What is working, and what is not
I am a small dog grooming school. Within the school I operate a dog grooming salon, so when I don't have students my instructor and I groom dogs.
The best thing I have done so far is to get my website up and then with a web optimiser who makes sure I am on the first page when you pull up either dog grooming or dog grooming schools in
my area.
I also do the local Humane Society events as a vendor. I pass out cards with a coupon for $5 off the first groom and also give samples of the all natural dog food and treats I sell.
I have done seminars at local high schools that
give Vet Tech courses, however I have not gained any students from them.
I have also been involved as a vendor a local career/job fairs to promote the school to gain
students. So far I have interest, but they want financial aid which I can not provide, because my course is only 9wks and the whole tuition is under $5400.00.
I have advertised in a small local paper & magazine, however not much from either.
I have just recently advertised in a statewide
magazine for pet lovers and hope that that might bring students
HI Shan, Sounds like you are doing a lot. Here are our comments. Great that you have a salon. Do you let all salon customers know that you also have a school? They might have friends who want to train. You are so right about the value of a website. In our opinion most students should be coming from the internet. Great that you pass out cards and coupons whenever possible. If the high schools offer vet tech courses, then maybe that's why you don't get high school enrollments. Have you thought of offering specialty or advanced courses that would be of interest to the high school student who completed vet tech courses? As to financial assistance - have you sought approval from Workforce? VA? Vocational rehabilitation? Recourse lenders? Also if you are in a destination area like Florida you might want to think of marketing to northern states. Especially when it is cold!!! Susan
