You’ve done your qualifications, sorted out a website, and you’re ready for the clients to roll in. But how do you let them know about you?
Marketing is a crucial aspect of any business, and dog training is no exception. In order to attract clients and build a successful dog training business, it's important to implement effective marketing strategies. Above all, it is important to establish a strong online presence by creating a professional website and active social media accounts.
1. Promote and update your qualifications on your website
Those courses you did over the weeks and months are not just great at handling dogs – they’re an effective marketing tool. Promoting your dog training qualifications on your website is a great way to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients. By highlighting your qualifications, such as certifications or specialised training, you can establish yourself as a trusted professional in the field.
It's also important to keep your website updated with any new qualifications or accomplishments you achieve. This not only demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning and improvement but also gives visitors confidence that they are working with someone who stays up-to-date with the latest techniques and knowledge in dog training.
2. Add a blog to your website
A blog is a great way to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as a trusted authority in the dog training world. Not only will it give you a chance to share your expertise and provide valuable tips and tricks to dog owners, but it will also help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. A blog allows you to showcase your personality and passion for dogs, making your website more engaging and relatable. Plus, by consistently updating your blog with fresh content, you'll improve your website's visibility in search engine rankings and attract more visitors.
Keeping your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) up to date for your dog training website is crucial for attracting more visitors and improving your online presence. By implementing effective SEO strategies, you can ensure that your website ranks higher in search engine results and reaches a wider audience of dog owners seeking training tips and services.
3. Feature your insurance coverage on your website
Make your insurance a feature on your website and provide peace of mind to your clients. We all know accidents can happen, especially when it comes to our furry friends. That's why having insurance coverage tailored for dog trainers is so important. By featuring your insurance on your website, you're showing your clients that you prioritise their pets' safety and well-being.
With the right insurance coverage in place, you can focus on what you do best - training dogs and building strong relationships with your clients. So why not make insurance a standout feature on your website and let potential clients know that they're in good hands when they choose your services?
4. Grow your following on social media
Growing your following on social media as a dog trainer is incredibly important for several reasons.
Firstly, it allows you to reach a wider audience and share your expertise with dog owners all over the world. By posting helpful tips, tricks, and training techniques, you can provide valuable information that can make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their owners.
Secondly, having a strong social media presence can help establish your credibility as a professional dog trainer. When potential clients see that you have a large following and positive engagement on your posts, they are more likely to trust in your abilities and seek out your services.
Lastly, growing your following on social media opens up opportunities for collaboration and networking within the dog training community. You can connect with fellow trainers, share ideas, and even collaborate on projects that benefit both you and your followers.
5. Maintain regular video channel on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
Videos have the power to engage and entertain people in a way that written content often can't. As a dog trainer, having a regular video channel on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can be incredibly beneficial. Not only does it allow you to showcase your skills and expertise to a wide audience, but it also helps you connect with dog owners on a more personal level. By sharing training tips, demonstrating techniques, and documenting your own experiences, you can build trust and credibility with your viewers.
Plus, videos are a perfect medium for capturing the adorable and funny moments that come with working with dogs.
6. Guest post on other blogs and free sites like Medium
By contributing valuable content to other platforms, you can attract new clients and build your reputation as a trusted professional. Additionally, guest posting allows you to connect with other professionals in the industry, opening opportunities for collaboration and networking. So don't underestimate the power of guest posting - it's a fantastic way to grow your business and make a meaningful impact in the world of dog training.
7. Word of mouth, referrals, and reviews
Don’t forget about asking happy customers for referrals and reviews. Word of mouth is still a highly effective marketing tool, and people tend to trust their friends’ opinions. Ask customers if they’re happy for you to post a part or all of their reviews on your website, with any identifying details removed.
If you’re starting to get a decent customer base, you can open a page on the site where customers can post their own reviews.
8. Talk to people when you’re out and about
When people ask what you do, tell them – and hand out a business card with your website and contact details.
You can get almost anything branded with your company name and website, from dog collars and jackets to dog bowls. Hand these out to customers at the end of your course; it’s a small business expense but adds to your visibility.
9. Work with your local vets
Build a relationship with your local vet clinics and try to get referrals from them. This will take time – a vet will want to make sure you’re a good, reliable trainer before they promote you – but it’s worth the effort.
Vets have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to canine health and behavior, and their input can be invaluable in helping you create effective training plans. They can also provide valuable guidance on how to address any underlying medical issues that may be impacting a dog's behavior.
Additionally, building relationships with local vets can help you establish a network of trusted professionals to refer clients to for medical care. A referral from a trusted vet is a brilliant way to get new customers. So don't hesitate to reach out to your local vets - together, you can make a positive impact on the lives of dogs in your community.
10. Offer your time to local shelters and rescues
Shelters and rescues are often overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the volume of animals. Rehoming a dog means that they need to be checked for things like food aggression and socialisation, and many of these organisations don’t have the resources to train the dogs out of troubling behaviour.
Volunteering to help gives you the ability to change a dog’s future and a huge amount of potential blogging and video material.
To Summarise
Marketing is a crucial aspect of running a successful dog training business. By implementing effective online marketing strategies, you can reach a wider audience, establish your expertise, and attract more clients.
From creating engaging social media content to optimizing their website for search engines, there are numerous ways for dog trainers to boost their online presence and grow their business. Remember, building a strong brand and establishing credibility are key to attracting clients in this competitive industry. So, if you're a dog trainer looking to take your marketing efforts to the next level, start implementing these tips today and watch your business flourish.