How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide for Pets Professionals)
If you're a pet professional in New Zealand, whether you're into grooming, walking, sitting, or training, you know how competitive the market can be. Luckily, attracting local clients doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This guide shares 10 practical, no-cost strategies designed to help you get found, build trust, and grow your client base right here at home.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Create an Optimised Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a must-have free tool that lets local pet owners find you when they search for services like "dog grooming near me" or "pet sitting Christchurch."
Fill out your profile with accurate contact details, business hours, clear descriptions of your services, and photos showcasing your work. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews mentioning local suburbs or areas.
One Wellington dog walker increased bookings significantly after adding photos of local walk spots and regularly collecting reviews mentioning her neighbourhood.
2. Be Active in Local Facebook Groups
Facebook groups and platforms like Neighbourly are bustling with people asking for pet service recommendations. Joining these groups puts you right where locals are searching.
Focus on being helpful - answer questions, share simple tips, or post uplifting photos of pets you’ve worked with. This approach builds word-of-mouth trust without sounding salesy.
Search for groups like “Auckland Pet Owners,” “Christchurch Animal Lovers,” or your local neighbourhood groups.
3. List on NZ Pet Service Directories
Directories like Yada, Pet Backer, and K9 and Kats are popular places where pet owners look for trusted local professionals.
Create clear, thorough profiles with your service offerings, service areas, photos, and authentic reviews to attract enquiries.
A Tauranga pet groomer saw steady client growth through visibility on these directories combined with positive client testimonials.
4. Use Yada to Connect Locally
Yada offers a no-fee platform for specialists to respond to local job postings in pet care, facilitating easy connections without commission hassles.
The platform’s rating system helps you stand out by rewarding excellent communication and service reliability.
A Dunedin pet sitter credits Yada for helping them build local repeat clients by quickly responding to nearby job posts.
5. Turn Reviews Into Referrals
Kiwis trust stories and recommendations from others more than advertising. After every job, ask clients to leave reviews or recommend you to friends.
Make it easy by sharing direct links or suggesting what they might say. Offering a small incentive, like a discount on future bookings, can boost referrals.
One Christchurch trainer boosted bookings by 30% within months by actively gathering referrals.
6. Share Real Work on Social Media
Social media is your storytelling platform-share photos, videos, and stories that show the care and love you give to pets.
Post casual updates from familiar local spots or quick tips that pet owners can use between appointments.
An Auckland dog walker increased inquiries by regularly posting fun clips of local park walks and pet playtime.
7. Partner With Local Pet Businesses
Collaboration is key. Partner with vets, groomers, and trainers to cross-promote each other's services and share client leads.
For example, a Petone pet sitter teamed up with a local vet clinic to offer first-time discounts, creating a win-win referral cycle.
Offer to contribute guest posts or tips in their newsletters or social media to establish credibility.
8. Use Flyers and Community Noticeboards
Traditional flyers on community boards and local shops are still effective in NZ, especially among demographics less active online.
Create simple flyers featuring a friendly photo, service details, and contact info. Target pet-friendly suburbs with lots of parks.
A Hamilton dog walker credits flyers at local vets and libraries for bringing new clients.
9. Host Free Local Pet Events
Hosting workshops or meetups in parks or community centres builds trust and introduces your services directly to pet owners.
A Wellington trainer offering free dog behaviour talks saw a surge in bookings afterwards.
Promote such events in local Facebook groups and on community noticeboards.
10. Build Clear Systems for Reliability
Juggling multiple clients and pets demands organised systems. Use tools like calendars and checklists to manage bookings and client details.
Clients appreciate punctuality and clear communication. Platforms like Yada help keep chats and confirmations in one secure place.
Consistent professionalism leads to better ratings, which in turn attract more local business.