So, you’ve finished your dog grooming training at The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy – congratulations! You’ve got the skills, the tools and the confidence to turn your passion into a business. Now comes the exciting part: finding your first customers.
Whether you’re working from home, setting up a salon, or starting a mobile grooming service, this guide will walk you through simple, effective ways to market your dog grooming business and start building a loyal customer base.
Create a Brand People Remember
Even a small business needs a brand. Choose a friendly business name, pick 2–3 colours, and use the same style across your website, social media, and flyers. A consistent look helps people remember you and builds trust. Reach out if you need help with this.
Start with a Google Business Profile
Google Maps is one of the best ways to help local pet owners find you. It’s free and easy to set up. Once you’ve added your business name, location, opening hours and services, your profile will appear when people search for things like “dog groomer near me” or “dog grooming in Northwich”
Here’s a valuable resource > https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/google-business-profile/getting-started/
Build a Basic Website
You don’t need a fancy website to get started. Just a clean, easy-to-use page with your services, prices, location and a way to book an appointment. Add a few good photos of dogs you’ve groomed (with permission) and a bit about yourself.
Add resource > https://www.squarespace.com/ or talk to us about a simple brochure website package.
List on Online Directories
Sites like Yell, Yelp, and local pet business directories are free to join and can help more people find you. These sites also link back to your website, which boosts your online presence over time.
Use Social Media to Show Off Your Work
Social media is a great (and free) way to connect with pet owners in your area.
Post Before & After Photos
Everyone loves a good transformation. Post clear, happy photos of your grooming results – always with the owner’s permission. These visuals help potential clients trust your work before they’ve even booked in.
Share Grooming Tips
Posting small tips like how to brush long-haired dogs or what to do between grooms shows your knowledge and builds trust. It also gives people a reason to follow you.
Join Local Facebook Groups
There are plenty of community groups where dog owners chat and ask for local services. Join in, offer advice, and be helpful. You don’t need to sell – just being visible and supportive often leads to enquiries.
Use Hashtags and Locations
Tag your town and nearby areas in your posts. Use hashtags like #DogGroomerEdinburgh or #YorkshireDogs to help locals find you.
Attract Clients with Easy Offers
You don’t need big discounts – just smart, simple incentives to help people give you a try.
Referral Rewards
Offer current clients a small discount or free add-on (like a paw balm treatment) if they refer a friend who books in. Word-of-mouth is powerful in pet care.
First-Time Discounts
A small discount for new clients helps them take the first step. It can make all the difference when choosing between two groomers.
Loyalty Cards
A basic stamp card (e.g. “5 grooms and get 1 free”) encourages repeat visits. It’s simple to print and easy for clients to understand.
Make Local Connections
Talk to Other Pet Professionals
Reach out to local pet shops, vets, dog walkers or dog trainers. Leave a few flyers or cards with them and consider teaming up for cross-promotions. A friendly, face-to-face connection goes a long way.
Attend Local Pet Events
Look for pet fairs, dog shows or community markets. Having a small stall or just handing out flyers can help you meet people face-to-face and grow your network.
Volunteer at Shelters
Offering your grooming services to local rescue centres is a great way to give back – and it often leads to referrals or press coverage. Plus, you’ll be helping dogs in need look their best for rehoming.
Collect and Use Reviews
Ask Every Happy Client
Once a client is pleased with your work, kindly ask if they’d leave a quick review on Google or Facebook. Most will say yes – they just need a little nudge
Make It Easy
Send them the direct link to leave a review. The easier it is, the more likely they’ll do it.
Show Off Your Best Reviews
Don’t just collect them – use them! Post reviews on your website and share them on social media. A genuine review means more than any advert.
Top Tip:
Reviews that mention your location or services (e.g. “Great dog groomer in Swansea – my cocker spaniel loved it!”) can help your site show up better in local searches.
Make Booking Simple
Use an Online Booking Tool
Plenty of free or affordable tools let clients book through your website or Facebook page. This saves you time and avoids missed calls.
Send Reminders
Most booking tools offer text or email reminders. These reduce no-shows and keep your schedule running smoothly.
Clear Contact Details
Always include your phone number, email, and social links on your website and in all your posts. Make it easy for people to reach you however they prefer.
Keep Learning and Stay Inspired
If you’re already an experienced dog groomer and looking to grow your business, staying current is key. Follow other groomers online, take short courses ( talk to Al at the Paw Pad if they can offer a course to suit you) , or attend grooming shows when you can. Learning new styles or techniques keeps your work fresh, helps you stand out, and can lead to new services that attract more clients.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own grooming business is exciting – and with the right marketing, you can build a strong list of loyal clients. You don’t need to be a tech expert. Just take it one step at a time, stay consistent and focus on doing great work. Google will notice, and so will your clients.You’ve already done the hard part – learning the skills. With a bit of steady marketing, your client list will grow naturally. And if you ever feel stuck or unsure, ask for help. Support is always just a step away.
