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Original poster

To be concerned I can't even get one customer?

137 replies

corgiology · 17/11/2015 23:07

I have been advertising through various channels for my new dog walking and dog training business for several weeks now. Yet I haven't had a single enquiry.

I have tried:
Car Magnets
Facebook advertising
Blogging
Social Media (posting in groups in my hometown, updating my pages regularly, trying to increase SEO)
Streetlife.

Next thing I will try is wearing a uniform but it's really disheartening that I am getting nowhere. I don't want to harass people in the park or on walks where possible but that might be my next plan.

I really thought facebook advertising would work.

OP posts:
ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 17/11/2015 23:28

Also what about gumtree too for advertising

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 17/11/2015 23:29

I really disagree that leafleting is a waste of time when it comes to 'home' services. I found my cleaner through a leaflet, the local massage person I go to was found through a leaflet and as we're looking for a dog, I've already saved a couple of leaflets in the useful drawer.

I checked/will check their online presence, but absolutely it's the leaflet that starts the lead off.

There's also a very firm anti-Facebook clique at the school gate (and on here, come to think of it) who make a point of not using social media...

JohnCusacksWife · 17/11/2015 23:29

What do you charge for a 1 hr training session? I've just started having sessions with a great dog behaviourist/trainer who is v busy so it might be interesting to know how your price compares.

Seeyounearertime · 17/11/2015 23:30

I'd imagine you've looked into how much competition you have near you? My BIL tried to start a dog walking company, unfortunately he skipped this step and just thought they'd be plenty of business to go round, he was sadly mistaken. A quick look on Google revealed over 100 walkers within 10 miles. :(

Besides, I've always thought that paying for dog walking is a bit too 'luxury'? I don't mean lixury, luxury, I mean its something that would likely be dropped if money got tight. If be concerned that it wouldn't be a viable living for an extended period as you'll have to compete with lots of others for a limited pool of customers.

I'd look for dog training schools, old folks complexes that llow dogs, Vets, groomers, pet shops, even supermarket notice boards.

Good luck to you.

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 17/11/2015 23:30

Don't put your rates 'out there' in any case. Once you have someone in front of you or on the phone you can negotiate. Just putting your rates out there means people won't even bother to get in touch if they think your rates are too high.

RB68 · 17/11/2015 23:30

saturated market - blimey just move up here to warwickshire then finding people that aren't booked up months in advance is like finding hens teeth.

Word of mouth networking, cover holidays with boarders, give discounts for several walks in a week, networking - I think def with dog walkers and dogminders people like to meet you and feel they know you, if you can offer a bit of niggle training like bad habit help all the better

ElderlyKoreanLady · 17/11/2015 23:31

If there are a lot of other dog walkers in your area, your USP would have to be really desirable to take some of the market from them, especially if your charges reflect that USP. What is it? I'm struggling to think of something unique in the dog walking business.

I'd personally leave business cards at all the local vets, pet shops, grooming businesses, kennels, animal shelters, etc.

Mermaid36 · 17/11/2015 23:31

Mmm, as a dog owner, I don't see any value in the dog being actively trained when I'm not there. Dog training is about training the dog and the owner together...

I've always gone to dog training classes/groups, or had 1:1 sessions with a trainer

JohnCusacksWife · 17/11/2015 23:33

Another thought - which are you? A dog walker or a dog trainer? Any decent dog trainer doesn't need to do dog walking as well so that would ring alarm bells with me, I think.

Seeyounearertime · 17/11/2015 23:33

Also, thinking outside the Bubble, put up fliers at train stations to try to tempt commuters, leave the on buses and bus stops, attach to lamp posts in local parks. Make some little red flags, put them in a popular field. They'll grab attention and make people look tonsee what's on them. Hmm

GiddyOnZackHunt · 17/11/2015 23:33

Do you have any links with established dog training practitioners? They may be able to refer people to you who want a more tailored service.
I can't see how targeting people already walking their own dogs in the park would generate much business unless you're actively 'on duty'. Do you have a tabard or jacket with an easy to remember set of contact details?

