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

If you're a veterinary assistance professional in New Zealand, you know how tough it can be to stand out and attract clients without a big ad budget. The good news is, there are plenty of free, practical ways to get noticed locally and build a loyal client base. This guide shares 10 proven tips tailored for veterinary assistance specialists, with real Kiwi examples and actionable steps to help you grow your business without spending a cent on ads.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is your digital shopfront. When pet owners search for "veterinary assistance near me" or "vets in Christchurch," a well-optimised profile puts you right at the top. It’s free, easy to set up, and works wonders for local visibility.

Fill in your business details, upload photos of your work, list your services, and include your hours. Ask happy clients to leave reviews - in New Zealand, word-of-mouth and reviews carry a lot of weight.

For example, a vet assistant in Auckland who regularly updates their profile with photos of happy pets and positive reviews has seen a steady increase in local enquiries.

2. Join Local Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are where Kiwis go to ask for recommendations. Every day, people post things like "Does anyone know a good vet assistant in Wellington?" These are warm leads actively looking for help.

Don’t hard-sell in these groups - that’s a quick way to get ignored. Instead, share helpful tips, answer questions, or post a before/after photo when relevant. People will naturally click through to your profile when they see you know your stuff.

Search for groups like "Wellington Pet Owners," "Auckland Animal Lovers," or "Christchurch Community Board" to find your local audience.

3. Get Listed on NZ Directories

Before clients know your name, they search trusted platforms like Yellow.co.nz, IndieVets, and Best for Pet. These directories are free to join and help you reach pet owners who are already looking for vet services.

Even a basic listing can bring in enquiries. Many directories allow you to showcase your work, collect reviews, and respond to job requests. Getting listed takes just 15-30 minutes per platform, and the exposure builds over time.

For example, a vet assistant in Napier saw a 20% increase in local calls after listing on Yellow.co.nz and IndieVets.

4. Try Yada for Local Visibility

Yada is a new Kiwi platform designed to connect clients with local specialists. Someone posts a task, Yada sorts it, and relevant specialists get notified automatically. It’s free to join and respond to jobs, with no lead or success fees.

Why join now? Early users get more visibility as the platform grows. Yada focuses on private client-specialist communication, competitive pricing, and a mobile-friendly experience built for New Zealand users.

A vet assistant in Hamilton found their first few clients through Yada by responding to local job posts and building a strong rating.

5. Ask for Reviews and Testimonials

In New Zealand, word-of-mouth spreads fast. After finishing a job, ask for a quick Google review, a Facebook recommendation, or permission to share before/after photos. If they post about your work, ask them to tag your business page.

Make it easy for clients to spread the word by being specific about what would help most. For example, a vet assistant in Tauranga offers a small discount for both the referrer and new customer, which motivates sharing.

One vet assistant in Christchurch saw a 30% increase in referrals after actively asking for reviews and sharing testimonials.

6. Share Helpful Tips on Social Media

You don’t need to become a content creator. Just share simple, genuine snippets like "Quick tip for calming anxious pets," "Before/after of a recent check-up," or "Common mistakes pet owners make."

This type of content builds trust over time. When someone needs help months later, you’ll be top of mind. Share on Facebook, Instagram, or in community groups where it’s appropriate and adds value.

A vet assistant in Auckland regularly posts pet care tips and has built a loyal following who recommend them to friends.

7. Partner With Local Businesses

Building referral relationships doesn’t require formal networking. Drop off a card at a local pet store, let animal shelters know you’re available, or chat with a local vet about what you do.

For example, a vet assistant in Whangaparāoa partnered with a local pet store to offer free check-ups for new customers, which brought in a steady stream of new clients.

Focus on businesses that serve the same customers but aren’t competitors.

8. Use Community Noticeboards

Physical flyers on community noticeboards still work in New Zealand. New World, library boards, community centres, and laundromats are all viable spots.

People often snap a photo of your flyer and message days later. Keep your flyer clean and simple: what you do, where you work, a photo if possible, and contact details. A stack of 50 flyers costs about $15 to print, and you can distribute them in an hour.

This low-tech approach works particularly well for targeting older demographics who are less active online but still need services.

9. Host Free Pet Care Events

Organise free pet care events like microchip clinics, pet first aid workshops, or pet health talks. These events attract pet owners and build trust in your expertise.

Promote your event through local groups, flyers, and social media. For example, a vet assistant in Dunedin hosted a free microchip clinic and saw a 40% increase in new clients after the event.

These events also give you a chance to collect contact details for future follow-ups.

10. Engage With Local Animal Shelters

Partner with local animal shelters and rescue organisations. Offer free or discounted services for adopted pets, and promote these partnerships on your social media and website.

For example, a vet assistant in Nelson partnered with a local shelter to offer free wellness exams for adopted pets, which brought in new clients and positive publicity.

These partnerships also help you build a reputation as a caring, community-focused professional.