Small Business Saturday is more than a chance to offer discounts. For doulas, it’s an opportunity to connect, share, and foster a sense of community. Your work is all about support, trust, and guidance, and this special day can help you reinforce that connection with the families you serve. Here’s how you can use Small Business Saturday to build those relationships and showcase your unique value—no discounts required.
1. Host a Free Community Event
One of the best ways to connect with potential clients is through education and interaction. Hosting a community event, either virtually or in-person, can showcase your expertise while offering value to your audience. Consider:
- A birth planning session where you guide expectant parents through creating a plan that fits their needs.
- A virtual Q&A to address common questions and concerns about working with a doula. These types of events help families see the real benefits of having a doula, while allowing them to get to know you in a comfortable, low-pressure environment.
2. Collaborate with Local Businesses
Small Business Saturday is all about community, and that includes other local businesses. Building partnerships with other small businesses helps both of you reach more people. This is a great time to bring out that resource list and start profiling the other businesses that you usually send referrals to anyway. You could:
- Partner with a local prenatal yoga studio for a joint event or cross-promotion.
- Collaborate with a baby boutique on a giveaway featuring both your services and their products. By aligning yourself with businesses that share your values, you build a stronger network and increase your visibility within the community.
3. Share Client Success Stories
People trust personal stories. Highlighting the experiences of families you’ve supported can resonate deeply with potential clients. On Small Business Saturday, consider sharing:
- A testimonial from a birthing person who had a positive birth experience with your support.
- A case study of how you helped a family navigate postpartum challenges. These stories showcase the transformative impact doulas have and encourage others to reach out when they’re ready for support.
4. Use Social Media to Educate
Rather than pushing promotions, use Small Business Saturday to share useful, actionable advice. Post tips, insights, or even quick how-tos that demonstrate your knowledge and experience. You could:
- Share tips on postpartum recovery or preparing for labor.
- Offer advice for new parents on self-care during the fourth trimester. Educating your audience not only positions you as an expert but also creates trust and rapport with your community.
5. Create Free Resources
People love valuable content that they can use immediately. Consider creating a simple, helpful resource that parents can access for free. Some ideas include:
- A downloadable birth plan template or postpartum checklist.
- A short video series on preparing for birth or navigating the early days of parenthood. Offering these free resources is a great way to provide value while staying top of mind for families who may need your services down the line.
6. Thank Your Community
Take time to express gratitude for the community that supports you. Whether it’s a thank-you post on social media, personalized emails, or a short video, showing appreciation for the people who’ve trusted you builds a sense of loyalty. It’s also a great way to remind your community that you’re there for them when they need you.
Small Business Saturday doesn’t have to be about discounts. For doulas, it’s the perfect opportunity to build relationships, share your expertise, and strengthen the bonds within your community. By focusing on connection over promotion, you can make a lasting impact that keeps families coming back for support long after the day is over. Remind them that you are a local small business.
