Highlights:

• 77% of people regularly read reviews before hiring a local business
• Positive reviews help doulas build trust and get more clients
• Most clients are happy to share their experience if you ask
• You need a simple system to ask, collect, and display reviews
• Even one great review can help someone choose you

When you’re running a doula business, word-of-mouth is gold. But today, that word-of-mouth often happens online. Doula reviews are one of the most powerful tools you can use to build trust and attract new clients.

According to a recent BrightLocal study, 77% of people always or regularly read reviews for local businesses. And yet, many doulas are hesitant to ask for them. Let’s look at the most common reasons doulas avoid asking for reviews and how to move past them.

1. “What if they leave a bad review?”

It’s a fear for many doulas. But the data tells a different story.

BrightLocal found that only 40% of people consider leaving a negative review, while 67% said they would leave a review after a positive experience. Most unhappy clients won’t bother leaving a review at all, especially in birth work, where people are often busy adjusting to new life changes.

When you consistently provide great support, the odds are in your favor. Don’t let the rare what-if stop you from sharing the good work you’re doing.

2. “I don’t know how to ask for reviews.”

Totally normal. This trips up a lot of doulas.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy script. You just need to be honest and clear.

You can say something like:
“I’m so glad I got to support your family. If you feel comfortable, I’d love it if you’d leave a review. It helps other families find me and gives future clients a real sense of what support looks like.”

Make it easy by sharing a direct link. This could be:

• Your Google Business profile
• Your MeetYourDoula.com listing
• A form on your website
• A simple Google Form or paper handout

Bonus tip: Create a short template message or email you can send to clients after the final postpartum visit.

3. “I don’t know where to put the reviews.”

Once you start collecting reviews, use them.

Here’s how:

• Add one or two pull quotes to your website homepage or About page
• Share a client quote on social media (ask first)
• Add testimonials to your intake or welcome materials
• Include a short review in your email signature or newsletter
• Let your MeetYourDoula.com or DoulaMatch profile do the work for you by collecting and displaying them automatically

You don’t need dozens. Even a few high-quality reviews go a long way.

4. “I forget to ask.”

It happens, especially during those last visits when emotions are high and there’s a lot to wrap up.

The solution? Build it into your system.

If you use a checklist for final visits or send a postpartum follow-up email, add a review request to the list. Treat it like you would an invoice, because feedback is part of your business sustainability.

You can even prep clients by letting them know:
“I’ll be sending a quick follow-up email in the next day or two, including a link to leave a review. That kind of feedback really helps my business and lets future families know what to expect.”

Want even more reviews? Ask both the birthing person and their partner. You’ll get more perspectives and often, more appreciation than you expect.

Responding to Reviews Matters, Even the Good Ones

Here’s one last tip: Always respond to your reviews.

BrightLocal reports that 89% of people are more likely to use a business that responds to its reviews. On the flip side, 57% say they’re unlikely to choose a business that doesn’t respond.

A quick “Thank you so much for your kind words!” goes a long way and it shows potential clients you’re engaged and professional.

Ready to Get More Doula Reviews?

Start by choosing one place to collect them. Add a note to your final visit checklist. Then create a reusable message you can send. Once you get a few great reviews, you’ll wonder why you waited.

Want help setting up a review system for your doula business? Join Doula Office Hours for personalized support and easy tools that save you time.