Happy Friday Daily Groomers!

Okay, now to today’s topic!

So I was supposed to be writing this newsletter yesterday, but I was procrastinating and instead I found myself scrolling through Facebook (lol, who’s with me 😅). BUT, while scrolling, I saw a post from someone asking about marketing ideas for her brand new business.

Guys the thread literally had 100’s of comments. It was blowing UP! 💥 

Naturally, I procrastinated some more and read every single comment. I couldn’t help but think back to the origin stories I’ve heard on our podcast—how so many owners landed those first few clients.

After thousands of hours of conversations with grooming business owners, I thought today’s newsletter could be a summary of the key categories and top ideas for filling up your schedule and building brand awareness in your community.

Let’s go get creative and get busy!!!

1. Get Social (Without Breaking the Bank)

• Own Your Story: Write a quick intro post with professional-style photos of you and your favorite pups. Share how you got into grooming and what makes your salon special—watch your following grow fast.

• Mini Giveaways: Run a simple giveaway: ask followers to share your post and tag two friends for a chance to win a treat bag or a complimentary nail trim. It’s cheap, it’s fun, and it spreads like wildfire.

• Weekly Boosts: Take a cute “after” photo against an on-brand backdrop, then boost that post on Facebook or Instagram. A small ad spend can put you front and center in every local community page.

2. Partner Up Locally

• Shelter Spotlight: Offer free or discounted grooms at your local shelter. Snap before-and-after shots, tag the shelter’s page, and let their followers see your work and your heart.

• Vet Office Drop-Ins: Create little treat bags with your business card tucked inside and leave a basket at nearby vet clinics. One basket in reception can generate a surprising number of calls.

• Reciprocal Referrals: Reach out to nearby businesses—coffee shops, auto shops, even dentists—and refer clients their way. Most will gladly send dog-lover referrals right back to you.

3. Eye-Catching Giveaways & SWAG

• Seasonal Treat Bags: Hand out themed goody bags (think Halloween, Valentine’s Day) with your card inside. People remember freebies that show a little flair.

• Custom Magnets & Gift Cards: Order dog-bone–shaped magnets or reloadable gift cards with a “$10 off your first groom” message. Scatter them at busy spots—people pick them up like candy.

• Pup Photo Booth: Set up a fun little photo corner at your salon with props. Every post-groom photo becomes user-generated marketing when clients share it on social.

4. Incentives, Specials & Nail-Trim Events

• Referral Rewards: Offer current clients $5–$10 off their next groom for every friend they send your way. Happy clients love to save, and you love new faces.

• Drive-Up Specials: Launch a quick drive-up nail-trim or tail-trim service during your slower hours. Include a pair of ear-cleaning wipes or a teeth-brushing add-on to sweeten the deal.

• Pop-Up Nail-Trim Day: Pick a mid-week afternoon or evening and advertise “Drop-In Nail Trims—No Appointment Needed!” Charge a flat rate (or 50% off normal) to entice walk-ins.

• Charity Nail-Trim Events: Host a “$10 Nail Trims” fundraiser where half the fee goes to your local shelter. You’ll fill slots, support a good cause, and get extra social shares.

• Bundle & Save Combos: During any special event, pair nail trims with teeth brushing (or a mini bath) at a package rate to boost your average ticket.

• Walk-In Welcome: A simple “Walk-Ins Welcome” sign in your window can capture spontaneous traffic—especially on busy streets or during community events.

5. Be Everywhere Your Pack Is

• On-Leash Marketing: Take a freshly groomed dog to your local park or walking trail with your card clipped to its leash. People will ask “Where’d you get that cut?” and you’ve got the answer ready.

• Mobile Meets at Cafés: Partner with a dog-friendly coffee shop—set up a mobile nail-trim station out front. People sip lattes while their pups get pampered.

• Community Events & Parades: Show up at any dog-friendly parade or fair with branded treat bags in hand. Even a small presence can lead to big buzz.

• Targeted Mailers: Grab the registered-dogs list from your town hall and send a simple postcard announcing your grand opening special. It’s a modest investment with measurable results.

If none of these catch your eye, I guess there’s always - “Facebook Ads”. But that’s no fun…. 😆 

Referrals, in my opinion, are the best way to fill your schedule but give a few of these other ideas a try!

Reply to this email with any ideas that I might’ve missed in today’s run through. Here’s to full appointment books and happier pups this summer.

Catch you next Friday,

Alex

📝Hiring Corner

Introducing a new section to shine a spotlight on local Daily Groomer businesses hiring right now.👇

• Odie’s Grooming in San Diego, CA is hiring for an experienced groomer starting at $24/hr. Apply here.

• Dallas Mobile Pet Spaw in Dallas, TX is hiring for a full-time stylist role. 50% commission. Apply here.

• Paws Pet Grooming in Tampa, FL is hiring for a full-time bather starting at $737 per week. Apply here.

Hiring and want to be featured in front of 10,000+ groomers? Post your open role here!

That’s all folks! Keep calm and groom on 🐶🤘