I have a very nice place that I have designed to be a dog hostel. I have been taking care of and training dogs for years and decided I would rather deal with dogs than people for an AB&B. What would you recommend that I do in the beginning to get clients?
I myself had a pet hotel some years ago!
I started advertising on Craigslist and Nextdoor and then I would tell all my friends to tell their friends at the dog park. I had cheap business cards made and I would give them out at the dog park or leave at the pin up board.
I used a free website making service called weebly and made my own website, where I posted my LLC license, my state license, my pet CPR license, and photos of my hotel and my huge yard, with testimonials and photos. I would emphasize how my hotel and yard is dog proofed and just showed how i went extra mile to make my home safe and secure for potential boarders.
I was also on Rover, making sure all potential clients see how my yard is bigger than anyone's yard in my neighborhood, and how i am home full time so i can watch the dogs 24 seven. Basically I would "brag" about all the good services I was offering. Competition is very big, so you need things that will make you stand out.
Advertising on Craigslist with a link to my website was extremely successful. Nextdoor was good too.
I would always make sure to describe all those things were i went above and beyond for potential clients - like early drop offs, late pick ups etc.
My own dog was trained in 2 languages and sign language for obedience, and was 1 step away from K9 good citizen. So I see you are training dogs too, and that will definitely help you bring business in.
Good luck!!!
Sounds great! I’d suggest that you promote yourself in as many ways & places as you’re comfortable and not only rely on Rover, which may have hundreds or even thousands of sitters in your area. If you’re comfortable with social media blitz it. If you have an email list of people who know you who will refer you to other people use it. Business cards and flyers are good if you can either personally hand them out to people who might be interested or leave them with permission at a pet-friendly business that will give them out. However, you need to recheck periodically on those cards - refresh supplies.