5 Marketing Tips for Local Pet Stores

Site Report Card February 27, 2018

So you’ve opened up a pet store, stocked your shelves with the latest and greatest in dog collars, cat toys, and other products, and can’t wait to start helping local pet owners. But instead of the footsteps and chatter of customers, all you hear is crickets.

Luckily, these days it’s easier than ever to use clever marketing and social media tactics to get the word out.

Read on to find out how local pet stores around the country have found success!

1. Get Involved in the Community

One good way to become a household name — and therefore drive traffic to your store — is to become involved in your community.

If your store is located in a small town, join your local chamber of commerce. Take out advertisements in your town’s newspaper or pennysaver.

In a larger city, look for a neighborhood association to connect with. Perhaps they publish a neighborhood-specific newspaper, or run a website?

You will also want to get involved with local festivals and other events, especially around the holidays, when people are encouraged to shop at small businesses in the neighborhood.

2. Make Sure Your Website Is Up to Date

In order to compete in today’s increasingly global retail sector, you need to have a solid web presence, and that starts with your website.

You may want to outsource web development and search engine marketing to a digital marketing company. Or you can DIY it, with some research.

A few essentials to bear in mind: be sure that your website is user-friendly and up-to-date. Include important information like your address, phone number, hours of operation, and where it can easily be found.

Also, claim your business on Google, Yelp, and other online directories.

3. Use the Power of Social Media

Think social media sites are just for celebrities or teenagers? Think again.

You can really increase your visibility through well-executed activity on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Snapchat — just to name some of the top sites.

Attract followers or subscribers by posting funny animal videos, asking questions (“What are your dog’s funniest quirks?” or “Which toys are your cat’s favorites?”), holding caption contests, or encouraging users to submit pictures.

This type of engagement can help establish local pet stores as subject-area experts and friendly small businesses. Again, this may be an area of marketing you should consider outsourcing, for maximum results.

4. Host In-Store Events

Celebrate holidays or host adoption events at your pet store, and advertise these events well in advance.

Giving away freebies or swag, holding a pet costume contest, or offering discounts are all great ways to drive traffic to your event — and create loyal return customers.

5. Partner with a Local Shelter

Partner with a local animal shelter by hosting adoption events at your location regularly, or by donating pet food, bedding, toys, or pet crates here. This is good PR, good karma, and good business!

Another way to get business and give back at the same time? Donate a portion of your proceeds directly to the shelter. That gives potential customers a reason to go out of their way to shop at your store.