Local SEO vs. Off-Page SEO for Doula Websites
Growing your doula business through SEO can feel like stepping into a maze, especially when terms like “Local SEO” and “Off-Page SEO” pop up. They both sound important, but knowing how they differ—and which one deserves your attention—can be tricky. Here’s the breakdown of what each type of SEO does, how they work, and why both are key to building a thriving doula website.
Local SEO: Helping Clients in Your Area Find You
Local SEO focuses on making sure your doula business shows up in search results when people in your area look for services like yours. It’s all about building a digital trail that leads straight to you.
Core Elements of Local SEO:
Google Business Profile: This is like your virtual business card for local searches. It shows your location, contact info, hours, and client reviews. Keeping it up-to-date and optimized is essential.
Location-Based Keywords: Including phrases like “doula services in [City]” on your website tells search engines exactly where you operate.
Client Reviews: Encouraging happy clients to leave reviews on Google boosts your credibility and helps search engines rank you higher.
Local Listings and Directories: Listing your business in local directories, birth networks, or even your city’s Chamber of Commerce site can strengthen your local presence.
Why Local SEO Works for Doulas:
Most of your clients are looking for a doula nearby. By focusing on local SEO, you’re making sure they can find you when actively searching for support, making it easier for them to feel confident about choosing you.
Off-Page SEO: Building Trust Beyond Your Website
Off-page SEO is all about building credibility. It’s how you show search engines (and clients) that you’re trusted and valued by others in the birthwork or parenting space.
The details of Off-Page SEO:
Backlinks: These are like online high-fives from other reputable websites. If a popular parenting blog links to your site, it signals to search engines that you’re a trusted website.
Guest Blogging or Podcast Interviews: Sharing your expertise on other platforms introduces you to a new audience while creating backlinks to your website.
Social Media Mentions: While social media doesn’t directly boost SEO, it spreads your content further, increasing the chances of backlinks from other sites.
Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers in the birthwork or family space can boost your authority and bring more attention to your website.
Why Off-Page SEO Works for Doulas:
This is your ticket to expanding beyond your local community. Building a solid online reputation helps you attract clients from broader networks, whether they find you through blogs, social media, or other trusted sources.
Local SEO vs. Off-Page SEO: Where to Start
Focus on Local SEO if:
Your clients are primarily local, and you want to make it easier for them to find you.
Building visibility in your community is your top priority.
Local SEO is often the first step for birth workers. Claiming your Google Business Profile, using location-based keywords, and encouraging reviews can quickly make a difference in getting local clients.
Shift to Off-Page SEO if:
You want to grow your online presence and build authority in the broader birthwork community.
You want to reach clients who might find you through referrals, blogs, or social media beyond your immediate area.
Once you’ve established a solid local presence, off-page SEO is the natural next step. Strategies like guest blogging and influencer collaborations can help expand your reach and strengthen your credibility online.
Combining Local SEO and Off-Page SEO
For a one-two-punch approach, use both methods to build domain authority:
Start Local: Optimize your Google Business Profile, use location-based keywords, and encourage reviews to solidify your presence in your community.
Add Authority-Building Efforts: Explore guest blogging, guesting on podcasts, partnering and doing collaborations, and building backlinks to increase credibility and visibility beyond your local area.
This combination ensures that you’re easy to find and trusted and valued by clients and search engines alike.
Ready to Strengthen Your SEO? Start with a Free SEO Audit
Curious about how your website measures up? A Free SEO Audit is the perfect way to get clear insights into your site’s performance.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
A detailed snapshot of how your site is optimized for Local and Off-Page SEO.
Actionable recommendations to improve your visibility and attract more clients.
A roadmap for creating a sustainable flow of inquiries that grows your business.
Claim your Free Doula Website SEO Audit today and take the first step toward a strategy that works for you.
Your doula business deserves an online presence that connects you with clients in your community and beyond. SEO can be the strategy to help you get there.
