations. By listening to your followers and understanding their needs, you'll discover valuable insights and fresh ideas. This two-way interaction will not only combat writer's block but also deepen the bond between you and your community.
Tip: Instagram stories are a really great place to get ultra-personal. I shared my entire miscarriage experience in my stories, and it sparked so many valuable conversations.
Question #3: Are there other effective ways to connect moms/make a virtual mom community that isn't through Facebook? Like a Slack channel or a spot on your website? -Bre
Slack is an excellent platform for building focused, interactive communities. You can totally create a private Slack channel exclusively for moms seeking support and guidance! Organize different channels within the platform to address various topics such as pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and more.
By providing a space for meaningful conversations, you'll cultivate a strong sense of belonging and establish yourself as a trusted resource within the community.
Another option for connecting with moms and potential clients is creating a blog on your website! Share your insight, personal stories, and resources that resonate with your target audience. Encourage moms to engage, ask questions, and share their experiences through the comments section.
Video content has also become increasingly popular as it offers an immersive and engaging way to connect with your audience. Host virtual gatherings, webinars, or live Q&A sessions via platforms like Zoom or YouTube. Create a sense of community by facilitating real-time interactions, addressing concerns, and providing valuable insights. Video allows for a more personal and intimate connection, fostering a strong bond among the moms you serve.
Through all of this, consider collaborating with influencers and guest experts in the maternal health and parenting spheres. Co-create content, host joint webinars or participate in interviews. By embracing the power of collaboration, you'll attract a wider audience and create a diverse community where moms can find inspiration and guidance from trusted voices.
Embrace these strategies, adapt them to your unique style, and remember that connection and authenticity are the pillars of your success. Now, go out there, make an impact, and empower the amazing moms you serve. The world needs your doula magic!
thank you for listening
If this episode lights you up, I’d love it if you’d rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. After you review the show, snap a pic and upload it here… and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.
Your feedback helps this podcast grow and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you!
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Birthworker Podcast on iTunes to make sure you never miss an episode.
a free gift for you!
Grow your income and make a lasting impact on the global birth community (even when you’re not on call for a birth).
✨ GROW YOUR IMPACT
Learn 12 ways to grow your impact (and make more money) as a doula even when you're not on call.
✨ TIME-SAVING TOOLS
Systems I use behind the scenes in my doula business to make my life easier.
✨ BIRTHWORKER ACADEMY
Go from side-gig doula to full-time birthworker... so you can impact lives all across the world.
more episodes for you...
Meet your host, Kyleigh Banks, a side-gig doula turned CEO of a multi-six-figure birth-focused business. Her passion? Teaching birth nerds, like you, how to build an incredibly successful doula business that allows you to quit your day job, stay home with your kids, and most importantly, make a lasting impact on the world.