Start with the small things that you know you can make time for, won’t break the bank, and are easy to do at any time of the year. Marketing should be one of your strengths, whether it is advertising or facilitating word of mouth. With PawLoyalty pet resort software, you can customize your referral list so that you will be able to track where your referrals are coming from, pinpoint the marketing channels that are generating the most revenue, and in turn, create more successful business strategies.

But building your business strategy should include more than just marketing. The details in your waiting room, the look of your website, and returning a pet happy and healthy all make a difference in your customers’ eyes!

Here are 8 ideas to consider when making your plans to improve your business:

1. Signage

Is your business on a highly trafficked street? Or in a neighborhood where potential customers could are walking by every day? Create signs for your business that can be strategically displayed to catch the eye of passer-byers (bonus points for adding an adorable pup or two for visual imagery). Choose high traffic areas such as busy streets and intersections for your signs. Consider adding specials or some element of change to the sign to keep them interesting. One sign near us puts up clever quotes and changes them weekly. That may sound a little high maintenance but everyone in town knows that business and looks for their sign when they drive by to see what it says. Additionally, try to advertise at a nearby dog park. These outdoor signs can turn one of today’s drive-by’s into tomorrow’s walk-in.

2. Reception area

You don’t want your customers to have to stand while they wait. Hospitable reception areas will increase your customers’ patience and occupy their attention while you get their pooch good to go. Waiting areas do not have to be fancy, just comfortable. Pick up a coffee table and a few simple chairs (add cushions if needed), place a plant in the corner, scatter magazines and pamphlets around, add a few wall decorations like portraits or a bulletin board, and voila! You have a reception area for customers to relax while their dogs are being serviced.

3. Retail area 

Consider partnering with a few pet vendors who can supply you with products that you can add to a retail section at your business. If you are a pet groomer, then sell pet grooming supplies so that customers can maintain their dog’s fur until their next appointment. If you are a dog daycare, then offer treats and food that you give to the dogs during their stay. 

4. Chart your customers’ daily routine

Being able to give your customers a run-down of their pet’s activities will make them feel engaged with your business and will build a sense of community in caring for their pet. A list of daily activities will reassure them they are receiving the services they are paying for and that their pets are being well looked after. Add feeding and medication times to the sheet.

5. Improve your website

Your website is often the first impression that customers will have of your business. What does your website say about you? Consider what could you do to enhance the experience of someone who is there looking for information. Starting a blog, adding video, and making your website mobile-friendly can go a long way for you technology oriented customers. Not only that but they can also improve your websites capabilities to serve you as a marketing vehicle.

6. Improve the check-in & check-out process

This is where your kennel management software can really come in handy. Customers will be tremendously grateful for a quick check in and out process. Most will be in a hurry to get to work, to beat traffic, or to go home after a long day. Drag and drop features on your kennel software allow you to swiftly handle each customer in a few seconds. They’ll be surprised at how efficient your system is. If you have not seen a demo of how easy check in/check out is with PawLoyalty, add that to your list of to-do’s!

7. Pet parent updates

Real-time updates via text, FaceTime, and email are becoming more and more common as ways to update your customers about their pets throughout the day. Updates like these will take a few minutes at most, but provide pet parents with a small boost of happiness during their day away from their favorite four-legged friend. It also can be a way to distinguish yourself from your competitors as a business who goes above and beyond for customer service. You don’t have to do it every time they drop their dog off but every once in a while will make your customer feel special and be pleased that you are giving individual attention to their pet.

8. Healthy pet guarantee

Including a healthy pet guarantee embodies confidence. If their pet does not come back to their owner as healthy as they came in, then offer compensation. This will show your customers that you take your dog health seriously and that they do not have to worry about their pet contracting kennel cough or other illnesses while they are away.

Small changes can go a long way and with your pet resort software, you can create a custom list of your referrals and track where your marketing efforts are best spent. Overtime, you’ll see an increase in customer satisfaction, which makes enjoying your job easier.

For more marketing ideas, read our article: 12 Marketing and Advertising Ideas for Pet Professionals on a Shoestring Budget

Throw Us A Bone!

Do you have any tips to share with the pet community?

Still using kennel connection, kennelsoft, or k9bytes? Kennel software has come a long way since 1990… get a FREE evaluation account with PawLoyalty and see why pet care professionals are making the change.