The day care business is one of the toughest ones to find a solid marketing plan, simply because it is usually a referral-based business. Still, it is possible to market your day care business effectively if you know how to do it. Here are several marketing ideas for day care businesses that will help you build your clientele:
Word of Mouth
Many people assume that word of mouth is not a marketing plan, and for most, that is true. If you know how to install the right procedures, however, word of mouth can be your biggest marketing plan. When it comes to a day care business, people talking about you in a positive light is the number one way to build business. No parent likes to put their child in daycare where they know nobody, so having a referral is huge. As such, you should market that very advantage.
The best way to do this is to build incentives. Let each and every parent know that if they bring in a referral, they will get a reward. Sometimes that might be a discount on their rate, and sometimes it might be a prize. Whatever works the best for your business. The best thing is a cash reward that can be either applied to their bill or taken as cash. This is a huge incentive for your current customers to tout you to their friends.
Banging the street
This does not mean that you should go door to door, but it does mean that you should head out and place fliers and brochures in all the logical places – parks, museums, and restaurants in the area are a great start. Nothing is better for your marketing plan than a well-placed brochure.
Website
Another great marketing idea is to create a powerful and clear website touting what you have to offer. People love to e-visit any business they are considering, as there is no sales pressure or discomfort. They can surf around and learn all about you and your business. Building a web presence is vital to any business, and daycares are an exception. Build a solid website and keep it updated regularly.
Commercials
While television is not as popular these days, the day care industry responds very well to a local TV ad. Spend some time looking into television and radio commercials and what they might cost. Daycares can often get more than they need simply from one single ad if it is effective and well done. Take the time to pay a professional to ensure that your business does not come off as cheap. Daycares must look professional and deliver on trust for success. Make sure your commercial exhibits those qualities clearly.
Marketing for a day care is not all that different from it would be for any other business, but it does require some attention to detail. A quick, thrown-together marketing plan is not going to serve any day care well, and should not be considered. Take your time and plan your marketing campaigns logically.