In the digital age, first impressions are often made online. As a doula, your social media presence is not just a platform for connection but a pivotal part of your business strategy.
Autoresponders are an efficient way to manage inquiries while providing immediate value to potential clients. This can be really good if you aren’t on social media often but still have a presence or if you’re gone even for a few days because you’re at a birth or working with a family.
This guide will walk you through setting up autoresponders on your social media platforms to help direct clients to your website, a calendar to schedule a meeting, or specialized services like MeetYourDoula.com or Doula Match.
Understanding Autoresponders
Autoresponders are automated messages sent from your social media accounts when someone initiates a message. These responses can answer common questions immediately, share resources, or direct clients to your website for more detailed information. They’re an essential tool for managing client expectations and maintaining a professional online presence, especially when you’re unable to respond immediately.
Step 1: Identify Common Inquiries
Before setting up your autoresponder, compile a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) you receive from potential clients. These might include your services, pricing, availability, or how to book a consultation. Understanding these common inquiries will guide the content of your autoresponder message.
Step 2: Crafting Your Message
Your autoresponder message should be concise, informative, and reflective of your brand’s voice. Start by thanking the person for their message, then address common questions with brief answers or indicate that more information can be found on your website. Always include a call to action (CTA), directing them to your website, such as MeetYourDoula.com, for further details or to schedule a consultation.
Here are some sample messages:
“Hello and thank you for reaching out! I’m currently assisting a family and will reply as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can find information about my services, availability, and how to book a consultation at [YourWebsite.com]. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!”
“Thank you so much for contacting us. We promise to get back to you as soon as we can.
More info about our services can be found on our website: doulagroupofevansville.com
Thinking of hiring a doula? Book a consult: [LINK]
We can’t wait to talk to you!”
Step 3: Setting Up Autoresponders on Social Media
Some of these will require that you have a business account.
While Twitter doesn’t offer a built-in autoresponder feature, third-party tools like Buffer or Hootsuite allow you to create automated responses. Remember to check the terms of service to ensure compliance.
Step 4: Monitor and Adjust
Regularly review the performance of your autoresponders. If you notice an increase in follow-up questions about certain topics, consider updating your message to address these points more clearly. It’s also a good practice to update your autoresponder periodically with any changes in your services or contact information.
Step 5: Personal Follow-Up
Autoresponders are a tool to manage immediate inquiries, but personal follow-up is key to building strong client relationships. Ensure you respond personally to each inquiry as soon as possible to further discuss their needs and how you can support them.
In the fast-paced world of social media, autoresponders are an invaluable tool for doulas to manage initial inquiries efficiently while providing potential clients with immediate value. By setting up autoresponders, you ensure that every first contact is met with a professional and informative response, directing potential clients to your website and closer to choosing you as their doula. Remember, the goal is to streamline communication, not replace the personal touch that is so crucial in the doula-client relationship.
