7 Dog Walking Advertising Ideas: Sure-Fire Ways to Get Clients
I’m sure we can both nod our heads and agree:
‘Word of mouth’ is the best way to get your dog walking business more clients.
No doubt.
There’s one slight issue with that though.
It’s not really in your control.
Sure, you can offer incentives (get a free dog walk for everyone you refer etc.) and of course — offer a darn right awesome service - that customers will love you for.
Don’t get me wrong that’s absolutely something to pursue.
But what if you are in a slight catch 22 situation?
You might have just started, so you don’t have any dog walking clients to help refer you to other dog owners.
Or you simply want to help expand your current business faster to help you make the leap from going part time to full time — and even further!
It’s for those very reasons, I went ahead and created this post — and essentially answer:
How to Get Dog Walking Clients
-
Here you will learn 7 great ideas to help advertise and market your dog walking business to land yourself with more clients to keep you busier than ever.
(Note: the biggest tip we want you to get behind is the very first one — we’ve also included a little bonus section at the end — which we recommend for those who are serious about their dog walking marketing efforts and want to incorporate some advanced techniques to take their business to the next level).
Here are seven ideas for getting your first dog walking clients:
- Set up a Dog Walking Website (most recommended).
- Carry out ‘targeted’ social media.
- Land a High-Quality Ad in the local Paper.
- Use Effective Posters & Flyers
- Network — The Right Way
- Create and Leverage Partnerships
- Conjure up listings to gain more presence online
1. Get Clients Coming to You — For Free — On Auto-Pilot (in 2 Simple Steps)
Sounds a bit too good to be true?
Well, it’s actually not and it’s quite simple.
See.
There’s nothing much better to market your dog walking business than the following:
- Getting a dog walking website.
- Ranking #1 for ‘[your city]+ dog walker’
As a quick example, if you are local to York.
“York dog walker” gets at the time of writing this 720 searches a month.
That’s a lot of people around York looking for a dog walker — each and every single month.
And if you’re #1?
You can literally sit back and let the leads come to you.
They will either get in touch through your website (most common) or give you a call.
In my book, there’s really no excuse for not doing this if you’re serious about growing your business.
It really can be your biggest asset in generating and growing your dog walking business.
Especially if your competitors are doing it.
I know because I’ve seen it happen.
From those scraping by to gradually being overrun (the latter is a much better problem to have).
And it’s really, really simple to do.
I know if you are new to websites it can seem a little bit intimidating but honestly, it looks a lot more overwhelming than it is.
You’ve got two options:
i) Set up your own website (incredibly cost effective).
ii) Ask your local web designer (really not that cost effective, in fact, they get expensive).
I recommend the first one and here’s how you can do just that.
Here’s how to set up a dog walking website yourself (in 3 easy steps)
- Head to Siteground for your Wordpress hosting.
(Please Note: the above is an affiliate link).
Select the StartUp package.
Set up your domain whether it is your business name or if you are independent I recommend opting for nameofcitydogwalker.co.uk.
So if you are in York, go for yorkdogwalker.co.uk etc.
Why Siteground?
They really are the best in the business, I use them across all my sites.
What sets them really apart though is their genuinely incredibly helpful support.
If you ever have any trouble, they are on hand to help.
They also make sure your site is incredibly fast (very important for SEO) and ensure it is safe.
2. Set up a WordPress site through their wizard.
Again this is super simple.
And they talk you through all the steps if you are having any trouble though I highly recommend that you just follow the video below.
And if you are stuck along any of the way.
The Siteground team are on hand to help you through livechat.
There you have it.
You’ve got your website.
3. Start crafting your website.
This is super simple.
If you want a fool proof way of a good looking dog walking site.
Use this template:
This a great video that walks and talks you through setting up your dog walking website step-by-step initially and introducing you to the new concepts.
Like anything, you will get more and more confident with the website as you progress.
And if you already have a website?
You’re half way there.
SEO for your dog walking website:
I have gone ahead and created a little 4000-word ‘how to guide’ on SEOing for Dog walking businesses.
Specifically we cover the following:
I. Introduction
● What is SEO
● Importance of SEO for Dog Walkers
II. Keyword Research
● Identifying relevant keywords
● Using keywords in website content and meta tags
III. On-Page Optimization
● Optimizing website content for keywords
● Using header tags and meta descriptions effectively
IV. Off-Page
● Building backlinks from reputable websites
● Local SEO and directory listings
V. Tracking and Measurement
● Using tools to track website traffic and performance
● Setting expectations
● Make your convertible
VI. Conclusion
● Recap of key points and importance of SEO for dog walkers
Here are the benefits of owning your own dog walking website:
- Professional presentation of your company where clients can find out more about the services you offer, pricing and so on.
- Through Google and other search engines, you are helping to target your exact customer base who are literally searching for you. Literally, just think of all the people searching for “dog walking services in [insert your location] — your website can rank for that and help serve your customer — getting one up on the competition who don’t have a website.
