Email Marketing 101 for Doulas
Question: Have you ever wondered if email marketing is worth your time as a doula?
You’re wearing enough hats in your business, is email marketing really another thing you need to add to your to-do list? My answer is YES. And here’s why:
It's Personal & Direct: When someone opens your email, they’re inviting you into their space to connect directly. This is a pretty intimate place to be from a marketing perspective, allowing you to connect more personally with your audience.
It’s Targeted: You can tailor your emails to specific groups within your audience. That means you can send pregnancy tips to expecting parents, postpartum support to new parents, and more.
Establishing Authority & Trust: Through regular emails, you can build and nurture relationships with your subscribers. Over time, this can create a sense of trust and loyalty. It also provides a space to share valuable content like articles, videos, and resources that further solidify you as an authority in the space which is so valuable when it comes to building that trust with your clients.
How to Get Started with Email Marketing
1. Choose a Platform
First, you need a platform! Here are my top three recommendations:
Flodesk: The perfect user-friendly email marketing platform for doulas, designed to grow with your business. *My fave*
Squarespace Campaigns: Easy to use and seamlessly integrates with your Squarespace website.
MailChimp: A robust platform with many features for beginners and pros alike.
2. Build Your List
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to spread the word! Encourage visitors on your website and social media to sign up for your newsletter with some sort of incentive—a freebie, a checklist, a special discount on your services. Here are a few freebie ideas:
Ideas for Freebies:
Hospital Bag Checklist: A comprehensive checklist that helps expecting parents pack everything they need for the hospital.
Postpartum Recovery Guide: A detailed guide covering the first six weeks after birth, including tips on healing, self-care, and what to expect emotionally and physically.
Breastfeeding 101: A downloadable eBook or PDF with tips on breastfeeding positions, common challenges, and solutions.
Birth Plan Template: A customizable birth plan template that allows expecting parents to outline their preferences for labor and delivery.
Once you’ve created this free digital item, share your opt-in on your website and social media to start building your list.
Offering these valuable freebies not only attracts potential clients but also provides them with useful resources that showcase your expertise. It's a win-win!
3. Write Copy that Connects
In the doula world, email marketing is your secret weapon for connecting! Sharing stories, tips, and personal updates through email helps your subscribers get to know you and your business on a deeper level. It's not just about sending messages; it's about connection! With that being said, writing your email blasts doesn’t have to be daunting or overly structured. Be yourself! Share updates in your business, valuable content, and resources that might be helpful for your audience. All of this helps to build trust and establishes you as a go-to source of information and support.
Pro Tip: If you need help crafting copy that connects, check out The Copy Template Shop, a fantastic resource for crafting compelling email marketing copy.
A Few Key Takeaways:
Consistency Is Important: You might choose weekly, monthly, or bi-weekly email blasts. Whatever you choose, remember that consistency is important. Make sure it’s something you can keep up with! (PS - It’s okay to start small. Sending out 1-2 emails a month is a huge win!)
Email Marketing is POWERFUL!: Email marketing allows you to have genuine conversations with your audience. Unlike social media, where your posts can get lost in the algorithm shuffle, emails land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes. This direct line of communication is a powerful tool for building strong, lasting relationships.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re still unsure, I’ve got a special treat for you! Use my code to get 50% off your first year of Flodesk. It’s an amazing platform that will make your email marketing journey easy-peasy lemon-squeezy. (I love it, and I promise you will too)!
And hey, if you want to stay connected and receive more tips and resources tailored for doulas, I’d love for you to join my email list. It’s my favorite way to share valuable content and keep in touch with wonderful birth professionals like you. Plus, you’ll find an awesome freebie there, too!
