Whether you're an experienced pet sitter or just starting out, you have to market your services if you want new clients or repeat business. Here are some marketing ideas for pet sitters? services and how you can put them to good use.

Business cards

Word of mouth is the best and most affordable form of marketing, but your clients can't refer you to new ones if they don't know how to contact you. Hand out business cards to all new clients and make sure your regulars have more than one so they can give it out to their friends. Your business card should include your name, contact details, and should clearly say that you provide pet sitters services. Make sure the font is large enough to read too. Most people won't even look at business cards with tiny type, and many of your clients will be aged 50 and older.

Flyers and brochures

Think of flyers as larger business cards ? a one page-advertisement that contains your business, your contact information, and key points about your pet sitters service. A brochure should contain more detailed information about the services you offer, the area you serve, and any other selling points you want prospective clients to know. If you can, include a photo that shows where you keep your pets, or one-line testimonials from your regular clients.

Distribute your flyers and brochures at places where pet owners are likely to notice them ? at your vet's office, pet stores, pet shows, supermarket bulletin boards, even kennels. If you befriend kennel staff, they will refer your services to clients if they are fully booked for the holidays.

A website

You don't need to be an expert to create a simple website for your pet sitters services. There are many websites that offer free or affordable hosting with simple site-building tools and free templates. Your website should include photos of your supplies and the area where you keep your pets, detailed information about your services, your rates, testimonials, and other useful information for pet owners like pet care tips and a directory of local veterinarians. It might help if you have a blog and use this to market yourself as an expert in pet care. Register your website at online pet directories to get noticed, and put an ad or two on your local Craigslist with a link to your site. Try to set up links for affiliate advertising for dog food and other pet care products for additional exposure.

Personalized pet products

Score some extra points from your clients and get extra visibility by providing personalized pet products. Purchase food bowls, feeding mats, and pet brushes and have your business name, logo, and phone number printed on them. Alternately, you can look for a promotional supply company that can produce dog and cat fridge magnets with your contact information there. Old and new clients are going to love your pet care products for their usefulness, and prospective clients will have your number handy when they need a pet sitter.