- It’s pretty much hands off. Once you have set the whole website up, apart from checking your email — it’s automatically generating you, new potential customers. You don’t have to go around posting flyers, sticking up posters, paying for dog walking advertisement placements in the local paper. Literally, get yourself with a good website host (again we talk about this in the guide, and you’re sorted).
- Means of connecting to your customers either through email.
Then you can use that as your home base for so many more opportunities.
Bonus Section: You Don’t Actually Even Need a Website
Don’t get me wrong, we certainly 100% recommend getting a site set up but if you are cash strapped.
You just need a Google My Business (GMB) listing.
What’s that?
Well.
Again, type in your “[city/town] + dog walker” into Google and see what comes up?
Live in York?
Type “York Dog Walker”. Live in Bristol? “Bristol Dog Walker” etc.
Do you see a map pop up of your town/city?
There are likely to be three business listings pop up underneath (with a review system underneath — there should be stars next to their business name)?
Those three dog businesses listed there — are going to drive a tonne of leads to your business.
How did they get them?
Well, they set up Google My Business profiles.
You can set up a Google My Business listing here.
Here’s a step by step follow guide to help you.
Do you need help with SEO for your dog walking website or need help with ranking your GMB listing at the top of the pack in your city?
Either check out the ‘How to Guide’ or get in touch with me at dogwalkingmarketing@gmail.com and let’s see what we can do! I’m a local SEO specialist in the UK that specialises in the service industry (particularly dog services) and can carry out SEO Audit Services too.
2. Get Known on Social Media (and Hyper-Target Your Ideal Customers)
We’ve got three favourites here when it comes to getting yourself known.
Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Why those three in particular?
Well partly their may be some bias in there as that’s what we feel most comfortable with but also because it is much narrower in terms of location.
It’s easier to get specific.
Facebook.
You can try and promote yourself within Facebook groups within your local community — somewhat transforming your personal page into a business one as well as setting up your own official one.
Make sure to read the rules and conditions that the admin of the page has set out and become well known within them and occasionally drop the hint that you do offer the dog walking services.
I know of some people changing their actual name e.g. Jane Doe to “Jane “The Dog Walker” Doe, which I think is rather ingenious.
Explore other ways you can market your local business on Facebook too. This is a great guide on how small local businesses can promote their services within the local community all for free.
As you get more and more comfortable with the platform you can even start looking into paid ads, that will target your ideal customers with scarily accurate detail.
Instagram.
Again.
Set yourself up with a proper business page and start getting ‘local’.
Hit the search bar at the top and type in your location.
You’re already on to a winner, because all the pictures you see are obviously potential customers in your area.
Next, you can narrow it down even further. Just look for pictures with people who having fun with their dogs. So now, you’ve narrowed down your target market.
It’s time to start forging relationships. Don’t take this passively. A few likes of their pictures and a follow isn’t going to really connect with the user.
Instead trying out Gary Vaynerchuk’s suggest $1.80 strategy will prove much more fruitful.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVR5OZSgjw
If you don’t have time to watch the video, he basically goes on to explain how leaving insightful comments and even direct messages with the user, that invites a proper relationship building relationship.
Twitter.
Twitter has one incredibly powerful feature that not many other social media platforms have and that is:
You can basically find out exactly who and what your customers are talking about — in real time. Make sure the location is set to be within the area that you want to cover.
Then basically it is about interacting with dog owners and using phrases like “dog walker wanted”, “dog walking services” “dog walker recommended” and so on.
Make sure you are looking at the very latest tweets.
(Along with any other filters you think are appropriate).
Then get in on the conversation.
Then make sure you are setting up an alert or notification feature where the next time someone tweets the type of message you think a potential customer will be tweeting — you can be the first to the gate.
Like I say, I’m not well versed with other Social media platforms such as Snapchat or Pinterest so I can’t really comment. Everything is worth experimenting though.
Ultimately though.
It’s NOT about the number of followers you have. The amount of likes you have. Although this is good social proof.
It’s more about the genuine relationships you build through these platforms that can then actually convert to real life clients.
3. Land a Great Ad in the Local Paper (to Become ‘THE’ Dog Walker)
First off you need to either teach yourself how to write an ad for your dog walking business or you can hire yourself a copywriter to come up with a concept for you.
See.
It’s important that you put some genuine thought into the advertisement as ultimately you want an ROI (return on interest) to occur — basically for the £100 placement in the ad, you want x amount of new potential leads (hopefully the new leads value > £100 placement).
You need to tap into some emotion with the dog ad, this article ‘5 Marketing Lessons from the Neighbourhood Dog Walker’ does a pretty awesome laydown of what should go into your ad.
Then just contact your local physical outlets.
4. Use of Flyers, Posters, Signs & Business Cards (Why it Literally ‘Pays’ to Brand Yourself as Premium and Exclusive)
We already go into detail about flyers here and what you should be doing about your dog walking business cards (if you are after the extra details).
