Hi. I am sure this thread has already been done before, and I apologize for repeating it, but I'm just wondering - what was your most successful avenue for geting calls/interviews/kids?

I am playing the waiting game right now - sent in my license application over a week ago, so now I'm just getting anxious about when and how to start up.

I am planning on putting up fliers in some of the libraries, dance studios, grocery stores, etc. I know that our local paper is about $50 for a month ad, so I'm not sure about doing that... any other ideas would be incredibly helpful!

Thanks!
Laura

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Referrals used to be my most successful way to get new clients but lately it's been a combination of different online advertiseing which I work all together (website, Google Local, free Google Business listing, creative Craigslist advertising etc.).

I do all of the following and then create a Craigslist ad last. Thats how I've been getting all of my new clients.

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Register with your local referral agency.

Register with your state listing.

When I started I put an ad in a free local paper - was very cheap and I got lots of calls from that.

Put it on your facebook - tell all your friends.

I know some that have good luck with craigslist. In my area, it looks like a lot of creepers that advertise on there, so I haven't personally done it. - Other areas have great success though.

I would say I got most of my clients from word of mouth.

I see lots of ads posted at the gas stations, laundromat, library, kid's thrift stores...

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Thanks ladies. I'm a bit leery of the craigslist advertising ...

Oh, the kids' thrift store is a great idea - we just had a local one open up.

Ok, and one more question - do you think I should start putting out fliers now, even though I don't have my license yet? I know I can't take kids yet ... but maybe if parents are doing interviews for a couple months ahead? Would you think it would be safe that I could advertise that I would be open in March?

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I feel like Craigslist is today's version of a newspaper ad. The people you find there aren't going to be any weirder than the newspaper, in my opinion.

Our clients are all word of mouth referrals or from Craigslist. I am also in MI

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I would say 95% of my calls are from craigslist

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I would say it's fine to advertise early as long as you are sure of your open/start date. I did this when I advertised too. I put something like "new in home daycare opening Aug. 2..." As long as the parents know they can't start immediately and you are certain that your license will be complete by whatever date you decide.

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Well, looks like craigslist is the way to go so far, haha. I put an ad on there yesterday morning, stating that I am still working on getting my license and will not be open until early spring of 2013. I received two e-mails yesterday, one just asking about my rates, and the other one is for a part-time 1 yr old who I e-mailed back and forth with a couple times, answering her questions, and she wants me to call her as soon as I get my license so she can come over for an interview! I know not to get my hopes up about it yet, but I was shocked that it started so quickly.

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