How to advertise successfully?

[EmilysChildminding]

Hi I am a new CM and have been advertising for exactly a month now without a single enquiry. I've posted on all the relevant websites, posters in shops, children's centre, flyers in postboxes and responded to posts on childcare.co.uk. I also spoke to other mums at Ds' school and at some toddler groups I attend with ds2. I am hoping to do this as a full time career so I can give up my 2 day a week job but worried it's not going to work. Does anyone have any advice for successful advertising?

It took 3 months for my first enquiry, I have a website which only costs £2.99 a month, that is town name childminder.co .uk that I put on my ads that I had good comments about, it also comes top in google searches the other similar name site , childminderforum.co.uk have ad bits too, make sure fis have correct details.

word of mouth has always got me the most work, so keep up with the toddler groups. It can take me up to 6 months to fill a space.

Like the other posters have said, it can take a while to fill spaces. I started registering in October 2010 and had my first mindee in January 2011. There have been ups and downs since January, but now, one year later I earn a decent wage. I care for 5 children and have filled all 5 of my under 5 places. I have noticed in my area (south west) that I haven't received any inquiries since November. I usually get one inquiry a month.

Just keep advertising and you should eventually start filling up places.

Good luck :)

Hi there, in my area things are really slow, but luckily I usually have enough to keep me going. The advise I would give is - get some business cards made up. There are lots of companies on line. I had some done a couple of years ago and still using now. At the time it seemed expensive. Think about £25-30.
At the local toddler groups people know that I am a child minder, I always try and mention it! In the past 3 months I have given out three to parents who may be returning to work soon etc., I think it's nice to give people rather than a number scribbled down on a bit of paper.
I also find I get work thro toddler gps and word of mouth, so get yourself know. Ask the people who run the groups if you can leave a few cards by the collection tin. People will get to know you after a while. So be postitive and get out there !!
Good Luck.