How To Find Customers In Challenging Times
14/10/20 12:46
Finding customers for your equine therapy business is always a priority.
But in these challenging times we find ourselves in, it's upper most in many of my clients minds. So what ideas are there?
First of all, is cutting prices a good idea? No. It devalues your service. Unless your own overheads have reduced and your profit margin has increased. Then it's going to be unaffordable too.
A better idea is to offer a customer loyalty programme. This can be for new and existing customers. Do you find yourself buying coffee from a favourite brand, because of loyalty points? I know for sure it's great to get a free coffee from time to time, because of collecting points!
So what can you offer? Ideas include:
- Attend 9 therapy sessions and get the 10th free.
- Attend 10 sessions and get a free gift. Now this could be a head collar or rug. Or why not partner with a fellow equestrian business for them to give away an item. This is also promotion for their business. So can be win-win!
- Attend 5 sessions and get the sixth half price.
- Or have a free prize draw every month for customers who've had an appointment that month. The prize could be anything that you know your customers will love. And remember, try partnering with another equestrian business too.
Where should you be promoting your service?
- As i've mentioned in previous posts, there's many places that you can advertise.
- Are there any local equestrian or community newsletters or magazines?
- Does your local riding club have a newsletter?
- Use social media. Be consistent in your posting. If you can't manage more than one network. Then concentrate on using one really well!
When advertising though. Remember to sell what benefits your service offers. If you're an equine massage therapist. Don't tell people only that. Tell them why their horse will benefit.
Do any local vets know about your service? Remember that equine vets often travel a large area. So it's worth letting a number know you exist. They'll still be seeing horses every week (or day!), who you could help. So make sure they know you're there.
See my previous posts for more ideas. Have a browse through this blog, but these two are a good starting point:
Action Point
- Review your marketing. Where are you promoting your service? What messaging are you using?
- Can you change the places you advertise? Do you need to revise your messaging?
- Try and take an objective look. If you didn't know what you did, would you know? (if you know what I mean!).
How to Get Confidence Running Your Equine or Canine Business
Click here for more information on consultancy. Or email me at info @ taranet.co.uk for info on coaching opportunities with me.
About The Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse.
PS: You can find more equestrian and pet care themed business articles over at my Linkedin, see more here https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-harris-mcmi/detail/recent-activity/posts/