Promoting Your Day Care Equals More Customers
You can make your day care stand out
from the crowd, set it apart from the
competition and as such, keep it full to
capacity with children of happy parents.
In order to achieve this desirable end
you can take some small, cheap, easy
to implement steps that will guarantee
results. Some take a little effort, others
a little thought and some a little money
but that investment in your business will
supply you with unique selling points
that will ensure the success of your
day care.
So, a prospective parent arrives at your
door brim full of cynicism and thoughts
filled with negative day care tales – how do you get across to them that you are the real deal, that you provide quality child care? Effective policies will indicate to parents the philosophy of your service and how your agreed and consistent methods of doing things will ensure the wellbeing of their children. Your policies are clear guidelines as to exactly how your business is run and should outline every procedure for every eventuality.
Accountability and consistency are key and these should be evident in your clear, concise policies which should, in turn, paint a picture of the definitive understandings, guidelines and expectations inherent in your daily operations. It is vital that you meet all legislative requirements and your policies should reflect current best practice indicating that you are on top of your business and constantly striving for perfection.
Separate yourself from the dowdy crowd by gaining a third party accreditation. Potential parents love to see evidence of recognition from respected, related organizations. You will need to be assessed by one of their inspectors as part of the process (nothing to worry about there with your tight ship!) and pay an annual membership fee. Then you roll out all your stationary and brochures and have your accreditations emblazoned across every promotional item you possess.
Information, publications, conferences, networking and workshops are just some of the invaluable support you will receive from your third party organisations. Accreditation can be acquired from some of the following places:
Unfortunately, horror stories abound focusing on children being abused and neglected in day cares all over the world. Take every possible step to provide parents with evidence that yours is a legitimate, quality, caring day care. Get yourself background checked and display the results for all to see. A small fee will procure this valuable service from a professional company. Have an open door policy and promote it with gusto. If you want to see pure relief wash over a parent’s face think about installing a CCTV in your service. The peace of mind from being able to see your little one on a daily basis is invaluable.
Taking some or all of the above mentioned steps will enhance your service exponentially in the eyes of new parents. Easing some of their apprehension and fear from the outset will begin the growth of the trust process so vital for people looking for day care. If you can put their minds at rest, even just a smidgeon, you will have the edge on your competition and could be looking at lots of new clients.
Fiona Lohrenz writes childcare articles based on the 10 years she has spent running a daycare. She also incorporates that knowledge into her 'Start a Day Care Business' DVD Guide:
