The Doula Darcy Podcast: SEO for Doulas – Finding Clients While You Sleep with Julia Riddle
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "SEO for Doulas: Finding Clients While You Sleep with Julia Riddle," hosted by Darcy Sauers, listeners are introduced to the critical role of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in growing a successful doula business. Darcy, a seasoned business coach for doulas with a rich background in advertising and 14 years of doula experience, delves deep into how SEO can transform the way doulas attract clients effortlessly.
Guest Introduction: Julia Riddle
Darcy welcomes Julia Riddle, the owner of Doula Design Company, a former postpartum doula turned website and SEO expert. Julia brings a unique blend of compassion from her doula background and technical expertise from her corporate and freelance design experience. Her mission is to empower doulas by enhancing their online presence, making it easier for families to find and hire them.
Quote:
"[...] SEO is one of those ways to hack the system to do more by doing less. It allows you to find clients while you're sleeping."
— Julia Riddle [06:51]
Understanding SEO
Julia begins by demystifying SEO, breaking it down into simple terms. She explains that SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, a set of best practices aimed at improving a website's visibility on search engines like Google.
Key Points:
- SEO Simplified: SEO involves optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it more likely for potential clients to find you.
- Components of SEO: Keywords and authority are fundamental. Keywords reflect what potential clients are searching for, while authority is about the website’s credibility and trustworthiness in Google's eyes.
Quote:
"SEO is essentially just a series of best practices... to rank higher on Google."
— Julia Riddle [05:08]
The Importance of SEO for Doulas
Darcy emphasizes why SEO is indispensable for doulas. In a competitive market, having a robust online presence ensures that a doula stands out and attracts clients without constant active marketing efforts.
Key Points:
- Professionalism and Legitimacy: A well-optimized website presents doulas as professional and trustworthy, which is crucial for clients making significant life decisions.
- Passive Client Acquisition: With effective SEO, doulas can attract clients organically, reducing the need for extensive advertising or networking.
Quote:
"If you have a good website that shows up when people search 'Doula near me,' you don't have to do a ton of marketing because you're showing up on Google."
— Darcy Sauers [02:45]
Balancing Life and Business Through SEO
Julia touches on the challenges doulas face in balancing their personal lives with business responsibilities. SEO serves as a tool to streamline client acquisition, allowing doulas to focus more on their personal lives without compromising their business growth.
Key Points:
- Time Efficiency: SEO enables doulas to attract clients passively, freeing up time for family and personal activities.
- Sustainable Growth: Implementing SEO strategies can lead to consistent and long-term business growth without the constant hustle.
Quote:
"SEO is one of those ways to hack the system to do more by doing less."
— Julia Riddle [06:51]
Getting Started with SEO: Practical Tips
Julia provides actionable advice for doulas looking to optimize their websites. She emphasizes the importance of clear and concise website copy that communicates essential information to both Google and potential clients.
Key Tips:
-
Website Audit:
- Location Clarity: Ensure your location is prominently displayed so Google can associate your services with the right geographical area.
- Service Details: Clearly list your services to inform both search engines and visitors about what you offer.
- Business Identity: Make sure your business name and personal name are easily identifiable on your website.
Quote:
"One of the most important things that you can start with... is just scanning your site as if you were a pregnant individual... what does that mean? Like, that's beautiful."
— Julia Riddle [17:01] -
Titles and Meta Descriptions:
- Craft compelling titles and meta descriptions for each page. These elements appear in Google search results and significantly influence click-through rates.
- Use relevant keywords and ensure that these snippets accurately reflect the content of each page.
Quote:
"Making your titles and meta descriptions as succinct and as keyword-heavy as possible is going to be really helpful."
— Julia Riddle [21:32] -
Keyword Optimization:
- Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your website content. This helps Google understand what your site is about and match it with user searches.
-
Balance Function Over Form:
- While aesthetic appeal is important, prioritize functionality and clarity to enhance user experience and SEO effectiveness.
Quote:
"It's almost like a seesaw of balancing both what your clients want... and what Google needs."
— Julia Riddle [21:17]
Julia Riddle’s Journey and Services
Julia shares her transition from corporate roles in the wine industry to becoming a doula and eventually founding Doula Design Company. Her experience as a postpartum doula highlighted the lack of specialized web design and SEO services tailored for doulas, inspiring her to fill this niche.
Key Points:
- Background in Marketing and Design: Julia’s corporate and freelance experience provided her with the technical skills necessary for effective SEO and website design.
- Doula Design Company: Launched in 2021, the company offers website templates, SEO audits, and personalized support to help doulas establish a strong online presence.
Quote:
"I launched Doula Design Company, thinking it was a pipe dream... but it turned out that a lot of people needed support in this way."
— Julia Riddle [23:19]
SEO Audits: Enhancing Your Website
Darcy and Julia discuss the importance of SEO audits in identifying and addressing areas of improvement on a website. Julia outlines the services her company offers, including mini and full SEO audits tailored to different website platforms.
Key Points:
- Mini SEO Audit: For websites not built on platforms like Squarespace, focusing on fundamental SEO practices.
- Full SEO Audit: Comprehensive analysis for existing Squarespace websites, including detailed recommendations and educational resources.
Quote:
"These audits not only give your site a facelift but also provide the education to manage this going forward."
— Julia Riddle [27:07]
Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Throughout the conversation, both Darcy and Julia emphasize that SEO should not be intimidating. With the right strategies and support, doulas can effectively optimize their websites and attract more clients effortlessly.
Closing Remarks: Darcy encourages listeners to take advantage of Julia’s expertise, highlighting the transformative impact of her SEO strategies on multiple doula websites. She reminds doulas that investing in a well-optimized website is a wise and affordable way to enhance their business presence.
Quote:
"Your website is like your employee... bringing in new clients, bringing in new leads."
— Darcy Sauers [08:59]
Resources and Next Steps
Listeners are directed to Julia Riddle’s website, doulaDesignCo.com, and her Instagram handle, @doula_design_company, for more information and services. Additionally, Julia is offering a discount on SEO audits by mentioning the Doula Darcy Podcast.
Final Quote:
"It's an opportunity to step into getting more time in your day."
— Julia Riddle [28:47]
Conclusion
This episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast underscores the paramount importance of SEO for doulas aiming to enhance their online visibility and attract more clients with minimal active effort. Through insightful discussions and practical tips, Darcy and Julia provide a roadmap for doulas to effectively optimize their websites, balance their professional and personal lives, and ultimately, grow their businesses sustainably.