WorraLiberty · 17/11/2015 23:33

I thought that too Mermaid - that the owner would need to be there to join in with the sessions.

The owner needs to learn as much as the dog does.

TheWitTank · 17/11/2015 23:34

Can you post your prices? How do you compare to others in the area? Honestly, if I was looking for a dog walker for my two I wouldn't be overly bothered about training. Do you think you might be over complicating your advertising?

WorraLiberty · 17/11/2015 23:35

Bloody hell Seeyounearertime she could get fined for doing things like that.

Original poster
corgiology · 17/11/2015 23:35

The majority of people doing dog walking in my area seem to fit the following criteria:

Walk multiple dogs in scenic settings
Have little understanding of dog behaviour/little control over client dogs
Are not professionals it is more of a hobby for them

My business is focused on meeting the mental and physical stimulation of dogs. So I will do exercises designed to meet the mental needs of your dog and not just letting them run around with other dogs like the other dog walkers I have found do. It really depends on what the client wants but I can do training with their dog on the walk or just spend the time training their dog in home if there is something in particular they want me to work on. Maybe they want me to do some scent work with their dog, teach fetch etc. It all depends on the client but it will definitely involve mental workouts as well as/instead of physical.

OP posts:
MummySparkle · 17/11/2015 23:35

If training is your USP, be prepared to be disappointed. IME nobody has followed through with our advice with their dogs. Despite us being able to control their dogs with no issues and the dogs being a nightmare for the owners. It's not about training the dogs, it's about training the owners. And training owners is much much harder!

We did quite well with another local company recommending us to clients that they didn't like / had difficult dogs... Got a lot of clients, but had to deal with some crazy owners! (Mostly the dogs were lovely)

32ndfloorandabitdizzy · 17/11/2015 23:35

In my experience many professional people don't use Facebook or have accounts. Oddly it is something we were discussing at work today. No higher earners had an account regardless of their age.

32ndfloorandabitdizzy · 17/11/2015 23:37

Dog walking is £10 and hour here-the same as a cleaner but less than ironing or gardening.

32ndfloorandabitdizzy · 17/11/2015 23:39

£10 a hour is if you take 5 days a week. £11-12 for less regular walks

Original poster
corgiology · 17/11/2015 23:40

I haven't posted my rates up anywhere so I can't say that is influencing anyone.

In terms of training owners yes that is a big priority and I will do follow up sessions included regularly to ensure everything is on track. Dogs are good at generalising though tbf to them.

I have my connections in dog training whom have not been that helpful tbh.

OP posts:
JohnCusacksWife · 17/11/2015 23:40

But training a dog without the owner present is pointless. You need to train the owner too!

RaisingSteam · 17/11/2015 23:40

We found our dogwalkers from an advert in the local newsletter and from the website of a company that we'd used before for catsitting. We use a dogwalker becuase I'm out at work and then if DH has to visit clients or something he can't have dog with him on some days. Do you need to target people who work and have a bit of money? Card up in your local Waitrose?

I think people are right, leaflets targeted to likely areas and a small but good website.
People who walk their dogs at the weekend might still need a walker during the week.

rollonthesummer · 17/11/2015 23:41

Are you charging considerably more than other dog walkers?

TeenageWildlife · 17/11/2015 23:42

If you are a really good trainer, word of mouth will be a powerful ad. Perhaps you could work with local vet to offer some puppy training at very low rate in return for testimonials if they like your work.
Or hold training classes?
Trainers round me are in short supply, as are qualified dog walkers/sitters. Go walking your dog with a pocket full of business cards and a big smile. Van with sign writing also good.
Go for a walk with lots of balloons advertising yourself, do something different.
Good luck

WorraLiberty · 17/11/2015 23:43

My business is focused on meeting the mental and physical stimulation of dogs. So I will do exercises designed to meet the mental needs of your dog and not just letting them run around with other dogs like the other dog walkers I have found do.

Yeah but most dogs like running around with other dogs.

Let's not over think this

They're you know...dogs Confused

Maybe people think you're offering a service they really don't need?

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