I Feel Like I am Rolling Downhill

[butterfly]

Do you hand out halloween candy? I'd hand out some business cards with it. Or hand out cards when you are trick or treating with your kids.

Do you have a facebook page? I'd post on your personal and business page that you have openings available and ask your friends to share the information.

Are you listed with your local referral agency? - notify them that you have openings.

[CrackerJacks]

Is there a local mothers club? I would ask current and former clients who were members to post something for you, or you can pay to run your ad in their newsletter.

[jenboo]

I haven't been open a month yet and so far I have:
Posted on different facebook childcare pages
Had my friends share my facebook daycare page
Taken flyers to be hung at the local collage
I'm going to take flyers to the community colleges
Posted on craigslist
Signed up for care.com for free
Passed out business cards at church
I plan on leaving a business card on tables when I tip
I'm passing out business cards with Halloween candy
My husband, grandma and I mention the daycare to everyone we talk to

[daycare]

Is there a local mothers club? I would ask current and former clients who were members to post something for you, or you can pay to run your ad in their newsletter.

I like this idea. I'm going to look into it
Thanks.

[Scout]

Do you hand out halloween candy? I'd hand out some business cards with it. Or hand out cards when you are trick or treating with your kids.

Do you have a facebook page? I'd post on your personal and business page that you have openings available and ask your friends to share the information.

Are you listed with your local referral agency? - notify them that you have openings.

i was going to suggest the same thing! I did this last year and got nothing but, who knows. I have no luck with care.com either.

[Blackcat31]

Can you do a referral bonus/discount? Have current families refer friends and family. Once one of those families enroll, after 30 days or 6 months, give a discount to the family that referred you.

You could also host an open house.

Offer sign on bonuses

Do the postcard mailers through Vistaprint (thank you ECS!)

Can you make up some fliers and bring them to your local YMCA, library, DHS offices, WIC office...even area preschools....sometimes they are full or beyond what some families can afford.

ANYWHERE is a good place to advertise.

[Brooksie]

Do you get trick or treaters? I know a local provider who I go to trainings with makes goody bags with her business cards in them and passes them out. She also has the kids make Christmas cards and puts her business cards in them and they pass them out to people on the street while singing Christmas Carols... Worth a shot.

[mom2many]

I am on there for free and have gotten calls from it-

Same here! They tried to upgrade me to a paying account, but I had gotten a few calls already on the free account, so I chose not to do it.

There are so many home daycares in my neighborhood and it's tough to get new clients some times, so I totally feel for you OP.

I rely mainly on word of mouth and have gotten most of my new dcks through that. Advertising has never proven very successful for me. It's definitely hit and miss with that.

[sharlan]

I tried the trick or treat thing a few years ago, no luck. I put stickers with my business name, address, and phone number on 300 bags of pretzels and didn't get a single call.

I have given myself until Jan 1. If I don't pick up at least 2 families by then, I'll start looking for a job and close down.

I was always full when my kids were in school. Other parents would see me dropping off and picking up and stop and question me. Now my kids are in their mid 30's and my grandkids go to school 17 miles away.

[MyAngels]

Call the HR departments of any large businesses near you to see if they have an internal referral service. There are two big insurance companies and an auto maker here that all have their own service. I get calls all the time from them.

[mom2many]

I am on there for free and have gotten calls from it-

Call the HR departments of any large businesses near you to see if they have an internal referral service. There are two big insurance companies and an auto maker here that all have their own service. I get calls all the time from them.

This is a great idea! When I first started up, a large tech company in my neighborhood had a referral service and I used to get a ton of calls from them. I was so bummed when they moved and I didn't have that resource anymore.

[Unregistered]

I can not remeber my pass word or name to log in ...oppps
in the mean time

If you drive, put signs in window of car...bright and with phone number
I also have a shaw account ( internet in can ) and with it I get free mini web sites so when ever I post on the internet I post a link of day care site too with pictures and info
carry bussiness cards where ever you go
take the children you do have to baby groups School function ( day time plays ex )
when you are frustered and sad it is hard to keep a sunny face when out and about but try ..try ..try

when my numbers where REALY low yes I had to clean houses and garden to make ends meet ....I was able to set my own hours and work around day care days ...you do what you have to do

the bottem line if you love day care dont give up .....
from some one that has been there

[daycare]

I haven't been open a month yet and so far I have:
Posted on different facebook childcare pages
Had my friends share my facebook daycare page
Taken flyers to be hung at the local collage
I'm going to take flyers to the community colleges
Posted on craigslist
Signed up for care.com for free
Passed out business cards at church
I plan on leaving a business card on tables when I tip
I'm passing out business cards with Halloween candy
My husband, grandma and I mention the daycare to everyone we talk to

facebook has childcare pages???

[jenboo]

facebook has childcare pages???

Yes. They are groups/pages that parents/providers have started in my area (Im sure other areas have them too).
The ones in my area are called las vegas childcare group and henderson babysitters connection. I have gotten one family from them (i only had one spot to fill).

Try searching childcare/babysitting and/or your community/town/city on facebook and see what comes up

[daycare]

I currently do not have a FB private or business, but I am thinking about making one...Your information you gave me is good to know...

thank you for posting this info...