How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide for Pet Training)

If you're a pet training professional in New Zealand, attracting local clients can feel tough without splashing out on ads. The good news? There are heaps of practical, no-cost ways to get noticed and build your client base right in your own backyard. This guide offers 10 actionable tips, tailored just for Kiwi pet trainers wanting to grow their business without breaking the bank.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is like your digital shopfront for locals looking for pet training near them. Setting it up properly means you’ll show up when people search things like "dog trainer near me Auckland" or "puppy training Wellington."

Fill in your business details, upload good-quality photos of training sessions, include your service area, and keep your hours up to date. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews - Kiwi pet owners really trust other locals’ feedback.

For example, a pet trainer in Christchurch saw enquiries climb steadily after regularly updating their profile with fresh photos and positive reviews.

2. Join Local Facebook and Community Groups

Kiwi communities love chatting on Facebook and in neighbourhood groups like Neighbourly. These are hot spots where pet owners ask every day, "Who can help with dog training in Wellington?"

Weirdly enough, you don’t have to hard-sell. Share tips, answer questions genuinely, or post pictures of successful training stories. People will start recognizing you as the go-to trainer without feeling pushed.

Look for groups like “Auckland Pet Owners,” “Wellington Dog Lovers,” or a local Neighbourly community and get involved authentically.

3. Get Listed on NZ Pet Training Directories

Platforms like APDTNZ directory, K9 and Kats, and Wheree connect locals with trusted pet trainers. Listing your services here is free and puts you in front of ready-to-hire clients.

Even a simple profile with your contact info, a few photos, and positive reviews can lead to steady enquiries. It’s a digital foot traffic stream that runs 24/7 without ongoing cost.

An example: a dog trainer in Hamilton credited their steady client flow to being visible on APDTNZ and local pet directories.

4. Use Yada for Free Local Job Leads

Yada is a Kiwi platform designed for connecting local specialists with clients. For pet trainers, it’s gold - you can respond to relevant jobs without paying lead or success fees.

Yada’s rating system means the more you engage and deliver, the better your chances of winning jobs. Plus, their fast, mobile-friendly platform makes communication easy on the go.

One Dunedin trainer found their first new clients via Yada by replying promptly to local pet training gigs and building a strong reputation.

5. Leverage Testimonials and Reviews

In New Zealand, word-of-mouth rules. After every training session, ask clients for a Google review or a testimonial you can share on your website and social pages.

Make it easy for them by sending a direct link or guiding them on what to say. You might even consider a small referral reward, like a discount on their next session, to motivate more sharing.

A trainer in Tauranga grew their client base by 30% just from systematically collecting and showcasing positive client feedback.

6. Share Useful Tips and Success Stories

Don’t worry about being a full-time content creator. Share quick, easy tips like "How to calm your anxious pup" or "Before/after of a recent behaviour fix."

Consistent sharing builds trust. When someone’s ready for training, you’ll be the familiar expert they think of first. Post on Instagram, Facebook, or even TikTok if you’re keen.

For instance, an Auckland trainer regularly posts short videos demonstrating simple training techniques that have won them local clients.

7. Partner with Local Pet Businesses

Networking doesn’t have to be fancy. Drop flyers at pet stores, veterinary clinics, or doggy daycares. Offer to run joint workshops or cross-promote services.

For example, a Napier pet trainer teamed up with a local groomer to offer package deals, bringing more clients through shared referrals.

Focus on businesses serving pet owners but aren’t direct competitors - the win-win referrals add up over time.

8. Post Flyers on Community Boards

Old-school community noticeboards at places like New World, libraries, and community centres still work well in NZ. Many locals check these for trusted service recommendations.

Keep your flyer simple and clear: what you do, where you work, contact info, and a photo or logo. Printing 50 flyers usually costs about $15, and distributing them takes just an hour.

This works especially well for reaching older pet owners who might not be as active online but want quality training.

9. Host Free Local Training Workshops

Offering free workshops or demo classes in parks or community halls is a great way to showcase your skills and meet pet owners.

Promote the event on local Facebook groups or Nextdoor. For instance, a Wellington trainer held a free puppy socialisation day and gained many new clients from attendees impressed by their approach.

These events also help collect email addresses for follow-up offers and loyalty-building.

10. Get Involved with Animal Shelters

Local animal shelters always need trainers to help new pets adjust before adoption. Volunteering or partnering with them builds goodwill and connects you with potential clients.

A Christchurch trainer gained several paying clients after offering free group classes for shelter dogs and their adopters.

Plus, these partnerships show the community your commitment to animal welfare, strengthening your reputation.