The dream has been realized: you have started your very own pet business. Now the reality is setting in. Although you might have had visions of playing with pooches and caring for cats, this is only one part of the process. There has to be a primary focus towards the business side of things.
After all, your operation will quickly cease to exist if you do not have a solid business plan in place. This includes an effective management strategy, balancing the books, purchasing stock from suppliers – and that’s only scratching the surface. One of the most important aspects is marketing. If nobody knows about your pet business, it will fail to generate any sales. It’s that simple.
To avoid that from happening, consider the following guide. It is full of helpful advice when it comes to promoting your pet business with local marketing.
A local mail campaign
When doing a local mail campaign, it makes sense to work with a local mailing company. If you’re asking the question, “Is there printing and mailing near me to use?” you should be in luck. A quick Google search will reveal if there’s a local option available. Yet never simply settle for the closest option. It needs to have a reputation for delivering the goods – literally.
When you have a printing and mailing specialist selected, the work is almost done. All you have to do is settle on the printed material, the contents of the material, and the customer base to target with your mail.
Speaking of the contents of the printed material, you should always implement an effective call to action. This could be anything from telling people to visit your business website for more information, to offering an exclusive discount coupon.
Internet promotion
When conducting a local marketing campaign, the Internet is unlikely to enter the minds of many. After all, the Internet is opening your business to the world – which is the opposite of local.
However, the Internet is also a valuable area for local promotion. To start with, you should list the address and contact details of your pet business. There are various outlets to do this, although Google My Business is the best on the market.
Social media is also a great tactic for targeting local customers. If you start posting visual, engaging posts, and this should be easy with a cast of pets, this will quickly build visibility for your brand. Pictures work great, but videos are even more powerful for generating interest.
Grab attention with a giveaway
Who doesn’t love a giveaway?
It doesn’t matter if you’re offering a grooming session or a branded dog chew toy – if it’s free, people will come. Yet when they do come, don’t leave them to simply enjoy their complimentary treat. This presents the ideal opportunity to sell people on your products and services, and a giveaway will make them more inclined to use your business from a psychological standpoint.
A billboard always works
If you want to gain instant visibility for your business in the local area, few options match the effectiveness of a billboard. If this billboard is placed in a strategic area, thousands of people could potentially become aware of your business and what it has to offer.
Due to the potential with a billboard, you have to get it right. Ensure the content of your billboard is not only impactful and eye-catching, but it also accurately represents what you want to promote.
Aside from a billboard, you could have an advert placed in a local sporting venue. As well as being seen by those who attend the venue, there might also be the chance of it appearing on television.
Sponsor a local event
Sponsoring a local event is another method for getting lots of eyes onto your pet business in an instant. By sponsoring an event, you can have your branding all over. This means it can be in the programs, on promotional material, or on banners all across the venue. By sponsoring an event, your business also receives a healthy dose of credibility.
In conclusion
For any small business, local marketing is the key to success. Thankfully, a pet business is one of the easiest forms of business to promote. People love pets, and they love to see them. Never forget this when it comes to advertising your company. Your pets should be front and center when using marketing materials, whether this is on a giant billboard or business card.
