Improve Your Pet Sitting Profile with these Tips

Today we’re interviewing MaryMargaret F. a sitter who had the opportunity to have a Rover Representative give her profile a complete makeover. If you’re interested in taking your profile to the next level but not sure how, take a look at our conversation below!

Arah: So MaryMargaret, tell us about how you set up your original Rover Profile.

MaryMargaret: I initially set up my profile in less than half an hour. I was helping a friend out, she couldn’t sit one of her regular clients and she wanted to refer her to me. I wasn’t sure how to write about myself, or even what photos to choose. But I created it, and I hadn’t really changed it until I was asked if I was interested in this makeover.

Arah: When we helped you makeover your profile, what were you looking forward to the most?

MaryMargaret: The photoshoot! It was so helpful to have someone come and take pictures for me. I didn’t have to use the many dog selfies I’d taken.

Arah: Tell us more about that! What kind of photos did they help you take?

MaryMargaret: It was really fun! I took one of my friend’s dogs to the park and we tried to get a variety of photos–so clients really could get a feel for what I’m like. We didn’t just do posed, portrait style photos (though we did a couple to use as a profile picture) but we took a bunch of them walking through the park and playing too! They reminded me that potential clients want to see how you behave with dogs, having a fun photoshoot really helped get my personality across.

They also mentioned some things I wouldn’t have thought of, like making sure I dressed professionally. But you do need to keep in mind that this is a first impression! We also took some photos of my home, so that pet owners can see where their dog is going to stay.

Arah: That’s awesome! You can really tell you and the pup were having a blast. Now what about the profile portion? What kind of questions did they ask you to think about?

MaryMargaret: They asked me a lot of questions to get to the core of my experience with dogs. I talked about my history with dogs, what I loved about them, some things that were unique to me, like working with rescues (and I really love dachshunds) and I also discussed why I became a pet sitter. The cool thing about the profile is it’s a chance to really tell your story in detail. In my first profile, I just threw it together, and I know now I would have gotten a lot more business had I sat down for a little longer and written something more authentic.

Arah: Was it hard for you to think of answers to those questions?

MaryMargaret: Not at all! It’s easy to talk about things you’re passionate about. I just started thinking a little more deeply about my experience and I ended up with a really robust description. I also added a couple of little things about my personality, just so pet owners can get a better feel for me and if we’ll be a good match.

Arah: Do you have any advice for Rover sitters who are just starting out? What would you recommend they do with their profile?

MaryMargaret: My biggest piece of advice is don’t rush it. If you really want to build your business you’re going to have to put some effort into your Rover profile. Really think about how you want to come across and make sure that you have time to make that happen.

So there you have it, right from the sitter’s mouth! MaryMargaret will be back next week to talk about managing her profile and setting herself up for success right from the start.