Your down on your numbers and you're wondering about some new ideas for advertising your childcare. What do you do? It seems that when parents call looking for care, it goes in spurts. You seem to get more calls at certain times of the year. Thats why it's a great idea if you don't already have one, to start a waiting list. When parents call, if you don't have an opening, ask the parents if they would like to be placed on your waiting list. Get the name, phone number, age of the child and mark down the date they called. When you have an opening, refer to your waiting list,and check the ages and see if there is someone on the waiting list that would fill that spot. Start from the top of your waiting list.
One of the best form of advertisement is word of mouth. Mention to your parents that you have spaces available, and let them know the ages for those spaces. Parents love the idea of helping to choose a playmate for their child, and they're not apt to recomment someone that would not be a good playmate.
Offer incentives to the parents if they recommend someone. You could offer a coupon for a week of discounted care. What you decide on for the discount is up to you. Possibly a gift certifcate. Use your imagination when thinking of an incentive.
Listed below are some additional ideas when looking for ways to advertise your childcare. Good luck and lets get those spots filled.
* Childcare Association: Do you belong to a Childcare Provider Association? This is great way to get ideas on what people are doing in your local area that works for getting children. Some childcare associations have their own resources on helping to pass along your name and number to parents when looking for childcare.
* Business Name: Name your childcare business. People will associate your business with your name.
* Website: Parents are looking more these days to the internet when searching for childcare. There are several sites on-line that offer free web site hosting. Geocities.com is an easy site that helps to guide you thru building your site. If you don't feel you can built your own website, there are people that will built one for a small fee. (Remember to check and see if this is tax deductible). Once you get your website built, make sure to add your url to busines cards and other childcare forms.
* Business Cards: Your home computer and software program designed to make busness cards are a great way to design your business cards and cheaper than having someone else do them for you. Put your information on your card and if you decided to get a website done, make sure you include your url. The business cards are small enough for you to carry in your wallet.
* Flyers: Design a flyer and hang it up at local stores, librarys, any place that has a public bulletin board. If you are in doubt about hanging up a flyer, ask. Toot your own horn. Include information about your childcare, (hours, location, phone number), and other information to make you stand out. Preschool program, awards, etc.
* Halloween Candy: Though Halloween only comes once a year, this is a great time if you have openings to advertise your childcare. Print up stickers or business cards and attach to the candy your handing out. If someone doesn't need your business card, maybe they'll pass it on to someone who does. Also check with your tax preparer to see if this is a deductible expense for advertising.
