marketing

marketing

by: Jacqueline Harbinson - 14-02-06 21:19

any one got any suggestions for marketing my business (childminding). Have tried advertising in local papers, nurseries, businesses with professional leaflets (taken from my website).

Jacqueline Harbinson

by: bethan3004

Have seen childminders advertise themselves on ebay, worth a try? Posters and leaflets in corner shops? Network through oversubscribed chilminders/nurseries?
Hope these might help
Good luck
Bethan

marketing - 15-02-06 13:36

by: jacqui29

Hi what about ante-natal groups, mother & toddler groups, leisure centres,supermarkets, libraries, health clubs, doctors surgeries, clinics, local schools newsletters, hope this helps. I was a childminder for 5 1/2 years, it is very hard work and most people do not realise just how much work is involved.

marketing - 17-02-06 14:55

by: the-voice-of-reason

Hi Jaqueline,

Do you attend your local parent and toddler groups or library story time sessions with the children? Do people see you out and about in the greengrocers, post office or feeding the ducks? I found that when I was childminding the majority of my work came from word of mouth and recommendations from people that knew me/had seen me/knew someone who had seen me.
Childminders are seen as public property and you have to be aware that everyone is watching you and forming an opinion on how you care for the children and how you speak to them.
I would suggest that you get out there and be seen, it worked for me!

Good luck.

marketing - 18-02-06 13:22

by: Jacqueline Harbinson

Yes I attend 3 parent and toddler groups every week. I have advertised through local playgroups, post office, library service, local supermarket as well as personally contacting my registering authority and health visitors with little handouts for prospective mums. I have also written to every childminder in the area to notify them of my vacancies - all to no avail. My latest ploy is to contact the local business agency for one to one marketing. I would agree it is all about knowing someone etc but as only just started 2 years ago do not really have a reputation as yet!

Any one any other suggestions?

Jacqui Harbinson

marketing - 21-02-06 09:48

by: traceyfielder

have a look at my website. www.inmycare.co.uk. most of my business has come from this or www.childcarelink.gov
make sure you do your research as to the type of childcare that is in demand in your area. ask local schools to put up your advert or refer parents to you.
have a business plan for the number of spaces you have and hours you are prepared to work eg 2 under 5s full time & 3 after school or just under 5's or just after schools.
good luck