How to Create a Google Business Profile as a Doula (and Get Found by the Right Families)
- Lorie Michaels, CD(DONA), PMH-C, CLC, EBB Inst.
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
If you’re a doula, showing up in local Google searches can be one of the most consistent ways families find and contact you. A well-optimized Google Business Profile helps you appear in searches like:
“birth doula near me”
“postpartum doula in [your city]”
“VBAC support [location]”
“overnight postpartum help near me”
This guide walks you through setting up your listing and optimizing it so the right clients can find you.
Step 1: Create Your Google Business Profile
Sign in with your Google account
Enter your business name (use your actual business name or your name + “Doula”)
Choose your category:
Primary: Doula
Secondary (optional): Childbirth Educator, Pregnancy Care Center, Wellness Service
Add your service area (cities/towns you serve—not your home address unless you want it public)
Add your phone number and website (if you have one)
Verify your listing (usually via postcard, sometimes phone/email)
Step 2: Write a Strong, SEO-Friendly Business Description
You have ~750 characters—use them wisely. Include:
What you do
Who you serve
Where you serve
A few strong keywords
Example (Birth + Postpartum Doula):
BirthPro provides inclusive, evidence-based birth and postpartum doula support for families in Rhode Island and surrounding areas. We offer continuous labor support, VBAC support, induction support, and trauma-informed care, as well as postpartum recovery, newborn care, and overnight support. Our services center LGBTQ+ families, first-time parents, and those seeking compassionate, culturally humble care.
Step 3: Add Services (This Matters for Search)
List out specific services—this is where keywords really work for you.
Birth Doula Services
Birth doula support
Labor support
VBAC support
Induction support
Hospital birth support
Home birth support
Unmedicated birth support
Cesarean birth support
Prenatal education
Birth planning
Postpartum Doula Services
Postpartum doula support
Newborn care
Overnight postpartum support
Lactation support (if applicable)
Emotional support after birth
Postpartum recovery support
Sibling adjustment support
Meal preparation (if applicable)
Step 4: Keywords That Help You Get Found
Use these naturally throughout your profile, posts, and services:
Core Keywords
Birth doula near me
Postpartum doula near me
Doula services [city/state]
Labor support [location]
Newborn support at home
Niche / High-Intent Keywords
VBAC doula [location]
Induction support doula
LGBTQ+ affirming doula
Trauma-informed birth support
First-time parent support
Overnight postpartum doula
Location-Based Keywords (very important)
“Providence doula”
“Rhode Island birth doula”
“Postpartum support in [your town]”
Step 5: Add Photos (This Is HUGE)
Profiles with photos get significantly more engagement.
Add:
A professional headshot
You supporting clients (non-identifying or with permission)
Comfort tools (rebozo, birth ball, etc.)
Calm, inviting postpartum spaces
Educational setups (classes, materials)
Aim for:
10–20 photos to start
Add new photos regularly (monthly is great)
Step 6: Post Regular Updates
Google treats your listing like a mini social feed.
Post 1–2x/month:
Training announcements
Availability updates
Educational tips
Client testimonials
Community events or classes
Keep posts short, warm, and keyword-aware.
Step 7: Get Reviews (and Respond to Them)
Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors.
Ask clients to mention:
“birth doula”
“postpartum support”
your location
specific experiences (VBAC, induction, overnight help, etc.)
Always respond to reviews—this boosts visibility and trust.
Step 8: Keep Your Listing Active and Accurate
Google favors active, complete profiles.
Ongoing habits:
Update hours and availability
Add new photos regularly
Post updates/events
Respond to reviews promptly
Keep services current
Answer questions in the Q&A section (you can seed these yourself)
Step 9: Optional—but Powerful
Add a booking link (Koalendar works great)
Turn on messaging (if you can respond quickly)
Add FAQs in the Q&A section
Link directly to your doula services page (not just homepage)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving your description blank or vague
Not listing services (huge missed opportunity)
No photos (or outdated ones)
Ignoring reviews
Not using location-based language
Setting your address public if you don’t want clients coming to your home
Final Thoughts
A well-built Google Business Profile can quietly bring in consistent, aligned clients—especially those actively searching for support right now.
Think of it as your local visibility anchor:
Your website tells your story
Social media builds connection
Your Google profile helps people find you
