episode 14: Help! I've Tried Everything To Get My Dog Training Business Off The Ground - BUT NOTHING IS WORKING!
On this episode of the Mind Your Own Dog Business podcast, I answer a listener’s questions about the issues she is having with acquiring clients for her business. She is 3 months into entrepreneurship and the dead ends she is running into are making her consider going back to the big box pet store where she previously worked. Hopefully, you will find my recommendations and advice to her applicable to your own situation, and remember that you can do what it takes to stand out in the industry and be successful!
Based on Maslow’ Hierarchy of Needs, safety and security are the most foundational, and in the business world, that means finances. The first few years of business, you are in survival mode.
The listener’s question:
Spent $5k on a website, SEO, and a few blog posts to be written
Using Facebook and Instagram to build a following, but not seeing results
Developed a marketing package with deliverables for promotion
Spent $350 on Google and Yelp ads
Taken online marketing courses
Joined and created community groups
Connecting with other entrepreneurs
Feeling drained and like she’s spinning her wheels
My thoughts:
Website
Most likely, the problem with your website is the copy and content – that is what will bring you the right clients
Facebook/Instagram
Make sure you have a strategy and that you are just “being active” to say you’re being active
Business cards
It is better to build reciprocal relationships where you provide value to each other. These referrals are much stronger than just dropping your business card off
Courses and Community Groups
Be cautious. Consider your strategic purpose and how these things help you get there. There are likely better uses of your time
Google and Yelp ads
Words matter, so make sure you have clear campaign objectives and a sales process to handle leads
