When “Just Showing Up” Isn’t Enough: Silent Doula Sales Killer #3
Let’s talk about one of the sneakiest sales killers out there.
It feels aligned.
It feels authentic.
It even feels nourishing.
But it’s leaving way too many doulas underbooked, underpaid, and invisible.
It’s called The Passive Presence.
And it’s Silent Sales Killer #3 inside your doula business.
If you’re a heart-led doula who’s showing up online, getting compliments like “You’re so inspiring!” in your DMs—but never hearing “How do I work with you?”—this post is your wake-up call.
Because being seen isn’t the same as being booked.
Let’s dive in.
The Illusion of Connection—And Why It’s Not Enough
Let’s start with your online presence.
You’re posting consistently. You’re showing up with love. You’re sharing birth tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and real-life motherhood content.
People love your vibe.
But they’re not asking to hire you.
Here’s why:
You’re connecting—but you’re not converting.
You’re showing up—but you’re not stepping up.
You’re in the room—but you’re not leading it.
And your dream clients?
They’re watching you, yes. But they’re still unsure:
What you actually offer
How to work with you
If you’re even taking clients
That, right there, is The Passive Presence.
And it’s sabotaging your sales.
If you're wondering how to get more doula clients on Instagram or why your content isn't converting—this is where to start.
Why Doulas Fall Into This Trap
This pattern is especially common among heart-centered birth workers.
You care deeply. You’re trauma-informed. You want to respect people’s autonomy. You’d never want to pressure anyone into working with you.
But here’s the truth:
Offering someone your support is not pressure. It’s leadership.
When you don’t clearly communicate how to take the next step, your potential clients aren’t feeling honored—they’re feeling uncertain.
And confused people don’t say yes.
They freeze. They overthink. They bounce.
Your dream client doesn’t need more free tips.
She doesn’t need another affirmation or educational post.
She needs an invitation.
The Consult Breakdown—How Passive Energy Creeps In
This same energy shows up in your sales conversations, too.
Here’s what I see happen all the time:
You hop on a doula consultation.
You connect. You listen deeply. You hold space like the intuitive goddess you are.
And then…
“Okay, let me know what you think!”
“You can email me if you decide you’re ready.”
Or worse… silence.
That, my friend, is The Passive Presence—live on Zoom.
So let’s shift that energy. Here’s how to move from passive to powerful in your consults without sounding pushy:
1. Ask for Permission to Share Your Offer
“Would it be okay if I shared what it could look like to work together?”
This gives you authority without overpowering the conversation. It’s collaborative and confident.
2. Clearly Walk Them Through What’s Included
“Here’s exactly what you get when we work together: [insert your support, sessions, check-ins, etc.].”
Don’t assume they’ve scrolled your website. Say it clearly and with certainty.
3. Connect It Back to Their Vision
“You mentioned you want to feel supported and calm in your birth. That’s exactly what this package was created to offer.”
Mirror their words back to them so they feel seen.
4. Ask a Direct Closing Question
“Do you feel like this is the kind of support you’ve been looking for?”
“Would you like to go ahead and reserve your spot today?”
“Are you ready to make this official so we can start planning together?”
You’re not being pushy—you’re offering clarity.
And clarity builds trust.
Confidence Creates Safety (Yes, Even in Sales)
Here’s the deeper truth:
When you lead, your client relaxes.
They don’t have to figure it out.
They don’t have to guess if you’re available or wonder if they’re a “good fit.”
They feel safe. Supported. Held.
That’s what clients want in a doula.
Not just someone with a good vibe—someone who feels like a guide.
So if you’re tired of being the “favorite follow” but not the doula getting hired?
It’s time to shift.
You don’t need to be louder.
You just need to be clearer.
You don’t need to be pushy.
You just need to own your value—and invite people in.
Want to Know the Rest of the Sales Killers Lurking in Your Biz?
This was only Sales Killer #3.
There are five silent ways doulas accidentally block sales without realizing it—and they’re all fixable once you spot them.
👉 Download my free guide:
The 5 Silent Sales Killers Lurking in Your Doula Biz (and How to Fix Them Fast)
Inside, you’ll discover:
What’s keeping you underbooked—even though you’re showing up
How to shift from inspiring to income-generating
Simple messaging tweaks that help you book clients faster—without changing your personality or posting daily
Because leadership doesn’t wait.
And neither should you.
