7 Powerful Ways to Promote Your Rover Profile
Rover provides you with a set of tools to help you promote your dog sitting services. First, we want to share our #1 tip. Beyond that, we asked sitters to share their creative ways to reach new pet owners. Some even involve homemade crafts or special events. Check ’em out!
1. Create a Custom Promo Code and Profile Link
Sitters and dog walkers who create a profile link and custom promo code are six times more likely to get a booking than those who don’t.
When someone goes to your profile link, creates an account, and adds your promo code, they’ll get £15 toward their first booking—and you’ll still get paid your full rate. Your promo code is only valid for dog owners who don’t have a Rover account yet, and it’s against Rover’s Terms of Service to share it on your profile or in messages on Rover.
Bottom line: Your profile link and promo code are tools for you to connect with pet owners and meet more cute dogs near you.
2. Bring Promo Cards Everywhere
Turns out, the most common promotional strategies we heard involved pet sitting promo cards. Taking them to the park, putting them on notice boards, and displaying them in apartment receptions were just a few of the ideas sitters shared. Check out our promo-hub page where you can print your own promo cards and flyers.
“The pet shop is a great way to meet other pet owners. Whenever I go in to the pet shop to pick up dog food or supplies, I always bring plenty of business cards.” – Jannine L.
3. Partner with Local Businesses
Many veterinarians, groomers, and pet stores will promote other pet services with a display of brochures or promo cards. Partnering with a local business to display your business or flyers can lend additional credibility to your pet-sitting service. Many businesses are happy to promote Rover sitters when they learn that stays booked with you are insured.
“I give my card to pet-friendly local businesses (from pet shops to dog-friendly local breweries) so they’re able to make referrals when their customers find themselves in need of a pet sitter.” – MaryJayne Z.
4. Create a Goody Bag
Everyone loves presents. Create goody bags with dog treats, your promo cards, and a small toy like a tennis ball. Be sure to include a slip of paper with the treat ingredients for dogs with allergies. You can hand out these little goodie bags at the park or local pet events. Or create an overnight bag!
“I visit parks with ‘goody bags’ (dog treats, a water bottle, a tennis ball, and my Rover promo card!) and pass them out to the dog owners. Sometimes I mix it up and put other items in them, but try to keep it cheap!” – Angela B.
5. Organise a Puppy Party
We’re enamored with this idea! One sitter told us she hosts a puppy party in her own home, and invites pet owners and their pet parent friends over for homemade treats and drinks.
“I invited people I know, who invited people they know, to bring their dogs to my home last month for a dog party. Each dog got a treat and I was able to tell people I know and people I just met about my dog boarding services. Everyone left with a treat bag for their dog and my promo card. Word of mouth goes a long way. I already got two referrals!” -Lenore B.
6. Savings for Shelters
Animal shelters often send newly-adopted dogs home with a care package. It typically includes coupons for dog treats, vaccinations, and groomers. You can share a stack of promo cards or flyers and ask the shelter to include your discount with every adoption kit.
“I work with a number of rescues in our area and whenever they have fundraisers I donate a one week free gift certificate for boarding for their silent auctions. I also attach my promo cards to adoption contracts and offer one free day of daycare, or 10% off their first boarding stay.” -Monique J.
7. Thank You Cards
At the end of a stay or walk, nothing makes a pet parent feel appreciated like a hand-written thank you card. You can leave the card on the counter, or put one in the dog’s overnight bag. Include a few promo cards for them to share with friends.
“I always leave thank you cards at house calls for the owner when they return. In the envelope, leave a couple promo cards.” -Rachel S.
Just like anything else, learning how to promote your services takes a bit of practice. But once you find some tactics that work for you, it’ll quickly start to pay off. Whether you hand out promo cards at the park or post your profile in Facebook groups, you’re putting yourself out there and becoming more visible to pet parents. No matter what your plan is, you’re ensuring your pet sitting services thrive—and making new friends along the way.