Help Need Ideas on Where to Advertise

I research online so I think it would be helpful if you created a free website with pictures, rates, policies, discipline ways, meal plans, so people would not have to call you to get this info, they could call when they are sold on your house, ideas and rates and they are ready to meet you. I think in addition to word of mouth and local advertising they could find the initial screening info and it would be a great way to advertise and if you kept it up it would be a great way to communicate with your parents.

You've gotten some great responses. I wanted to add:

It takes 5-7 times for someone to see your sign or ad before they usually respond. So, you have to put yourself every where!

Where do the mom's that need daycare work? live? shop? exercise? get their hair done?

Where do mom's with kids take their kids? dance? tutoring? karate? sports?

Make a nice flyer (make sure it is proofread!)and business cards, dress professionally and hit the beat! Introduce yourself to every manager in all the local restuarants, stores, boutiques, etc. and leave your card and flyer. If they have a bulletin board, ASK to post your info. Make a thirty second introduction that says who you are, the name of your day care and they fact that you are providing licensed day care in a loving home. Then say that "if you are not looking for a day care provider, maybe you know someone who is. Can I leave my information for you or anyone else here that may need it?"

While you are out, you will want to hit all public service places: libraries, YMCA's, churches, hospitals, clinics,etc. Some have bulletin boards!

There are web sites that allow you to post your day care. One is www.care.com It is free if you do not pay them to run a background check (which you already have).

When placing a craigslist ad, do not give out too much information. Make it professional and to the point. You do not need the crazies! If you have a web site of your own (I highly recommend that you get one), then just post it in your ad on craigslist with the basic information. You may also want to include a call window.

Lastly, I hope you have a contract that includes just about anything and everything that could go beyond what you would expect normal. There are a lot of different people out there who have their own ideas of what normal is.

GOOD LUCK!

I'm a consultant for Pure Romance, so I rely on self advertising as well. What I've done to get my name out there is to put up fliers at local grocery stores that have bulletin boards, at laundromats, the good food stores, etc. You could put fliers up at places like Once Upon a Child, businesses near schools/parks, the YMCA, really anywhere that will have families passing by. You could also put a sign in your front yard advertising your new daycare as well.

Maybe ask your hair stylist if she could put up your flier at the salon, or hang them at places like Curves or other fitness gyms where you know lots of ladies will be. Tell your family and neighbors to keep an ear out for people needing daycare, and have them give out your business card. If you've ever done Tupperware/Partylite parties, call your consultant and see if she can help spread the word. Consultants talk to sooooo many people, they're a great way to get your name out.

Congrats on getting your license! I know you'll do great! :)

Congrats on getting this far! I would not recommend the big papers like the Star Tribune, it reaches way too many people and is more expensive. I have always had the best luck with the small local papers. Also, any stores near you that have bulletin boards is a good place to hang flyers. Craigslist is ok, I have gotten a few families from there, but you will get a lot more junk than anything (people not really interested in daycare, people wanting free or really cheap care, weird hours, etc). Word of mouth - let everyone you know about your daycare, have all of your family and friends spread the word. Make business cards and pass them out to people when you are out in public. I had a friend who made a tshirt that said "Ask me about my home daycare" and she wore it when she was out running errands and got a LOT of families that way!! Be creative with free advertising like that. Once you are licensed, you can list your openings with child care referral systems (your licensor can help you with that info). Check if there is a local child care provider group in your area - that will be a great place to list openings, meet other providers, pass along your openings by word of mouth to other providers, and get support and training. Good luck. I have done this for many years and love it and can't think of anything else I would rather do!
S.