Creativity is key here. My first suggestion is to book yourself at some local art fairs and make sure to take your pet with you. Design all your signage and displays around the pet products you offer and focus on being the “pet company.” Many times, I have seen people go as far as to set up a design station and take and create orders right on the spot. If you do create items on the spot, make sure that the customer leaves with not only their item but also more information about other products you offer, a way to reach you, and better yet, an incentive to buy after they are gone or to refer their friends to you.
Another idea to find new business in the pet market is to get social. Hit the social media channels and even think about creating targeted groups on social media channels like Facebook and others. By creating a group of, let’s say Cockapoo lovers, you now have a captive audience for people that are willing to purchase anything that has a Cockapoo on it.
Make sure that 90% of your posts/efforts on these channels are focused on the people who are in the group, like sharing information, tips, and info, and then letting them lead the conversation. Just make sure that you have a good plan to every once in a while pop in a new item or briefly mention something that people are interested in and where they can get more.
—MontCo Consulting, 2 Regular Guys
