Tips on How to Market Your Program to Former Clients

Family child care providers always say that word of mouth is their best form of advertising.

Word of mouth is so critical because personal recommendations carry a lot of weight in the child care field.

Prospective clients will listen to the advice of friends and coworkers.

Many who are in the best position to spread positive word of mouth are the parents and children who were once enrolled in your program.

Here are some suggestions for how to promote your program through former clients:

* Stay on good terms with clients when they leave. Send them a short thank-you note shortly after they leave. Some parents may not like a new child care program and will want to return to yours.

* Several weeks after they leave, send clients several copies of your business card and business flyer. Encourage them to distribute these materials to other parents.

* Send your newsletter to parents even after they leave so they will continue to feel like they are a part of your program. Include a notice about your openings in your newsletter. Encourage them to pass it on to others.

* Offer former clients a finder's fee for referring a parent who enrolls with you. Offer cash or a gift card.

* Encourage parents to send you pictures of their children as they grow older. Ask them to write you letters describing how their children are doing. Post these photos and letters on your bulletin board, in your scrapbook, on your website and in your newsletter (with permission).

* Use former clients as references.

* Invite former clients to special celebrations (Christmas party, summer barbeque, etc.). This is particularly effective way to maintain contact with them. Their participation at your celebration will have a positive influence on your current clients, and you can use the opportunity to ask them to refer other families to you.

What successful ideas have you used with former clients to promote your program?

Tom Copeland - www.tomcopelandblog.com

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/moominmolly/2742826160

For more information on how to market your business see my Family Child Care Marketing Guide.