Did you know that there are over 75 million dogs kept as pets in the U.S. alone? That makes having a doggy daycare a potentially lucrative business! It’s a chance for dog lovers to do something they enjoy while making a good living at the same time.
One of the few drawbacks, however, is that there seem to be centers popping up all over the place. The competition can be fierce. In fact, in 2022 alone, these canine care facilities took care of over 19 million dogs each month. So the question becomes, is there anything you can do to make your doggy daycare business stand out? The answer is yes, and we have some tips that will make your doggy daycare stand on its hind legs and have customers begging to sign up!
1. Use Social Media As Much As Possible
In today’s world, it’s hard to have any business without utilizing social media. It’s become the best way to advertise and reach a large, diverse audience. The best part is, it’s inexpensive.
Don’t be afraid to get your doggy daycare business on to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Join community groups that allow businesses to advertise, link your website, and other info to everything you can. You can even make TikTok videos that show off your facility and all the adorable doggies that attend.
2. Offer Incentives for Referrals
Even though social media reaches a huge amount of people, the best way to gain new customers is through word of mouth. Your current customers are your best advertisement. People are likely to trust their friends and family when told about a service. It’s especially true of one that involves children or pets because they know you’ve probably researched it thoroughly.
To encourage your customers to sing your praises you can offer incentives like a discount on monthly tuition or a free week of care. If you offer other services like grooming, give them a coupon for a free bath or nail trimming. Some people may even be happy with simple dog treats!
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Color
It’s been shown that bright, bold colors can help people recognize and remember brands up to 80% more than just white or other plain shades, so don’t be afraid to get creative with color. Whether it’s inside your daycare, on the sign outside, or on your business cards, people also tend to respond better to cheery, unique colors. Be bold!
4. Partner With Other Businesses
Another way to get your doggy daycare business to stand out is to partner up with similar businesses. Talk to local pet shops, veterinarians, and groomers. Ask to leave business cards, coupons, and pamphlets about your services, and offer to do the same in return. You can also ask to set up a table outside that showcases your business.
5. Consider Expanding
If people are leaving their pets in daycare, chances are they have busy lives. They probably appreciate as many one-stop excursions as they can get. This is why expanding the services you offer can really set you apart from other care centers. Essentials like grooming, nail clipping, and breath treatments are a great way to start.
You can also offer in-home daycare, walking, and transportation services to other appointments like the vet for people who don’t drive. You can even get fancy by offering pet portraits, homemade treats, and knitted sweaters. The only limit is your imagination.
Offering unique services, discounts, and freebies is a great way to entice new customers to your doggy daycare business. But at the end of the day, you must provide loving, trustworthy care and excellent customer service if you’re going to keep them coming back!
