How exciting is it that new parents can find and message you within your BeHerVillage profile?!
We want to make sure that you have all of the tools and info you need to make communicating with parents as smooth as possible. Because when the parents are sending you messages, it means they’re ready to find and build their dream team of support. We don’t want you to miss out on a client and we don’t want a parent to miss out on some vital support.
Here are some steps to take when a parent sends a message your way:
Of course you are free to use your messages on your BeHerVillage profile however you like, but to engage with (and book) more parents, here are some best practices:
Respond Promptly
Parents who are actively messaging professionals are looking for the information they need to make a decision on who to work with (and put onto their registry). Responding promptly will let them know that you’re a dedicated professional.
Add A Personal Touch
These parents-to-be are looking for professionals like you to be with them in some of their most vulnerable, powerful, and profound moments in their lives. Adding a personal touch in those first messages is going to be a great indicator of the type of support professional you are. Address them by name, congratulate them, and if it feels right– throw in a couple emojis!
Introduction
When parents find a professional they want to message, they’re given the option of sending a custom message or using the generic, pre-set message. And so far it seems as though most parents want to just get the convo started and they end up sending the generic message.When you get that first message, send over a friendly but brief introduction to highlight who you are, what your specialty is, and the area you serve.
Understand Their Needs
Ask personalized and open-ended questions to understand their needs, goals and their timeline. You can ask about their due date, what type of birth they’re planning, if they’re looking for any specific qualifications or preferences, and other questions that are pertinent to your specific business. This is not the place to send a huge questionnaire or to send them a link to a phone call. Use this as a touchpoint to get a little information from them so you know how to best approach them when it comes to offering your services.
Clear contact info
Make sure your contact info is up to date on your service page and you can offer this contact info in the messages you exchange with parents. Ask them what their preferred method of communication is and you can let them know what works best for you as well.
Follow up
You remember how much there was to think about when you were becoming a new parent. If you don’t hear back right away, send a wave or send a quick hello to remind them that you’re around and excited to chat with them. Additionally, if you do hear back from them, be prompt in your response so you can be top of mind for the parent looking for the service that you provide.
Use this example as an intro message the next time you hear from a parent
*make sure you change the language to match your personal offerings
Hi [parent’s name], congratulations on your upcoming arrival. My name is [your name] and I’m a [your service] with XXX years of experience. I love being able to provide compassionate, personalized care to meet your needs to help you with [birth/postpartum/lactation/recovery/etc].
What preferences are you looking for in a [service provider] ? When are you expecting your baby’s arrival or need for service? How are you currently feeling about your upcoming birth and postpartum experience?
Once you hear back from them, use this as a secondary message
Thanks for sharing with me! I’m available for service at the time of your baby’s arrival, yay! I’d love to chat with you more to get a better feel for what you need and want in a [service provider]. What’s your preferred way to get in touch, a phone call or via video chat? I’m available [offer a few different dates and times] (if you have a calendar or booking link this is a great place to share it, or share your email or phone number) I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
-[your name]
Messaging new parents is a great way to connect with and book more parents
This messaging feature is really helpful in getting the conversation started with the parents-to-be in your area. Use it to highlight your personality and professionalism, and show them how much you care. Happy chatting!
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!