What You’ll Learn

• • Why your Google Business Profile often matters more than your website for getting local doula clients

• • The crucial setup step most doulas miss and how to fix it in minutes

• • How to use Google’s tools to build trust and show up when families near you search for doulas

• • Tips to make your profile stand out without constant updates or ads

Why This One Setting Matters So Much

When someone searches “doula near me,” Google doesn’t always show your website first. It shows your Google Business Profile.
That small box on the side of the search results with your name, reviews, and location is what most potential clients see before they ever click your website.

The problem is, most doulas either skip setting it up or stop after entering their business name and phone number. That means you are missing the chance to show up in local searches, right when someone nearby is ready to hire a doula.

Once your Google listing helps people find you, make sure your pricing structure also supports your business goals. Here’s how to price your doula services creatively.

The Step Most Doulas Miss

It is not just about claiming your listing. It is about verifying and optimizing your service area.
This one step tells Google where to show your profile.

Here is what most doulas overlook:

1. • They mark their business as “home-based” or “no location,” but never set a service area radius or zip codes.

• • Google assumes you do not serve anyone beyond your address or that you do not serve clients in person.

How to fix it:

• • Log into Google Business Profile.

• • Go to Info → Service Areas.

• • Add each city, county, or zip code where you regularly attend births.

• • If you do postpartum or virtual doula work, add “virtual” as one of your categories or include that in your description.

Now, when someone nearby searches “birth doula Louisville” (or wherever you are), your profile has a much better chance of appearing.

Why This Outperforms Your Website

Your Google Business Profile often ranks higher and faster than your website.

Here is why:

• • Google trusts its own tools.

• • It uses the information you enter to determine which businesses show up in Google Maps and local pack results (the three listings that appear under the map).

• • Clients see your reviews, location, and contact info instantly, with no clicking required.

Even if you have a great website, your profile may reach people first. Think of it as your digital front door, the one most people knock on before ever walking inside.

If you’re wondering how much pricing transparency affects inquiries, read my post on whether you should list your doula prices online.

How to Optimize for Real Results

You do not need fancy SEO to make your listing work for you. You just need to show Google (and potential clients) that you are active and credible.

Here is a quick checklist:

• • Upload a few photos: you at work, your logo, or your materials (avoid client photos unless you have written consent for marketing or commercial purposes).

• • Update your description: clearly say you provide birth doula support, postpartum care, or other services.

• • Ask for reviews: send your clients the link Google gives you after each birth. Reviews build trust and improve your local ranking.

• • Add business hours: even if your on-call work does not fit standard hours, include something like “By appointment” so your listing looks complete.

• • Turn on messaging: this lets potential clients message you directly from the search page.

These small updates make a big difference in visibility and take less than 30 minutes.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

When people search for doulas, they are often not looking for a national directory. They are looking for someone nearby who feels approachable and professional.
A complete Google Business Profile shows up where they are already searching and gives them confidence that you are the real deal.

It is a small piece of your marketing puzzle, but one that works quietly behind the scenes all day, every day.

If you have not checked your listing lately, this is your sign to log in, review your settings, and make sure your service area is helping, not hiding, you.

Keeping your Google profile current can be part of your regular business checkup. See other easy maintenance ideas in Simple Ways to Keep Your Doula Business Running Smoothly.

Want more practical ways to get found and grow your doula business?
Join other doulas who are building smart, sustainable businesses inside the Doula Business Community