What's the Best Way to Advertise New Business

K.,

Not to sound like I'm giving you the "cheesy" pitch, but I work for SuperPages.com (the largest online yellow pages)and believe in our product, especially for local businesses. If you'd like me to send you some information, I would be happy to. We have quite a few pet sitters online.

Have a GREAT day!

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I may be interested in your services over the Summer... What would you charge and what service packages would you offer?

Thanks- Elaine

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Make some flyers and most animal vets have a bulletin board that you can post them on. Also ask them they may have a news letter they send out and you can put an ad in there. Also there is always the newspaper. You could run ads every so often b/c Im sure it gets pricy. Also door to do flyers are pretty cheap to make and just requires you to go put them out. An ad in the yellow pages I think would also be good for people who look there for what they need (I know I do all the time). Also there may be a link online that you can advertise on just start looking up the same thing your doing online and you may come across one. Most grocery stores also have bulletin boards too that you can leave a flyer on. Leave business cards on the table everytime that you go out to eat or purchase something. Also at school carnivals you could set up a booth and give doupons for small % off service for first time customers. I wish you the best of luck!

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K.,
it is sometimes hard to get established and throwing money at the advertising end of your business rarely accomplishes your goals. I had to learn the hard way how to market my childbirth education company since it is such a targeted niche market, like yours. I found making appointments with the OB's and having hand outs (brochures) to make it easy to refer to me, was the best way. I outlined in a marketing page what I did that people need that is different and better than anyone else. I also did research into what the Dr's want as well as the clients and tried to fill a void that no one else was filling. Perhaps that would work for you as well by going to the places people go with thier pets and offering a service that is professional and a cut above. Be careful that you don't end up with more business than you can handle ( !!! ).
K. @ The Nestingplace

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Hi,
Check out the Joy of Connecting and ask for Michelle, tell her L. from Cookie Lee Jewelry sent you . They advertise in the Fort Worth Metro magazine. Also make up flyers and put out at cleaners, mail box places and grocery and coffee shops. These are places where women frequent. We have a great dog sitter and would love your info in case ours is busy. We are really particular cuz our dogs are like our kids!!
Good Luck
L. T.
____@____.com

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Hi K.-

Maybe advertise in the Greensheet. Also, those signs that have a stake at the bottom that are used for advertising real estate.

So many great ideas! I'd check the pet stores as well to see if you can post anything there!

If I were you I would contact other pet sitters in areas where you will not travel so they are not competitors to you and find out what they do. See if someone who has been doing it for a while will mentor you.

I do know there are mailing lists you can purchase of people who have pets and that might be perfect. I would also recommend a website with a newsletter sign up. Send out newsletters each month on pet care, helpful hints, etc to give people something in return in exchange for contact information.

Our company has great success with our newsletter so I think it's a great idea. www.mentalmanagement.com is our company - it's not pet sitting but I think you can have the same type of email newsletter service and see more repeat business.

Good luck!

My business took off when I started running ads in Flower MOund woman now called Iwoman magazine. I am a Faux Finisher and decorative painter.

Craig's List is a good place to start...

M.
www.GoodHeatlhMadeSimple.com

My business boomed by advertising in the Keller Citizen, and there's no contract. Lori is a doll to work with, too!

D.