It’s no secret that opening a successful dog daycare takes more than just having a love of dogs. Rather, marketing your business is key to getting the word out and driving customers through your door! But how do you actually market your dog daycare business?
There are lots of options, but these 15 tried-and-true methods will help ensure that your dog daycare business is a success!
So, keep reading to find out more about each of these best practices and why they work!
Strategy #1: Know Your Dog Daycare Target Market
Before we reveal any other strategies, it’s first important that you know who you’re marketing your dog daycare towards. Otherwise, you may be wasting your time and resources marketing to the wrong people!
Think about who will be most interested in using your dog daycare services, such as dog owners with busy lifestyles or owners of high-energy dogs. Knowing your target market can help you tailor all other marketing efforts accordingly!
Who Is The Target Market for Dog Daycare?
To help you determine your target market, we recommend asking yourself the following questions:
- What type of people will be interested in using my dog daycare services?
- How old are they?
- Where do these people live?
- What kind of lifestyle do they have (busy, active, etc.)?
- What kind(s) of clients are your competitors targeting?
Answering these questions can help you narrow down who your target market is. In turn, you can then better market your dog daycare services to them!
Strategy #2: Word-of-Mouth Referrals
In today’s digital age, you might think the power of word-of-mouth referrals is next to dead… But you’d be wrong! In fact, here are a couple interesting facts about word-of-mouth referrals that may surprise you:
- A Nielson report concluded that “92% of consumers believe suggestions from friends and family more than advertising”;
- Furthermore, the stats from BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey (conducted in 2014) found that a whopping 88% of people trust online reviews left by past clients – as much as they trust recommendations made by personal friends!
As you can see, word-of-mouth is still a very powerful form of marketing. It can be used to quickly get the word out about your business. So, ask current customers to spread the word – and maybe even offer referral discounts or free services to encourage them to do so!
Strategy #3: Social Media
These days, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find potential customers on social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are great resources to increase the visibility of your dog daycare business!
So, create accounts for your business on each platform. From there, start sharing content about your services – as well as industry-related news and events. Doing so can help attract more people to your page, as well as increase the likelihood of them taking advantage of your services!
Pro Tip: Overwhelmed by the various social media platforms out there and not sure where to focus your efforts? Here are the PROS and CONS of using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Strategy #4: Print Marketing
While social media may be popular nowadays, don’t forget about traditional print marketing either. Flyers, brochures, postcards, and business cards are all great ways to get the word out about your dog daycare business.
You can place these materials in high-traffic locations, such as local pet stores, veterinarians, and other establishments. You can even go door to door in your neighborhood to spread the word – just make sure to always be respectful when doing so!
In addition, consider using postcards or direct mailers when introducing a new service or promotion. Doing so will reach a larger audience and may help generate more business for your daycare!
Strategy #5: Email Campaigns
Email campaigns are another great way to spread the word about your dog daycare business. You can use this approach in a variety of ways, such as:
- Sending out monthly newsletters or weekly updates about events and services;
- Incentivizing people to sign up for your mailing list by offering discounts or free services;
- Using it to invite people to grand opening events or special promotions.
Email campaigns are a great way to reach out directly to potential customers and keep them updated on all of your services. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to do so – so don’t underestimate its power!
Strategy #6: Paid Ads
If you’re looking for ways to market your dog daycare, paid ads can be a great way to increase the visibility of your business! Think about it: when people are searching for services related to pet care, they’re likely going to come across your ad – and click on it!
So, consider running targeted campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Additionally, you can also run ads on search engines like Google and Yahoo!
When done correctly, paid ads can be an effective way to show up in front of potential customers – helping you reach a much broader audience than before. So, don’t hesitate to give them a try!
Strategy #7: Build a Website for Your Dog Daycare Business
Having a website for your dog daycare business is essential in this digital age – full stop. People are searching online all the time and if you don’t have a website, they might not be able to find your business!
So, create a website that showcases all of the services you offer – as well as any upcoming events or promotions. Additionally, your website should be polished, user-friendly, and provide this other information as well:
- An “About Me” Page so people can get to know you (and your qualifications) better;
- Your contact information;
- Testimonials from previous customers;
- An FAQ section with commonly asked questions;
- Links to your social media accounts;
- Photos of past furry clients at your dog daycare;
- An option for online booking, etc..
Having a website will make it easier for potential customers to find you – as well as learn more about your services and what sets you apart. So, be sure to put some time and effort into creating a solid website!
Pro Tip: Never built a business website before? No problem! Our Beginner’s Guide will break down everything you need to know to get started!
Strategy #8: SEO
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is another great way to increase the visibility of your dog daycare business.
Basically, it’s all about ensuring that your website shows up in the top results on search engines like Google and Yahoo!. This can be done by optimizing various elements such as titles and meta descriptions – as well as utilizing keywords related to your business.
In addition, you can also use SEO to optimize your website for local search results. This means that people searching for “dog daycare near me” will be able to find your services more easily!
Not sure where to start? First, we recommend giving this Google Starter Guide a read. From there, you can also consider enlisting the help of a professional – or using an online tool like Yoast or Moz to help get you started.
Strategy #9: Blogging/Vlogging
Creating content is a great way to engage potential customers and build credibility for your business. So, consider starting a blog or vlog, where you document your experiences as an owner of a dog daycare.
