Ensuring a Bright Future for Pet Services in Unusual Times

By Karen Wheeler, The Doggone Good! Clicker Company

How do you do your best to maintain your pet-service business as well as help it flourish in this precarious time? A quick answer to that question is to be a problem-solver, ascertain what is most important to your clients, and learn to adopt your business model as you go. Continually ask what your clients need and want, and from there be the solution to their problems. Below are a few tips to help your business in this ever-changing industry.

Embrace Change

Many pet owners are looking for something fresh and new. Be at the forefront of new ideas and services—and even products. Consistently be thinking of ways to keep your business relevant. Conduct client surveys to identify areas where your business might be lacking, as well as areas where you are exceeding expectations. Both positive and negative feedback are essential for a business to flourish, so consider both and use this to modify as needed. Negative client feedback can often be turned into a positive by tackling it head on. Implementing new ideas is an excellent way to test the market to see how they are received, otherwise you will never know if they would have been a success.

Discover What Makes Your Business Unique

Identify a few things that your business is doing (or can do) to make it stand out among the competition. Emphasize what it is that makes your business unique. Maybe you are known for a special service (e.g., you are the only one that has/does something) or sending handwritten notes to clients. Whatever it is, make it known how you are extraordinary. A shift toward increased personalization in the pet industry is becoming a trend. Brainstorm ways in which you can create more custom experiences for your clients.

Make It Convenient

On-demand service and purchasing are expected by most people today. As such, you should consider making your services as effortlessly accessible as possible. For example, giving clients the ability to schedule appointments 24/7 is pretty much essential. Also, optimizing all of this for a mobile devise is advantageous because people tend to use their phones more often than computers. Currently, many businesses are also encouraging drop-off and pick-up services, as well as virtual consultations and visits. Being able to transition between these is vital for the growth and survival of your business. In addition, people want a smooth and easy way of paying.

Market and Brand Your Business

One of the easiest ways to brand your business is to have a great logo and show it off. Really take the time to develop a logo and brand as it will be the face of your business for a long time. Perhaps the most satisfying way to market your business comes from operating with integrity and remarkable client service. Soon your business will begin to reap the benefits by building a referral network from happy clients. The ongoing shifts in the pet industry make it such an interesting, energetic one to be a part of. Learning ways to accommodate and enrich this very passionate industry while growing your business will be triumphant for years to come.