Do you need to Grow Your Dog Walking Business?
During the summer we often see a drop off in dog walking clients as people stay home with their dogs, their kids walk them or they are on vacation with them.
But now with the kids back in the classroom, you have a golden opportunity to refocus your marketing efforts and attract new clients.
In this blog post, I’ll explore five effective ways to market your dog walking business and make the most of this season.
5 Effective Ways to Grow Your Dog Walking Business During Back to School Season
#1. Post about Keeping Dogs Active While the Kids are in School
With the kids occupied at school, many fur friends are left with less playtime – something which they probably got a lot more of while the kids were off school.
Highlight the importance of maintaining their dogs’ activity levels through regular walks and engaging play.
Write social media posts that emphasize how your dog walking services can fill the void, ensuring pets stay active, happy, and healthy. Share images of dogs enjoying the great outdoors and convey the message that you’re their go-to playmate.
#2. Back to School Packages
Introduce a range of back to school packages that cater to different needs and budgets. From short drop-in visits for potty breaks to longer walks.
Design eye-catching graphics showcasing these packages and emphasize how they’re designed to ease the stress of busy mornings and afternoons when parents have school drop off and pickups.
Remember to share videos and images of dogs you are already walking to highlight the packages.
#3. Network in Parent Facebook Groups
Join local Facebook groups where parents frequently gather to discuss school related topics. Engage with posts and comments authentically – chatting to people and getting to know them.
Avoid direct promotion (and always check the group rules) – instead, focus on building relationships and demonstrating your expertise. Share informative posts about the benefits of dog walking, addressing common concerns parents might have.
Tip: You could check with the admin of the group to see if they have a day where you can post about your business. Some groups have specific days/times when they allow this.
#4. Blog about Balancing Pet Care with School Routines
Write a blog post addressing the challenges parents face when juggling their pets’ needs with their kids’ school routines.
Offer practical tips and insights to help them strike a balance. Include stories from your customers and showcase the variety of services you offer. This not only positions you as an expert in the field but also provides valuable content that can be shared across social media platforms.
Tip: Not only share this on social media but also email out to your email list.
#5. Emailing Past Clients to Re Start Dog Walking
Email your previous dog walking clients to remind them that your services are available and you can add them into your schedule whenever they are ready.
Make sure you personalise the email, mention the dogs name and how much you (and your team) previously enjoyed walking their dog.
Don’t be afraid to send a few emails – remember we don’t read every email we receive. And also remind people in your weekly newsletter.
You might also enjoy reading: Why Newsletters Are So Important For Your Pet Business
