As a professional dog groomer, it’s important to have a steady flow of clients in order to maintain and grow your business. This can be difficult, especially when competing against other groomers in your area. In this article, we’ll provide you with 10 tips on how to get clients as a dog groomer. This way, you can better your business, increase your profits, and stand out from the crowd.
So, let’s get started!
Are Dog Groomers in Demand?
The simple answer to this question is YES!
In today’s society, people are busier than ever and often don’t have the time to groom their own dogs. This provides a great opportunity for dog groomers to fill this demand. Not only that, but as the pet industry continues to grow, the demand for professional dog groomers is only going to increase as well.
As a point of reference, Market Watch stated in an article published on February 14th, 2022: “The global Pet Grooming market was valued at 2840.5 million in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 4472.2 million by 2028.”
That said, there are a few things YOU can also do to make sure you’re in high demand as a dog groomer:
- Get certified! There are many certification programs available – such as the self-paced, online Dog Grooming Course offered by QC Pet Studies – that will help show potential clients that you’re a qualified and skilled dog groomer.
- Get your grooming business insured! This is important not only for your protection, but also for your clients’ peace of mind.
- Stay up-to-date on trends! Keep up with the latest dog grooming trends so that you can offer your clients the most current styles and cuts.
Want to learn more about QC’s online Dog Grooming Course? Here’s everything you need to know!
The Importance of Quality
In today’s competitive market, it’s more important than ever to provide your clients with quality service. This means taking the time to get to know each individual dog and their specific needs. It also means being gentle, patient, and having a genuine love for dogs.
One way to set yourself apart from other groomers is to offer extras such as nail trims, teeth brushing, or anal gland expression. These are all services that clients may be looking for but may not be able to find at other grooming establishments.
Another way to show your clients that you’re dedicated to quality is by using high-quality products. This includes everything from shampoo and conditioner to ear cleaner and de-shedding tools. By using top-of-the-line products, you’ll be able to provide your clients with the best possible experience!
How Can I Make More Money as a Dog Groomer?
In order to make more money as a dog groomer, it’s important to think outside the box! One way to do this is by offering package deals. For example, you could offer a discount to clients who book multiple grooming appointments or who refer other clients to you.
Another way to make more money is by upselling your services. This could include add-ons such as teeth brushing, nail trimming, or anal gland expression. By offering these additional services, you’ll be able to increase your profits without necessarily having to see more clients.
Finally, it’s also important to think about ways that you can save money in your business. This could include things like finding wholesale suppliers for your products or investing in energy-efficient equipment. By cutting costs in your business, you’ll be able to increase your profits without having to sacrifice quality.
Ultimately, you should be thinking about ways that you can market yourself and your business that haven’t been done before. Get creative, because the sky is truly the limit!
Where Do Dog Groomers Make The Most Money?
Recently, we published the ULTIMATE Guide for starting your very own dog groomer business. In it, we discussed the average salaries that grooming professionals have been making throughout different countries around the world. But to build off this, where do groomers typically tend to make the most money?
In North America, groomers can make anywhere from $25,000 to $75,000 per year. This number may vary depending on your level of experience, the size of your city, and how in-demand you are as a groomer.
In Europe, the average salary for a dog groomer is €27,600 – or around $31,600 USD. And in Australia/New Zealand, groomers typically earn between $29,720 AUD and $49,680 AUD (or approximately $32,560 NZD – NZ$54,240 NZD).
Should Dog Groomers Be Tipped?
This is a question that’s often debated among dog owners, groomers, and even veterinarians. While there’s no right or wrong answer, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Some people feel that tips are always appreciated, regardless of the quality of service. Others believe that tips should only be given if the groomer has done an exceptional job. And then there are those who believe that tips aren’t necessary at all – what matters most is that their dog is clean and well-groomed.
As a business owner, it’s important that you don’t rely on tips in order to meet your monthly income goals. This is because there’s no guarantee that you’ll always receive a tip, and it can be quite unpredictable. However, if you do decide to accept tips, be sure to have a clear policy in place (e.g., “Tips are appreciated, but not required”).
How Do Dog Groomers Get Clients?
Alright, now it’s time to get to the real reason why you’re here: you want to know how to get clients as a dog groomer. Well, here are 10 tips we recommend trying out this year!
1. Get Listed on Google My Business!
One of the best ways to get clients as a dog groomer is by getting your business listed on Google My Business. This free platform allows you to create a listing for your business that will appear in Google Maps and search results.
To create a listing, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your business (e.g., address, phone number, website). You can also add photos, hours of operation, and customer reviews. Lastly, once you’ve established yourself here, don’t forget to link your Google My Business listing to your website and social media profiles!
2. Get Involved in The Local Community!
Another great way to get clients as a dog groomer is by getting involved in your local community. There are many ways that you can do this, such as sponsoring or participating in local events, volunteering at animal shelters, and networking with other business owners.
When you’re out and about meeting people, be sure to tell them what you do and how they can benefit from using your services. And don’t forget to hand out business cards. Throughout the course of your career, you’ll come to find how valuable networking will be, time and time again!
3. Build a Website for Your Dog Groomer Business!
It’s no secret that having a website is important for any business. In fact, according to recent studies, less than 64% of small businesses have an official, professional website. And if you’re looking to get clients as a dog groomer, you DEFINITELY need a website!
When creating your website, be sure to include the following:
- Your business name and logo
- A brief description of your services
- Photos of your work (including before and after shots)
- Prices for each service you offer
- The areas that you serve
- Testimonials from happy customers
- Your contact information (e.g., phone number, email address, social media links, etc.)
