Dog groomers are busy people. There's always another groom, appointments to confirm, products to order, marketing to do.

Cue record scratch.

Marketing? Oh right.

If you're like many dog groomers, marketing your grooming business often falls by the wayside.

This isn't good because without a strategic marketing plan, how can we expect new clients to find us and repeat clients to continue using our services?

If marketing isn't your strong suit, never fear!

Today we share ten easy ways to market your dog grooming business, plus helpful tips to become known for dog grooming in your area.

Market Your Dog Grooming Business and Enjoy a Full Client List

Once you develop a few marketing habits, you'll find they're as easy as pouring a coffee in the morning. They become part of your regular routine. For example, regularly posting "Before" and "After" pictures of your furry clients on social media is an excellent way to show people what you do. Plus, everyone enjoys cute animals.

Let's dive in with the most significant marketing tool of all. Your website.

1. Build a Website

According to Dan Fries of Business 2 Community, nearly half of all small businesses don't have a website. This means they are missing out on valuable traffic, free advertising, Google rankings, and much more. In 2022, it's never been easier for dog groomers to create an easy-to-navigate and mobile-friendly website.

Do it right, and your dog grooming website can be an essential part of your business plan and daily operations.

Some website builders are also a business operations system where you can accept appointments, automatically send confirmations, and keep your calendar (and staff) organized and in the know.

2. Have a Social Media Presence

If you aren't already, it's worth being active on social media. It grows your brand, referrals and keeps your customers coming back.

If you're confused by all the social media platforms, not to worry. Just pick one or two to be your primary. For example, Instagram is excellent for photo sharing, whereas TikTok is fabulous if you like filming funny videos. Facebook (Meta) is still good for connecting with your local community.

It doesn't have to take a lot of time. At least one dog groomer posts a "Before" and "After" picture every day. She has her human customers sign a "model release" as part of her onboarding process, so she knows she has permission to post that dog's pictures.

Most people are thrilled to share their fur kids online.

3. Print and Distribute Business Cards

Need a "bang for your buck" marketing tool?

Give business cards a shot. These might be considered old school, yet business cards remain one of the best and cheapest ways to deliver lots of information fast. One small piece of cardstock includes all the contact information, and you can even include a small map if you like.

You can keep them in your pocket, on your reception desk, in your car, anywhere you may run into potential customers. Moo offers a fantastic selection of designs. 

4. Offer Free Branded Promotional Products

Who doesn't like free stuff?

You can give away branded pens, cups, post-it notes, etc. Better yet, brand the doggie bandannas you're already putting on your puppy.

Free gifts are a simple way to get the name of your business out there into the world and keep your dog grooming business top of mind.

5. Add a Decal on Your Car

Another effortless marketing idea is slap a sticker or decal on your car. Small Business Marketing Tools shares that this turns a vehicle into a "lead generation machine." Think of it as an attention-grabbing mobile billboard on wheels.

I've talked with a mobile dog groomer who said she'd stop by the supermarket after a day of grooming (still in her mobile van) and come out to dog owners who wanted to book an appointment. All because they saw her van.

I also know a graphic designer who had someone paint her logo and business name on the side of her car. It worked so well that when she traded that one in for a newer car, she had it painted too.

Your vehicle can be a great marketing tool, and it's low-cost and always working for you. 

6. Write a Monthly Newsletter

An e-newsletter is an easy way to stay connected with your clients. You can email them monthly, bi-monthly, or every week with business updates, tips on skin and coat care, etc.

7. Start a Blog

Blogs are hands down the best way to both educate and entertain your customers. Ideally, you'll post articles at least 2x a month. Focus on in-demand topics like "How to Clean a Dog's Ears" to "What to Do When a Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk."

Incorporate your town for SEO efforts.

Not a wordsmith? Ask your staff if you have a potential writer in your midst or Google "pet copywriter" to find a professional pet writer who understands all the SEO bits as well as the market.

If you love doing videos, you could do a video blog instead of one with words. Called "Vlogging," it's a great way to capture your audience's attention.

Both blogging and vlogging give you content you can repurpose into social media posts and emails.

8. Automate Your Customer Reviews

People look online for dog groomers, and online reviews work as referrals. If you've got a lot of positive reviews, that can sway a new customer your way.

88% of people (or more) rely on online reviews to book a service or make a purchase.

Facebook, Google My Business, and Yelp help your dog grooming business get found. But it's a pain to ask people to post on those all the time. Fortunately, with the right web tools, you can more or less automate customer reviews (and be notified so you can thank them.)

9. Rent a Booth at a Pet Show

Every year, cities and parks across the country hold dog-themed events. From statewide and national dog shows to agility competitions and breed-specific meetups. As a dog groomer, you can apply to rent a booth at these events and meet local dog lovers.

10. Volunteer in the Community

Lastly, volunteering your spare time is a phenomenal way to 1) help animals and 2) market your dog grooming business. If you have time, you can reach out to shelters and rescue groups and ask if they are currently looking for volunteers.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it!

These ten easy ways to market your dog grooming business will ensure you a full client schedule and the chance to grow as much as you want.

You don't have to do all of them, and you don't have to do everything at once. Some are 15-minute tasks like ordering dog grooming business cards, while others, like social media, are ongoing. Which ones do you already have in place? Which ones do you want to focus on more? Which ones feel the most exciting?

Remember, you don't need to be a marketing guru to build the business of your dreams – you just need to follow some basic marketing steps.

You can automate scheduling and other repetitive tasks to save hours every week. Discover how pet business software helps you grow your business.