Podcast Summary: The Doula Darcy Podcast – "New Year Website Optimization Tips for Doulas"
Release Date: January 5, 2025
Host: Darcy Sauers
Introduction and Embracing New Year Energy
In the opening segment of the episode, Darcy Sauers sets an enthusiastic tone by celebrating the invigorating energy that accompanies the New Year. Reflecting on her own experiences, she shares how the motivation and determination during this time can be harnessed to propel personal and professional growth.
“I just love the energy this time of year. Everybody's just putting their best foot forward and trying to accomplish their goals.” – [00:50]
Darcy emphasizes the importance of riding this wave of motivation to implement meaningful changes in one’s doula business.
Embracing the Beginner's Mindset
Transitioning into the core of the episode, Darcy introduces the concept of the "beginner's mindset." She encourages doulas to revisit the excitement and passion they felt when they first started their careers, regardless of how long they’ve been practicing.
“Tap back into that beginner's mindset. It means looking at things with fresh eyes and reconnecting with the initial excitement you had when you first trained as a doula.” – [05:30]
This mindset fosters openness to new ideas and adaptability, which are crucial for business growth and website optimization.
Reframing Busyness and Perspective
Darcy shares a personal anecdote illustrating how a shift in perspective can transform feelings of stress into appreciation for one’s achievements and upcoming opportunities.
“I have a call. I've got to make the menu for this birth worker retreat. I got a pack... When I switched my perspective, I saw all the fun things I get to do.” – [04:30]
By reframing a busy schedule as a series of exciting projects and events, doulas can alleviate feelings of overwhelm and recognize the progress they’ve made.
Website Optimization Tips
1. Enhancing User Experience and Navigation
Darcy underscores the importance of a user-friendly website. She recounts a frustrating experience with a local juice delivery website to highlight common navigation pitfalls.
“It was hard to buy the juice... I give up, I'm not doing this.” – [10:15]
Actionable Tip: Ensure that critical actions, such as booking services or making purchases, are easily accessible from the homepage. Avoid requiring multiple clicks to perform essential tasks.
2. Clear Contact Information and Location
A recurring theme is the necessity of prominently displaying contact information and service locations to facilitate easy client interaction.
“If I'm going to hire you, I need to know you live in my town. So please put that at the top of your website.” – [14:05]
Actionable Tip: Highlight your location and service areas within the first few lines of your website. This not only aids potential clients but also improves local SEO.
3. Focus on Client Benefits
Darcy advises doulas to center their website content around the benefits to the client rather than solely focusing on the doulas themselves.
“Make it about your clients, not you at first. Explain how you are going to help them and make their life better.” – [17:50]
Actionable Tip: Craft headlines and content that address the needs and desires of your prospective clients, showcasing how your services will positively impact their birthing experience.
4. Streamlining Contact and Booking Processes
Simplifying the steps required to contact or book a doula is crucial for converting website visitors into clients.
“Make sure there's a prominent button to book a free call, splattered in many different places on your website.” – [19:30]
Actionable Tip: Incorporate multiple, easily accessible call-to-action buttons encouraging visitors to book a consultation or make a deposit, reducing friction in the hiring process.
Common Website Mistakes to Avoid
Darcy identifies several common errors that can hinder a doula’s ability to attract and retain clients:
- Overemphasis on Self: Lengthy descriptions of personal qualifications and passions can detract from addressing client needs.
- Hidden Contact Information: Making it difficult for potential clients to find or use contact methods can lead to lost opportunities.
- Broken Links and Errors: Technical issues like broken links or typos can frustrate users and diminish credibility.
“Don’t make it so hard for people to do business with you. It’s like you’re throwing up walls and hoops for people to jump through.” – [18:45]
Actionable Tip: Regularly audit your website to ensure all links are functional, information is accurate, and the focus remains on client benefits.
Maintaining Online Presence and Links
Darcy emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all external and internal links on your website, as well as across social media platforms, are active and error-free.
“Make sure all those links are working. It's a great little thing you can do this time of year to set yourself up for more success.” – [20:10]
Actionable Tip: Use tools or enlist help from friends to test all links and functionalities on your website periodically.
Final Tips and Encouragement
As the episode nears its conclusion, Darcy offers final encouragement and actionable steps to help doulas optimize their websites effectively:
- Declutter Your Business: Streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary barriers.
- Ensure Clarity: Clearly communicate how you can help clients and where you serve.
- Enhance Biographies: Reserve detailed personal information for the “About Me” section, not the homepage.
“Make sure your scaffolding that's holding up your business is working. Because when there's broken links and typos, it hurts your business.” – [20:40]
Conclusion and Calls to Action
In her closing remarks, Darcy reiterates the importance of a well-optimized website as a foundational tool for business success. She invites listeners to engage further by joining her Doula Village, attending retreats, or utilizing her website templates designed for doula businesses.
“A good website is the best investment that you can make for your doula business because it’s like an employee that’s out there working for you on the web while you’re at a birth.” – [21:40]
Listeners are encouraged to connect with Darcy on Instagram, join her Facebook community, and explore her website templates to kickstart their optimized online presence for the new year.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Embracing New Year Energy:
“I just love the energy this time of year... trying to accomplish their goals.” – [00:50] -
Beginner's Mindset:
“Tap back into that beginner's mindset... reconnecting with the initial excitement.” – [05:30] -
Reframing Busyness:
“When I switched my perspective, I saw all the fun things I get to do.” – [04:30] -
User Experience Frustration:
“It was hard to buy the juice... I give up, I'm not doing this.” – [10:15] -
Clear Location Importance:
“If I'm going to hire you, I need to know you live in my town.” – [14:05] -
Client-Focused Content:
“Make it about your clients, not you at first.” – [17:50] -
Simplifying Contact:
“Make sure there's a prominent button to book a free call...” – [19:30] -
Avoiding Business Barriers:
“Don’t make it so hard for people to do business with you...” – [18:45] -
Ensuring Functional Links:
“Make sure all those links are working... set yourself up for more success.” – [20:10] -
Value of a Good Website:
“A good website is the best investment... working for you on the web while you’re at a birth.” – [21:40]
Final Thoughts
Darcy Sauers provides invaluable insights for doulas aiming to enhance their online presence in the new year. By adopting a beginner’s mindset, reframing their perspectives on busyness, and implementing strategic website optimizations, doulas can significantly improve their ability to attract and serve more families. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for both new and seasoned doulas looking to refine their marketing strategies and streamline their business operations for greater success in 2025.