Marketing
Marketing your business is an important part of your
childminding success. Unlike other businesses, you don’t have a
shop front or high street presence to let parents know you are open
and available for business! Instead you have to find ways to reach
parents and let them know what a good service you offer.
Try some of the following to help make people take notice of
your childminding service.
Consider your unique selling points
Every business has unique selling points (USPs) – things
that make them stand out from the crowd. Before you start promoting
your business, take five minutes to consider what your USPs are.
They could be things that make you different from other forms of
childcare, or things that set you apart from other
childminders.
Knowing your strengths can help you explain to others why your
service is so good.
Click here to download a checklist of suggestions to help you
consider your USPs.
Promote your vacancies
When you do have a vacancy you can start to advertise and let
people know that you have a space. Many childminders find that
an advert in the local newspaper or in local shops
or surgeries generate a number of enquiries. Others rely
on word-of-mouth and recommendations.
NCMA sells a vacancy kit with more information and advice, plus
posters, postcards and window stickers to help you promote your
childminding business. Visit our online shop to buy a copy. This
product is only available to members of NCMA, another of the many
benefits of NCMA membership.
Don't forget the popcorn!
NCMA has
produced a short film explaining to parents the benefits of
using a registered childminder. You can use this film to show
parents what is so special about childminding and caring for
children at home.
You can watch the film online at www.ncmafilm.org.uk. Don't forget
to let parents know about the film, too!