Simple Guides to Promote a Pet Store
The pet care market is huge -- and growing. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), $45 billion was spent by U.S. pet owners in 2009. Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) estimates that annual pet care revenue will grow to $70 billion in 2014. To ensure that your pet store benefits from the increase in spending on products and services, devise innovative promotional strategies and utilize the print and electronic media, Internet and direct marketing to get the word out.
Instructions
- 1 Go to the local park for a walk with your pet and interact with other pet owners. Ask them about their pet care experiences and any unfulfilled pet care needs. Hand over your business card and invite them to your pet store.
2 Enroll as a member in the local branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Conduct a free service such as dog grooming one day a month and donate money received on that day to the SPCA. This will enhance your visibility, increase your social network, foster goodwill in the community and benefit your pet store business in the long run.
3 Visit the offices of local veterinary doctors and work out a mutually beneficial arrangement. You can offer to supply pet products at discounted rates and refer pet owners to the veterinarian's clinic in return for permission to place brochures and posters of your pet store in his waiting room.
4 Get your pet store affiliated with the local municipal council. Most city and town councils encourage pet owners to have their pets neutered and vaccinated. You can promote your pet store by offering a discount with proof of spaying, neutering and vaccination.
5 Form a pet owner's club and schedule meetings once a month in your pet store. Invite experts such as pet trainers and veterinarians to deliver talks on various aspects of pet care such as breeding, health care, housing and feeding.
6 Hire a professional web designer to create a website for your pet store and include provision to make online purchases. Publish informative articles on pet care to attract more pet owners to your site and get higher ranking in the local search engines.