Make sure you get clued up on the laws around flyers etc. but basically, it is a case of either getting yourself some good looking ones.
We recommend Vistaprint.
Then either hand delivering them yourself or you can get a paid service. We recommend yourself and being clever about the area that you’re targeting.
Ultimately, think about your ideal customer base.
They are going to be upper-middle class, ideally they are a couple/family where the two go to work and they’re having to leave the dog at home for a while.
Compare that to a situation where one of the parents stays at home and it’s not an area you think is worth targeting.
Which do you think is going to lead to better results?
Then ultimately let that feed into your leaflet design. Match the advert to the audience you are targeting.
5. Attend Dog Meetup Groups & Events (Build a Rock Solid Fan Base Who Will Promote Your Business for You)
This is a great way to connect with the locals and ultimately their dogs.
Whether they are just spending the day out with them on a weekend or they are getting together to go on an actual walk (remember although they are walking ‘today’ doesn’t mean it’s a not ‘push’ for them to do so on other days).
Where you can find such events?
First off, we recommend meetup.com.
Go to your local area and hit the word dog — then you can see all the local groups that get together. Build relationships there and they can help spread the word about your business and vouch for you. Getting back to the word of mouth aspect.
Again, search for local events.
Heck, even national events.
6. Get to Know Other Doggy Based Businesses in Your Area (Create Mutually Beneficial Arrangements)
Granted other dog walkers might not take too kindly to you.
As ultimately, you’re competition. That said, you can try and reach out and they might even help out. If they are overbooked or something comes up where they can’t make it to a customer and don’t want to let them down.
You can always suggest that they can give you a shout and you can sub in for them if it is not too short notice.
However, it’s a good idea to make yourself known amongst the other types of business particularly if they don’t offer dog walking as a service.
Think about local dog grooming businesses that perhaps have a physical location or even if they are mobile You can also think of dog sitting and boarding businesses too. Leave your business card. Connect with them on social media too.
The point is though, is you will return the favour. If one of your clients asks where they can take their dog to get their nails trimmed and generally pampered you can suggest them.
And it should work vice versa. A mutually beneficial relationship.
7. Create Listings (and have your dog walking services be found time and time again as the no.1 place to go)
Again, this is really handy if you have completed step one.
Otherwise, in a lot of cases, you just won’t be able to do it.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it.
Seven pretty great dog walking marketing ideas to help you get yourself more clients attracted to your business.
Remember though what we said at the start. Ultimately, it’s getting the core basics right — getting the word of mouth referrals is the best because firstly they are free but they are proven to be the most likely driver of actual customers to your business.
And how do you improve word of mouth referrals?
First off, offering an awesome service.
Secondly, you can simply be asking your existing customers for referrals (along with a few other techniques too).
This is what we would consider a pretty elementary introduction into the dog marketing world.
Advanced Dog Walking Marketing
However, if you are wanting to get more advanced.
- Distinguish yourself as a premium brand, so you attract the RIGHT high paying customers (and exactly how to do it).
- Why you should become specialised, setting a strategic niche that other competing dog walkers aren’t doing. Perhaps you offer a single solo dog walk rather than others who just do group dog walks — and see why this can dramatically improve your bottom line.
- “Be the expert”. How to portray yourself as a real authority in the field of dog walking and not someone who has “just decided” to become a dog walker — and why ultimately that’s why you can charge a higher fee.
- Learn why you should be turning certain customers away. Develop a character for your business, inject personality and how this can pay off in dividends (both monetary, stress wise and time).
- Why it’s actually profitable to take on the “unavailable option”, inject scarcity, increase demand and ultimately become oversubscribed — in turn, driving up your payments and become more flexible than ever.
Ultimately, a great little course that I think a lot of dog walking business can get a lot from to help push their business on. Where you can start to think about concepts such as loyalty programs (to help keep and retain your customers for longer) to remarketing potential customers who have landed on your site but haven’t quite pulled the trigger yet.
Bonus Dog Walking Advertising
There are some ideas that you should explore too (that I will write up in a bit more detail in your mission to help get more dog walking clients).
Pay Per Click (PPC)
This is essentially a sure-fire way to get more clients.
It allows you to test the monetary return on ranking for certain keywords — which then validates your SEO strategy going forward.
You are essentially acting in a pay-to-play scenario to get to the top of Google.
Essentially adverts.
Every time someone clicks your ad it costs you money.
It’s a solid short term strategy to get you immediate leads, however, SEO is the long term strategy you want to be employing or a combination of both.
Also, be sure to let us know if you have any other forms of dog walking advertising ideas that are working a treat (just let us know down in the comments section). We’ve already had some great bonus suggestions specifically more strategies and tactics,
Disclosure: Please note this post contains affiliate links.
Check out my guide on how to start a dog walking business too, it talks about some of the topics covered here but goes into much more depth overall.
