How to Set Your Profile Apart
With thousands of sitters and dog walkers on our site, standing out in search results might seem like a daunting task. But the good news is there’s tons you can do to make your profile shine and attract clients who are right for you.
Pictures
DO: Provide clear pictures of:
- your smiling face (just make sure to have someone else take the picture)
- your home if you’re offering services there (interior and exterior)
- your pets
- people you live with who might help out with care
High-resolution pictures indicate you’re willing to invest time and energy into both your business and your pet care. Make sure your pictures are:
- well-lit
- formatted correctly
- large enough to look great in both the thumbnail and the larger image.
- Free of red eye
DON’T: Post photos with clutter in the background. Don’t post any blurry, pixelated pictures. This prevents pet owners from getting a feel for who you are. If your pictures don’t look great, owners might assume that your service matches your profile.
PRO TIP: If you’re having trouble getting high-quality pictures, look no further than your (or a friend’s) smartphone. Smartphones come equipped with high-quality cameras, and you can edit your photos right there on your phone using free editing smartphone apps.
Your Profile Descriptions
DO: Talk about:
- your schedule
- your experience with dogs
- safety precautions you’ll take
- what makes you unique.
For example: If you love getting exercise, tell owners that you will take their dogs on energizing walks. Or, if you live a quieter lifestyle, tell owners that their dog will spend a relaxing vacation with you. Mention the steps you’ll take to ensure their dog’s safety when they’re with you. When you’re ready to post, have a friend proofread your text for any typos or grammatical errors before sending it in.
DON’T: Mention anything that will cast your profile in a negative light. Keep your words upbeat, positive, and professional. Avoid mentioning money, or any negative information regarding your past pets or previous pet-sitting experiences. If there’s something you feel needs mentioning, bring this up in your private conversations with owners.
PRO TIP: After your profile is active on our website, don’t forget about the aspects of your profile that’ll continue to get you noticed. Of course, your ultimate goal should be to provide a safe and happy experience for pet and pet owners, but it’s also important to keep in mind that your profile also lists your:
- response time. Make sure to respond quickly to all requests, even if you can’t book them.
- reviews. Provide a 5-star experience to earn that 5-star review.
Add-Ons You Offer
DO: Talk about the little extras you offer. We love the unique skill sets our sitters and dog walkers have, and we encourage them to share them openly. Some examples include:
- grooming and baths for long stays
- pick-up and drop-off
- administering medication and injections
DON’T: List any services that you’re not 100% comfortable providing. Your confidence level as a sitter directly affects the quality of service you provide: The lower your confidence, the lower your quality of service.
Your profile is your first impression with a dog owner—creating a great one will help you promote your business in a positive light, every time. And the best part? By being clear about the services you provide, you’ll be much more likely to work with clients who are right for you.