Local Marketing Playbook for Pet Businesses - 2024 Edition

Many pet parents search online to find services like grooming, boarding, and veterinary care.  Getting your name out there in your community is crucial to growing your new business. Local marketing is your ticket to connecting with pet owners in your area who are searching for the services you provide.

Why is Local Marketing Important for Pet Businesses?

As a new business owner, investing in local marketing builds a strong online presence, attracts nearby customers, and helps your company stand out from competitors. In other words, show them why you're the best choice for their furry friends!

By focusing on local marketing, you can improve your business’s visibility while pet owners search, making it easier for nearby them to find you and drive more local traffic.

What is the Difference Between Advertising and Local Marketing?

Advertising and local marketing are both important, but they serve different purposes. Advertising promotes your services through paid channels like Google ads, social media promotions, and mail advertisements to reach a wider audience outside of your area. 

Local marketing, on the other hand, focuses on organic efforts (i.e. not paid) to grow visibility within your community. This includes optimizing your website for local search terms, encouraging reviews, and getting involved with your community through social media and local events. 

10 Proven Local Marketing Strategies for Pet Businesses

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Optimize your website for mobile

Many pet owners search on their smartphones. Make sure your website is optimized for local keywords, loads quickly, and is manageable on smaller screens. A mobile-optimized site makes it easy for potential customers to find information, book services, or contact you directly from their phones, increasing the chances they'll choose your business.

Create a local landing page for each location

If your pet business has multiple locations, create a unique landing page for each one. Each page should have a map, an address, a phone number, and contact details for the specific location. This helps search engines understand that your business caters to different areas and makes it easier for locals to find the nearest location.

Create a local business profile

Setting up a local business profile, on Google My Business, for example, is vital for visibility in local searches. This profile lets you provide key information like your address, phone number, hours of operation, and services offered. Keep it updated so potential customers can find you easily. 

Create a review program

Online reviews significantly make or break your local SEO. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp and be sure to respond to them, both positive and negative. This shows that you value customer feedback and helps build trust with future customers. 

Create an email marketing program

Sending out regular emails to your local customers can keep your audience informed about new services, promotions, and events. Regularly sending out newsletters or special offers keeps your business top-of-mind for local pet owners, driving repeat business and increasing loyalty.

Create a social media accounts for your business

Having active social media accounts helps you connect with your local community. Share updates, promotions, and engaging pet content to attract and retain followers. Interacting with your audience through comments and messages builds a customer relationship and can drive more local business.

Submit your info to online business directories

Always use the same name, address, and phone number formatting across all platforms. This consistency helps search engines and business directories verify your information, boosting your local search rankings and making it easier for customers to find you. 

Collaborate with other local businesses

Partnering with other local businesses can grow your customer base. For example, if you train dogs, you can team up with fellow trainers to create a training event for locals and their dogs. Collaborations create mutual benefits and introduce your services to a wider audience within your community.

Sponsor local events

Sponsoring local events not only increases your visibility but also strengthens your company’s connection with the community. Participating in or sponsoring events like local fairs or pet charities can get people talking about and linking to your business, improving your click-through rates (CTR).

Start a referral program

A referral program encourages your existing customers to spread the word about your business to their friends and family. Offering incentives for referrals can be a great way to attract new clients and keep your current customer base strong.

Hire a local marketing company

Local marketing can be tricky and time-consuming, especially if you’re just getting started. Hiring a local marketing company that already understands your community can make a big difference. These experts can handle the technical aspects and get your business the best visibility and engagement possible.

Organize your business with PetExec Software

PetExec software can significantly benefit your pet business by streamlining planning and execution across various activities. From managing grooming appointments and tracking pet records to handling billing and marketing, PetExec provides a full-proof solution tailored to your company’s specific needs. 

By integrating PetExec into your operations, you can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction, plus focus more on providing exceptional service to your furry clients. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your already-established business, PetExec software offers the tools and support to help your pet business thrive.

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