By having an official website for your grooming business, you’ll appear more professional and credible in the eyes of potential clients. Not to mention, it’ll be much easier for them to find you online and contact you when they’re ready to book an appointment!
4. Get (and Showcase) Great Reviews!
Above, we just mentioned that a key item to include on your website is testimonials from past satisfied customers. But how should you actually go about acquiring these reviews in the first place?
One way is to simply ask your clients if they’d be willing to leave you a review after their appointment. You can also incentivize them by offering a discount on their next service or a freebie (e.g., a nail trimming).
Another great way to get reviews is by responding to any negative reviews that you may receive in a professional and courteous manner. By doing so, you’ll show other potential customers that you’re committed to providing quality services and that you care about your clients’ satisfaction.
Lastly, the most effective way to get a glowing review is to provide top-notch services in the first place! This will ensure that your clients are happy with their experience. In turn, this will make them far more likely to leave you a positive review.
5. Get Social Media Savvy!
In today’s digital age, social media is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes. And when it comes to getting clients as a dog groomer, you can’t afford to neglect your social media presence!
There are many different ways that you can use social media to connect with potential customers, such as creating a Facebook page, Twitter profile, and Instagram account. You can also join relevant groups and forums on LinkedIn and participate in discussions there.
When posting on social media, make sure that your content is both informative and engaging. In other words, don’t just post promotional content or sales pitches. Rather, give your followers valuable information that they can actually use! This will help to build trust between you and your audience.
Additionally, be sure to interact with your followers on a regular basis. Respond to their comments, questions, and concerns. Not only is this good customer service; it also helps to create a more personal connection with your audience.
Want to learn more about where you should be focusing your social media efforts? This blog article will help shed more light on this awesome question!
6. Get a Mobile App for Your Business!
In addition to having a website and social media accounts, another great way to get dog grooming clients is to have a mobile app for your business. This will allow potential customers to book appointments, view your prices, and even see photos of your work – all from the convenience of their smartphone!
What’s more, if you offer loyalty rewards or discounts through your app, you can encourage customers to keep coming back. And we all know that repeat business is essential for any successful business!
Nowadays, there are many different companies that offer affordable and easy-to-use mobile apps for small businesses. So, if you don’t have the time or resources to create an app yourself, you can always into hiring someone else to do it for you.
7. Create Incentives for Your Customers!
One of the best ways to get clients as a dog groomer is by creating incentives for them! After all, everyone likes getting something for free – or at least, at a reduced cost. For your business, this could be anything from discounts on services to freebies (such as a nail trimming), in exchange for your client referring you to another person who winds up booking with you.
Additionally, you could also run contests on social media to help get your name out there. For instance, you might encourage your following to share an Instagram Story you’ve created, or simply make a post wherein they give your business a shout out. In exchange, you could then select a certain number of people who do this for you, and give them a complimentary service in thanks.
Not only will this help you attract new customers – it’ll also encourage your current clients to keep coming back. And that’s always a good thing!
There are many different ways that you can offer incentives to your customers. You can do it through your website, social media accounts, or even mobile app. Just make sure that the information is easy to find and clearly communicated.
8. Get Insured!
Another thing to keep in mind when getting clients as a dog groomer is that you should always be insured. This will help protect both you and your clients in case of any accidents or injuries that may occur while you’re working.
There are many different insurance companies that offer pet-related coverage, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that’s right for you. And the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re fully protected is well worth the investment.
In case you still need to be convinced, read this article by Small Business Trends on the top 10 reasons why all businesses need to be insured!
9. Get Creative with Your Marketing Efforts!
There are so many different ways to market your business. So, get creative and think outside the box! For example, you could try sponsoring a local pet-related event, or even create your own. Hosting a dog grooming competition, for instance, is a great way to show off your skills and attract new clients.
Another option is to collaborate with other businesses in your area that complement your services. Why not team up with a nearby doggy daycare or boarding facility? By working together, you can offer potential customers a discount on your services… And who doesn’t love a good deal?
Furthermore, never forget the value of online marketing as well. Get involved in online communities and forums related to dogs, and post interesting content that will pique the interest of potential clients. You can also create a website or blog for your business, which will give customers additional information about your services. Moreover, there are all sorts of ways you can invest in paid online advertising that’ll be sure to target the right audience and bring more traffic to your website!
The point is: there are endless possibilities when it comes to marketing your business. We encourage you to get creative and have fun with it!
10. Get Professionally Trained and Certified with QC Pet Studies!
Last but not least, one of the best ways to get clients as a dog groomer is by getting professionally trained and certified. And there’s no better place to do that than QC Pet Studies!
At QC, we offer an online Dog Grooming Course that covers everything you need to know about launching a thriving career as a dog groomer. On top of learning about all things grooming-related, you’ll also learn all about topics like safety procedures, equipment maintenance, breed standards, and much more.
Plus, there’s a whole unit devoted entirely to business training. As a result, upon successfully completing the course, you’ll not only know how to work as high-caliber groomer – you’ll understand what goes into running a successful business, too!
Oh, and did we mention that graduates of this program also walk away with an International Dog Grooming Professional™ (IDGP™) certification + designation? Talk about beefing up your resume and making yourself that much more attractive to prospective customers!
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I like your suggestion to market your business by collaborating with other businesses that complement the services you offer. I think it would also be beneficial to partner with a virtual service that specializes in pet grooming. That way, you can grow your business efficiently and successfully.