Social media has been popular for well over a decade now. With more platforms, engagement, and users than ever before, are doulas on social media a must?
To be a successful doula, do you need to be on social media? The answer will definitely vary depending on who you ask, where you ask, and what your business goals are.
As an online doula training organization, we clearly use the internet quite a bit. However, that does not always translate to a lot of social media use. In fact, the International Doula Institute’s online training program was quite successful before social media became extremely popular.
Here’s what new doulas need to know about doulas on social media.
#1: Understand Your Client Base
Whether or not you need a large social media presence sometimes comes down to your target demographic. Not all new parents use social media. In fact, plenty of people steer clear of social media.
However, many new parents still use a variety of social media platforms. If you hope to gain online presence, find out which social media platforms are trending. It is also important to know which age groups are using which platforms.
Some doulas find using Instagram can help establish not just a client base but also networking with other birth professionals.
#2: Doulas on Social Media – Follow the Evidence
If you choose to have a social media presence, it is vital that you stick with sharing evidenced-based information. If you are hoping to attract clients and network with other birth professionals, it is important you share appropriate information.
In an age of misinformation, it is important to stick with evidence. Certainly, how different professionals interpret the same data can vary. However, it is important to be able to cite reputable sources if you are sharing information.
You can absolutely share your opinions, anecdotal experience, etc. It is just important that you are clear about it being that versus peer reviewed evidence.
It is also vital you never give direct medical advice. For liability reasons, it is important you clarify that in posts, videos, etc.
#3: Have Fun!
Yes, as doulas we are sharing important and evidenced-based information. However, social media is also about having fun. When you are trying to engage clients and peers, it’s best to have a bit of fun. Be yourself. Let your personality shine in your content.
If you do not find social media fun to do, it may not be your best route for clients or networking. Doulas existed long before social media. It is completely possible to have a successful doula business without using social media.
If you find social media stressful but you want to reach people, consider:
- Blogging
- Attending birth worker meetups
- Attend trainings and exchange contact information with fellow birth workers.
- Learn more about birth workers in your area, as well as other professionals working with growing families such as chiropractors, physical therapists, lactation professionals, yoga and Pilates instructors, etc.
#4: Invest in Your Social Media Account – But Diversify
One of the biggest mistakes new doulas make is assuming you can network only online and fully expand your business. It takes more than a fun social media account to grow a business. If you invest time into your social media account, you can absolutely reach other professionals and potential clients.
However, if you only network online, these connections may not actually translate to work. It is important to meet people in-person, connect with professionals, and let people get to know you. Building trust within your community, both in-person and online, is important.
Another thing to know about social media is that their algorithms are ever changing. It is important to diversify your advertising and networking because a popular page can suddenly see minimal traffic with algorithm changes.
Ultimately, whether doulas on social media is a must or not comes down to personal preferences and goals. If you are unsure about whether social media advertising is for you, take time to follow and observe other accounts. Do NOT copy other accounts, however, you can get an idea of what it can entail to run a business social media account.
Author: Aliza Juliette Bancoff
Aliza Juliette Bancoff is a well-known doula and doula trainer who has been providing doula services to families for over a decade. She is the founder of Main Line Doulas, a doula group providing doula support in the great Philadelphia area for the last decade, the International Doula Institute, which provides online doula training and lactation training and certification programs and the International Breastfeeding Institute which provides lactation training and certification. She is the co-founder of United Birth, a company devoted to increasing access to doulas across the country to make the perinatal time safer both physically and emotionally. “Every birthing person deserves access to quality doula support. And we are working to make that a reality across the country. The work we are doing to get doulas to every birthing person will decrease the black infant and maternal mortality rate significantly by 2030.” Says Bancoff. Aliza is known for her compassionate and empowering approach to doula work, and she has been featured in numerous media outlets, including United Nations Maternal Health Report, Parent Magazine, CafeMom, theBump and many more. Aliza's journey into doula work began when she gave birth to her first child and felt a strong calling...