Dog on the bed.
House sitting and pet sitting are a logical business combination, though not everyone with a house has a pet and not everyone with a pet owns a home. Therefore it's wise to cover all the bases when advertising to ensure opportunities for both sides of your business don't get overlooked.
Where to Advertise
Advertising budgets are a financial concern for any business, but small businesses like yours need to be frugal to be profitable. So it's important to take advantage of as many free and low-cost advertising opportunities as possible.
Have two-sided business cards printed that convey both halves of your company. Include important details like availability and locations you'll work, and whether or not you're insured and bonded. Add your contact information and website address.
Business cards are like mini-billboards that offer at-a-glance information for potential customers. Tack your card on bulletin boards at neighborhood grocery stores, pet supply stores, and your local animal shelter. Post two cards to promote both sides of your business.
Ask permission to leave a stack of business cards at veterinarian offices, boarding kennels, groomers, and doggie daycare centers. Always keep a stack in your pocket, purse and the glove compartment of your car.
Using the same information as what's on your business card, place ads in church bulletins, homeowner association newsletters, and in the classified section of your local newspaper.
Creative Advertising
Create a simple flyer or brochure that offers more detailed information about your pet sitting and house sitting services. Have house fob key chains or dog bone shaped magnets made with your business name and contact information. Give them away to realtors along with your business card or brochure so they can hand them out to new homeowners as welcome-to-the-neighborhood gifts.
Join your local chamber of commerce and network with other businesses in your community. It's common for businesses to help each through referrals. Attend mixers and ribbon cuttings of new chamber members where you can hand out your business cards, key chains and customized magnets.
Adhere an inexpensive vinyl sign that displays your logo and phone number onto the window of your car. No matter where you go, people will see your car and start to recognize your business as your name becomes familiar. You'll be the first person who comes to mind when folks plan a trip and need someone to look after their home and pets while they're gone.
Most social media is free, so don't discount blogs, twitter.com, FaceBook and MySpace as viable ways to promote your business and create a buzz about your services.
Team up with a complementary business like a vet, groomer, home-security or house cleaning service to share ad space in magazines and newspapers. Co-operative ventures present a broader set of benefits and features that can attract potential new clients.
