Do your friends, family and clients have all the information they need to refer your pet sitting services to others easily? One of the most efficient ways to find new clients is word of mouth or referral marketing. There are a couple of reasons why peope may not already be out there recommending your service:
1) They are not educated enough about what you can do for people and how to refer people to you
2) You are not at the top of their mind
One way to tell people or to remind people about your service and to educate them is to send them a warm introduction letter or card. This letter or a card should contains a very personal note that is not too business’y. You should definately send out an warm introduction letter if you are just starting your business but you can also send one to friends, clients, and family when you:
1) receive an award or new certication
2) start offering a new service such as an add on service (see my previous post for some add on service ideas) or start teaching pet first aid classes
3) expand your service into new areas
4) hold an open house or pet event
5) get publicity in a local paper, magazine, or on a radio shape
6) offer a special on your services
Your letter or card should include details of anything new that you are up to in your business, who your ideal clients are, how you can solve these clients problems, and information on how people can contact you to find out more about your service.
A warm letter or card is also a great idea to send to any centers of influence in your community that work with pets, are involved in pet groups, take their dog regularly to the dog park, or have many friends that are dog lovers.
Remember – you don’t have limit yourself to sending a warm letter just once. Keep your family, friends, and cilents informed by communicating with them regularly whenever you have news!