Last Updated: July 11, 2023 • Visit Blog Homepage


Marketing is an essential aspect of running a successful dog daycare and kennel boarding business. It's what allows you to reach potential customers, create brand awareness, and build a positive reputation. However, marketing can be a daunting task, especially for small business owners with limited budgets. Not all marketing and advertising has to cost an arm and a leg though. The good news is, there are many simple and cost-effective marketing techniques that can help you reach and engage with your target audience. Let's dive right in!

1. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with potential customers and promoting your dog daycare. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to share updates, photos, and promotions with your followers. You can also use social media to engage with customers and receive feedback. Make it a point to have an active social media page. Post pictures of the dogs playing and having a good time. Upload videos and then tag the pet owners in the videos. This will help feed the algorithm and get your business page to show up on more newsfeeds.

2. Utilize Referral Marketing

Referral marketing is a cost-effective way to promote your dog daycare. Encourage satisfied customers to refer friends and family to your business. Offer incentives such as discounts or free trials to encourage referrals. There's nothing better for your business than a happy customer. They're the ones you really want to lean in to to tell their friends and family. Consider setting up a referral program so that you can reward your clients for their referral. Then they'll keep rolling in.

3. Offer Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are a great way to reward repeat customers and keep them coming back. Offer discounts or special promotions for customers who frequently use your services. Everyone loves being rewarded for frequenting a business. Back in the day, most of us had at least a few rewards cards in our wallet to keep track of how many coffees we'd had at the local cafe, or burgers at the bar. Now it's apps, but you get the idea. Start rewarding your loyal clients with the occasional free perk so that you can show them you care.

4. Participate in Community Events

Participating in local events, such as pet fairs and adoption events, can help you reach a wider audience and raise awareness about your dog daycare. If your city has a local fair, make it a point to set up a stand where you can hand out business cards and talk with local pet owners. People love to see others supporting their community and this will be a great way for you to get your business in front of a lot of new potential clients.

5. Create Content

Content creation, such as blog posts and videos, is a great way to educate potential customers about your dog daycare and build trust with your target audience. Share informative articles and videos on topics such as dog care, training, and behavior. If you're a dog trainer, one of the best things you can do is start recording some of your lessons and then releasing them in small bite-sized videos to show your training. This can be a great way to entice potential clients into contacting your dog training business and setting up their first appointment.

6. Reach Out to Local Media

Utilize local media outlets, such as newspapers and local television stations, to promote your dog daycare. Offer special promotions or discounts to their readers or viewers to encourage them to try your services. Most local newspapers are looking for any advertising they can get, so take a look at getting a good yearly rate and start doing some old fashion print advertising to gain brand awareness.

7. Collaborate with Other Businesses

Partnering with other local businesses, such as pet stores and veterinary clinics, can help you reach new customers and promote your dog daycare. Look into creating a win-win relationship where your dog daycare and boarding clients can get a discount at the pet store and the pet store clients can get a discount at your facility. You could also do the same with the local pet rescue agency. If the agency suggests your business as their preferred daycare provider, you can include a link to them on your website.

8. Optimize Your Website

Your website is often the first impression that potential customers have of your dog daycare. Make sure it's easy to navigate and contains all the information your customers need to know about your services. If your website doesn't look nice or isn't easy to use, you're kind of telling people that your business is similar. Make sure to have a slick website that is fast and easy to navigate. Everyone, especially your older potential clients, will appreciate the ease of use.

9. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach potential customers and keep them informed about your dog daycare. Offer special promotions and updates to your email subscribers. You'll need to start building your email list from the very beginning. Luckily, most providers like MailChimp, offer some type of free plan when you have a small subscriber list. This is a great way to get started. If your list grows past the Free plan, it means you're doing something right!

10 Ask for Feedback

Asking for feedback from customers can help you improve your services and better meet the needs of your target audience. Offer surveys or ask for feedback in-person or on social media. Use their feedback to actively make your business better. If people say that no one ever answers the phone, make it a policy that anyone can answer the phone when it rings and that everyone's goal should be to answer the phone as quickly as possible. Simple things make a big difference!

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