Millennials are the fastest growing demographic of pet owners in the United States and their propensity to spend money on traveling and other experiences makes them excellent potential pet sitting customers. The generation is defined by familiarity with digital media and technology. In order to market your pet sitting business to Millennial pet parents, you need to build a digital library filled with interesting content.
Get In Touch With Your Artistic Side
Pet Sitters are blessed when it comes to interesting content. It's a benefit of working with cute animals all day. Get your client's permission to use the pictures and videos you take. Show people how much fun you have playing with their dogs. All you really need to do is get a clear shot. Try to get low, down to their level. Who doesn't love a wet-nosed close-up! For dogs and some cats, try using a treat to get them to sit still. Lately, I've been using a GoPro to get some fun videos.
Write About What You Know
If learning to write wasn't so valuable, I promise you I wouldn't be doing do it. I have always dreaded writing, and I still think I'm not great at it; however, it is so worth the trouble when it comes to attracting new customers. Dog walkers are often a go-to for advice and feedback when it comes to their pet. Share your knowledge and experience by writing a blog or e-book. You don't need to go crazy. Anything from what leashes you like best to recipes for DIY pet shampoo can draw people to your pet sitting business. One of Walk It Like A Dog's most successful posts was a guide to the local dog parks. If you're looking for a good writing book, I recommend Everybody Writes.
Market Your Pet Sitting Business on Social Media
Once you start creating content, you need to tell people about it. One of the best ways to market your pet sitting business is through social media. The most popular choices are Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Try boosting your posts on Facebook to get them in front of your target audience. You can build a basic profile based on your service area and people who are interested in pets and related products. The goal is to get people to see your awesome content.
Don't be afraid to try out newer platforms. Sometimes the best source of new leads may be a smaller crowd, but you might be the only one using it. While I use the Big 3 above, I have a few neighbors that bring my name up any time someone posts about dog walking on Next Door. Its to be a great source to find new customers. The key is to keep exploring new avenues and get creative.
Try Some Gorilla Marketing
Another great way to get attention for your content is by using unconventional advertising methods. One of my favorite campaigns was going around to local parks and drawing a big chalk advertisement for my dog walking company on the sidewalk. We got a ton of positive feedback from the neighborhood who thought it was cool, and a number of new clients. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things. It's a great way to set yourself apart.
Attracting Millennials to your business is a great way to grow your customer base. They're great with technology, love to travel and want the best for their pets. While traditional advertising may work with an older demographic, but it's much more expensive than digital marketing. Have fun making your content and people will be interested. "If you build it they will come."
Do you have any tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments.