Use Coupons, Giveaways, Competitions and Gift Certificates to Market Your Pet Sitting Business

By Danielle Chonody on March 18th, 2010

Marketing your pet sitting business doesn’t have to be confined to online and offline advertising and directory listings. You can also use coupons, giveaways, competitions and gift certificates to make sure that your pet sitting business comes out on top.

I. Coupons

Hardly anyone can resist a deal and that’s exactly what you should bet on when using coupons. Coupons can mean more pet sitting business and higher ad conversions even if it seems like you’re losing money on the surface. To run a successful coupon campaign, consider offering between a 20-25% discount on the initial pet sitting visits that are booked by your customers. Any lower than that percentage, and responses will likely be lackluster. Any higher and potential pet sitting customers may perceive that your pet sitting service has little value or that you don’t offer a reliable quality service.

Offer coupons after the finalization of a sale or in advertisements or marketing materials. You may also get a little creative by offering them on the back of your pet sitting business card, on your website or in your customer newsletters.

II. Giveaways

A great way to increase pet sitting business is to simply give your service away for free. Although it may sound backwards, the reality is that giveaways can give your pet sitting business a lot of exposure and good publicity. You may decide to randomly offer free services to someone who you’ve identified as a fence-sitter, or someone who hasn’t yet decided whether or not they want to try your services. If your customer is satisfied, it’s likely that they’ll spread the word about your pet sitting business. At the very least, the possibility of getting more free services may increase interest in your business. Your giveaways don’t have to be full services, either. You may just offer to walk a dog or check in on an animal during an owner’s lunch break to prove that your services are valuable and worth the investment.

III. Competitions

People like competing for items that they perceive to be valuable. Starting a competition for one of your “deluxe” services or packages may generate interest in people who would otherwise not be interested in your “general” pet sitting services. Requiring entrants to provide personal information to participate in the contest can also result in invaluable target market information that can help you deliver newsletters and marketing materials to people who have already shown interest in your pet sitting business.

III. Gift certificates

Making gift certificates available on your pet sitting website is a sure way to increase your chances of winning new clients. Gift certificates allow satisfied customers to share their positive experience of the service with their friends, family or associates by purchasing a voucher that can be redeemed for the same experience. While blank gift certificates can be purchased at office supply stores, it’s best to splurge on custom gift certificates, since they reduce the risk of forgery and give potential clients the impression that your business is professional. Make sure to make gift certificates visible during the holidays when customers are already searching for gifts to purchase.

Author: Danielle Chonody
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cool mobile gadgets

The Advantages of Therapeutic Pet Beds

By davidguide on October 14th, 2009

Pets, just like people too, experience health problems caused by various health risks. These problems often leave them in pain, inactive and even sleepless at night. Studies have shown that bringing relief and comfort to the most loved pets while they are sleep can best help them get through the pain they experience and give them a good rest.

The pet industry today has developed various types of therapeutic pet beds that aim to soothe aching joints and help arthritic dogs.  This type of dog bed is temperature controlled, which means can be heating or cooling. A correct body temperature is better for their health in cold or hot environments. Heated dog beds are ideal during the cold season. They keep pets warm enough as they sleep through the night. These heated beds have medicinal benefits to dogs of all ages. On the other hand, cooling dog beds give pets the comfort they need in the heat of summer. They can crawl in these cool dog beds and cosily doze off. Cooling Therapeutic beds for dogs alleviate heat stress on a hot, humid day.

Therapeutic pet beds are beneficial to every pet especially to those with ailments for they can prevent sore muscle and joint pain in healthy dogs. Hard surfaced floors like Cements or tiles are difficult on a dog’s joints and can cause calluses. These dog beds will save them from excessive moisture, heat, cold and pests. Any pet will surely enjoy these cozy and soft foams that perfectly match their weight and shape.

Orthopaedic dog beds are another type of therapeutic pet beds. They provide comfort and support to the pressure points like the spine, hips, and shoulders. Old and arthritic dogs will surely appreciate the benefits of these therapeutic pet beds. Owners can now be at ease of their pet’s health and comfort.

Ensure pet health and comfort with the aid of therapeutic pet beds and orthopaedic dog beds .

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-advantages-of-therapeutic-pet-beds-1335899.html

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