I am having a hard time getting started on rover. Ive heard it gets easier to get clients after getting your first client, but how do you get your first client?
Hi Shelby:
I'm also a travel sitter that offers the same services as you do.
Have you gotten business cards from the Rover store? If so, you can drop them off at local businesses in your service area. (Pet supply stores, groomers, etc). Also, you can share the link to your profile on your local Buy/Sell/Trade sites on Facebook, or even your own Facebook page.
Many people travel for business and want house sitters during the week, as well as week ends. Most of my house sits are for business travelers. So your house sitting on weekends only is limiting you as far as business travelers looking. Are you available to house sit during winter and spring breaks? If so, you should advertise heavily a month or so before the breaks.
If you don't mind me saying, I think your prices are too low. Especially for house sitting. You should do a sitter search in your zip code and try to fall in the middle of the highest and lowest priced sitters. When you are priced low, people tend to not take you seriously and/or you tend to get requests that other sitters turn down for a variety of (not good) reasons.
Mary gave Great advice. You need to do some leg and online work. Once you have your business cards take them to pet friendly hotels, apts, groomers, veterinarian clinics within your radius, pet friendly cafes/restaurants but make sure to buy something from them periodically; Don't forget to connect with realtors, dog trainers and rescue organizations. Online search for local Business2Business (aka B2B) and join, set up your Face Book page and post info., some people have luck with Craigslist but I don't.
Definitely get some testimonials, a background check, and take rover quizzes. That all ads to your profile. Also make sure you've thoroughly gone through everything on your profil and set rates and filled out questions, that'll make your profile pop :)