The Doula Darcy Podcast

Episode: Are We Putting Our Prices on our Websites?
Host: Darcy Sauers
Date: February 6, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the hotly debated topic in the doula community: Should you put your prices on your website? Darcy Sauers, business coach and experienced doula, shares her personal experience, discusses arguments on both sides, and offers practical advice for doulas at all stages of their careers. Throughout, Darcy encourages doulas to trust their instincts and remember the flexibility they have as business owners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. There Are No Rules — Do What Feels Right!

• Darcy opens by reaffirming that there are no strict rules for doulas in business:
  • “Do whatever you want. It's your doula business... There are no doula police. There are no rules.” (01:08)

2. Darcy’s Personal Approach: Prices ON the Website

• Why Darcy Lists Her Prices:
  • Avoids Uncomfortable Conversations: As a new doula, displaying prices made money discussions easier.
    • “I liked having my prices on my website because then it saved me from having to do the price conversation...” (02:25)
  • Saves Time: Prevents spending time with people who aren't a fit financially.
    • “I don't have time to waste telling people about my services only to have them say... they can't afford that.” (03:22)
  • Transparency: As a consumer, Darcy prefers upfront pricing and believes her clients do too.
    • “I like to know what it costs. And if it's not listed, I just keep scrolling...” (04:29)
• Target Market Considerations: In her smaller market (Dover, NH), clarity helps retain potential clients who might move on if prices aren't visible.

3. The Case for NOT Listing Prices

• Contrasting Approach:
  • Darcy shares an example of a friend, Jody, who runs a large Boston agency that does NOT list prices.
    • Jody’s rationale: She prefers to explain the value and upsell over the phone. (05:58)
      • “She likes to fully explain the value and how this is going to change their life...”
• Who Does This Work For?
  • Established doulas with strong word-of-mouth and exclusive clientele can benefit.
    • “If you are at legend status... then, yes, don’t put your prices on your website.” (06:53)
  • This approach may not suit newer doulas or those in less competitive markets.

4. Know Your Audience and Market

• Different regions and markets behave differently:
  • “People in the doula industry who are saying don't put your prices on your website all live in really big cities. I do not.” (08:24)
• Darcy encourages doulas to understand local expectations and norms before making their decision.

5. Market Research and Flexibility

• Practical Advice:
  • Ask your last 10 clients what they preferred.
    • “Literally do some market research. Talk to people who have hired you... and see what they say.” (09:13)
  • If uncertain, try one approach for a while, track results, and switch if needed.
    • “You can start out with your prices on your website. If … you would … be getting more clients without … take them off and vice versa.” (09:46)
• Above all, Darcy reinforces the importance of flexibility in business decisions.

6. Community Opinions

• Darcy mentions a Facebook poll in her Doula Marketing Group where most doulas favored displaying prices.
  • “The majority of people were saying they do like when companies have their prices on their website and that they… are putting their prices on…” (10:55)

7. No ‘Perfect’ Decision—Trust Yourself

• Entrepreneurs often seek the “right” way, but Darcy encourages a mindset shift:
  • “There is no perfect way. There is the best way that feels the best to you.” (11:35)
  • As with new parenthood, do what works for you—change your approach whenever you want.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Do whatever you want. It's your doula business. And there's no... rules. You can do whatever you want.” – Darcy (01:08)
• “I liked having my prices on my website because then it saved me from having to do the price conversation...” – Darcy (02:25)
• “I don't want to have tire kickers… I don't want to waste my time.” – Darcy (03:33)
• “My friend Jody… likes to get people on the phone and then fully explain doula support and the value… and it's working for her.” – Darcy (05:55)
• “Ask your last 10 clients… did they appreciate that your prices were on your website? Did they wish they weren’t?” – Darcy (09:13)
• “There is no perfect way. There is the best way that feels the best to you.” – Darcy (11:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:08] – “Do whatever you want. It's your doula business. And there's no... rules.”
• [02:25] – Darcy’s reasons for putting prices on her website.
• [03:22 - 04:29] – Discusses time-saving, transparency, and market fit.
• [05:55] – Contrasting example: large agency in Boston doesn’t list prices.
• [06:53] – When not listing prices may work: for established/legendary doulas.
• [08:24] – City vs. small town doula market differences.
• [09:13] – Suggests market research (ask your clients).
• [09:46] – Try both approaches—be flexible and responsive.
• [10:55] – Facebook group poll results: most doulas display prices.
• [11:35] – “There is no perfect way... best way that feels best to you.”

Conclusion & Action Steps

• Bottom Line: There’s no universally correct answer—do what feels right for you and your market, gather data, and don’t fear changing course.
• Actionable Takeaway: Ask your clients about their preferences, track your results, and remember your business can evolve.

Relevant Links:

• The Doula Marketing Group Facebook (Darcy’s community for discussion)
• Free webinar: How to Get Doula Clients