Your aim should be to create valuable content that provides real insight into the industry – as well as tips on how other pet owners can take better care of their furry friends. Not only is this great for marketing purposes, but it can also help build trust with potential customers!
Oh, and did we mention that blogging especially can also help your SEO ranking? Talk about another added bonus!
Strategy #10: Give Away Freebies
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Offering freebies and discounts is a great way to entice potential customers to try out your dog daycare services. Plus, it’s a proven way to get your existing customers to spread the word about your business – as well as come back time and time again.
So, don’t be afraid to get creative with your freebies! Consider offering discounts on complementary services like dog grooming or training. Moreover, you can also offer occasional free days at the daycare, or even offer discounts for referring friends and family to your business!
Pro Tip: Interested in adding grooming and/of dog training services to your daycare business? Get trained and certified – online and at your own pace – with QC Pet Studies!
Strategy #11: Google AdWords
Google AdWords is an online advertising platform that uses keywords to target potential customers who are searching for businesses like yours.
Basically, you pay Google to display your website or specific ads in the sponsored section of search engine results pages – and you only pay when someone clicks on your ad! What’s more, this is a great way to quickly increase the visibility of your business and get more customers.
Need help setting up a Google AdWords campaign? Check out WordStream’s Step-by-Step Guide for all the tips you need to get started!
Strategy #12: Save Time with Booking Software
If you’re running a dog daycare business, chances are that you’re juggling multiple tasks at once. That’s why bookings software can be such a lifesaver!
By using booking software like Acuity Scheduling or Booker, you can streamline the booking process and save time. In turn, you can focus on providing top-notch services to your customers. Plus, you can also customize the system with automated appointment reminders and even accept payment online – which is a huge plus!
Ready to get started? There are plenty of booking software options out there – so start researching and see which one suits your business best.
Strategy #13: Host an Open House or Meetup
This is a great way to give potential customers a first-hand look at what your dog daycare has to offer. Invite people over for an open house or meetup – and make sure that you showcase all the amenities and services you have available.
You can even make it more fun by offering free food and drinks, as well as discounts on services! That way, people will have an incentive to come over and see what you have to offer.
Pro Tip: Haven’t yet launched your very own doggy daycare business? Discover everything you need to know to get started from start to finish!
Strategy #14: Local Directories
Make sure that your business is listed in local directories. This will help increase visibility for your dog daycare and make it easier for potential customers to find you.
You can even go a step further and add reviews, photos, and other information about your business to the directories – that way, people will be able to learn more about what you have to offer!
Some directories we definitely recommend getting your dog daycare business listed on include (but aren’t limited to):
- Yelp
- Google My Business
- Yellow Pages
- Facebook Local Market
- Apple Maps
If this strategy is of particular interest to you, then we recommend checking out HubSpot’s list of the 50 BEST online directories to get your business listed on!
Strategy #15: Mobile App
Finally, if you’re really looking to take your dog daycare business to the next level, then consider launching your very own mobile app.
This will give you a competitive edge, allowing customers to book services with just a few taps of their phone. You can also integrate loyalty rewards and even payment options into the app – making it easier for people to do business with you!
Ready to get started? Check out Appy Pie and see how you can create your own mobile app – without any coding knowledge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I promote my dog daycare on a budget?
A: Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to market your dog daycare on a budget! Some of the best strategies include:
- Maximizing word-of-mouth referrals;
- Setting up social media accounts;
- Building your own website for free;
- Creating content marketing campaigns;
- Leveraging local directories;
- End even hosting an open house or meetup!
Q: What’s the best way to reach more customers?
A: The best way to reach more customers is by creating a strong online presence. This includes setting up your own website, investing in search engine optimization (SEO), and using social media advertising campaigns. Additionally, you should also consider leveraging local directories and even launching your very own mobile app!
Q: Can tracking data help me market my dog daycare business? If so, what data should I be tracking?
A: Absolutely! Tracking data can be incredibly helpful when it comes to marketing your dog daycare business.
Some of the data you should consider tracking include:
- Website visitors;
- Customer reviews;
- Email open rates;
- And even social media engagement.
This will all help you gain valuable insights into how people are interacting with your brand – which can then be used to inform future marketing decisions.
Q: Should I offer a dog daycare welcome packet to clients?
A: Yes, absolutely! A welcome packet is a great way to help potential customers get to know your business better.
The welcome packet should include detailed information about your services, as well as any policies and guidelines you have in place. Additionally, this is also a great opportunity to provide customers with coupons or discounts – giving them an incentive to come and try out your dog daycare!
Q: Any tips for setting my dog daycare prices?
A: When it comes to setting your dog daycare prices, you should always take the time to research what other businesses in your area are charging. This will give you a better idea of the current market rate – and what customers are expecting to pay.
It’s also important to consider the costs associated with running your daycare – such as wages, materials, and supplies. So, make sure you’re accounting for all of these expenses when setting your prices.
Overall, it’s important to find the right balance between offering quality services at a reasonable price – while also ensuring that you’re making a profit.
Pro Tip: Learn even more about properly pricing your dog daycare services!
Final Thoughts
Marketing your dog daycare business does not have to be a daunting task. With the right strategies, you can easily get more customers and increase your profits.
Remember: marketing is all about reaching the right people in the right way. Thus, make sure you’re taking the time to find out what works best for YOUR business!
Happy marketing – and good luck!
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