MicroMentor

Scott Gardner

Syracuse, NY, United States

As the old saying goes, "Location, location, location."  Aside from opening your facility in an area that's easily accessible to parents, you'll want your business name to be seen where parents with small children hang out.  Off the top of my head, I'd suggest asking to place fliers on the boards at pediatricians/family medicine waiting rooms, toy stores, baby supply stores, etc.  Vist these places on a regular basis after you've placed your notices and replace any torn or worn notices.

Depending on the clients you're after, you might want to visit a large business near your location and offer a company-wide discount if X number of children are placed at your facility.

I know in my area, the state requires professional child care providers be licensed.  If you or your staff are certified in child care, or have received advanced first aid training, etc. make sure you prominantly display these in your welcome area.  Parents will feel more at ease, and it may be the tipping point to getting someone to sign up.

Posted on 08/18/11

Nupur Sinha

Beaverton, OR, United States

Thank you for replying, Scott! Even for finding a location, a state licensor would have to approve it first and it has to also commensurate with the city code. So there is a limitation right there! Most of the toys stores, if they are a big corporations they would not let any business put up their fliers inside their stores. I will check with the pediatricians office if they will let me put the fliers. There is a mall near the school and I am going to check with the children's clothing store to see what kind of policies they have regarding putting up fliers. Also I am trying to participate in neighborhood events like picnics etc. Let's see if that works!

Posted on 08/18/11

Evan Thomas

Tempe, AZ, United States

Nupur, 

Advertising, especially in the way that Scott mentioned, is a great way to get the word out about your business. But I recommend you also look at developing your business by word-of-mouth. An idea you might try in this vein is some kind of incentive to current customers who refer an acquaintance. 

This could be a discount, like 1/2 off next month's bill (or even 2 months' bills, if your finances can stand it.) Or, you could offer some kind of perk, like a gift card to a local salon or even one for a few bucks to a local coffee shop. 

An acquaintance of mine used this technique to grow her photography business very effectively. With each final bill/receipt that she mailed out, she included a small flyer offering 1/2 off any photo session if someone referred a friend. It took a little while for her to see the results because family photo sessions are seasonal (start-of-school, weddings, holidays, etc.) but before she knew it, she had more clients than she could handle. 

Posted on 08/26/11

Nupur Sinha

Beaverton, OR, United States

Thank you, Evan for the idea! I will try that once I get the school started. This should help to get more students.

Posted on 09/14/11