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How Do I Get More Clients?

I currently have a few different badges, and tons of pictures. I'd like to think that my profile is to the point, but interesting enough to hold a client's attention. The average rate in my area is $25/day, and I just brought mine down to $20 from $25. I need clients as soon as possible, but have only had only a few people contact me in the last couple months. I've bought business cards, have a FB page, advertise on CraigsList, etc. I know my response rate is down, but I can't get it up until more potential clients contact me. Is there anything my profile is lacking that could be changed to stand out more?!

2 Answers

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Currently I only see two badges on your profile. It could be more are pending, but if not I would recommend seeing if there are any more you qualify for, and getting a background check completed. The badges help with the search rankings, which will get you more exposure to Rover users. The written portion of your profile comes across as responsible and professional. I would recommend taking some higher quality pictures of your home (most of the pics are a bit blurry/dark). Bright, clear photos draw people in, and they're the first thing people will see. If they don't like the pictures, they probably won't read your profile. (I've worked really hard on this for my profile if you want to check it out for ideas - all of my pictures, save one, were taken on a cell phone or old model GoPro, so good images don't necessarily need professional equipment.) Especially when you're new and relying on generating clients without word of mouth, you really have to stand out to draw people in.

Beyond that, you'll have to put in the legwork to get the word out. Take your business cards to local businesses that are pet friendly or pet oriented. Hang out with your dog at the park and keep a few cards in your pocket to hand out when you chat with other dog owners. Give some to friends and family members to give to their friends and family members with dogs. Post ads to craigslist/nextdoor (discreetly, it's against their policies)/facebook/etc. It's not unusual for requests to start slowly, so work hard and try not to get frustrated! Good luck!

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You just need to be patient when you first start out. It took awhile for me to get my first client, but after I did I am now busy quite a lot of the time. It's like a lot of new businesses - it just takes a little while for people to find you. There may be many reasons you aren't getting clients, but I wouldn't worry too much initially. I notice that you have a dog. That may put off some clients because their dog may not get along well with other animals. I have had several clients they picked me specifically because I don't have any pets and I only take one client (or client family) at a time.

Comments

If you are able, offer to take puppies or dogs under 1 year old. They are cute and adorable but do require a lot of energy. They do like to chew on things so ask the client to bring chew toys or have plenty available. Puppy pet sitters are high on demand and remember they do grow and will be your repeat. I discovered I don't have the energy for them any more. I prefer to take dogs over 1 year old. Also in need are sitters for older dogs that require medications and/or 1 client dogs only at a time. Some pet parents have dogs that don't do well with either small dogs or large dogs or any dogs.