As a sitter on Petbnb, your mission is to give pets and their owners a worry-free experience. Getting off to a good start is crucial, and there are a few key steps you can follow to become successful in your petsitting adventure. Whether you're new or already experienced, below are valuable tips to take your Petbnb profile to the next level and get more bookings!
1. Optimize your sitter profile
A good profile is your business card! This is often the first thing potential clients look at, so it pays to spend some time on this. Make sure your profile is clear and inviting:
Personal Description
Tell something about yourself, your experience with animals and why you love to petsit. This is the place to show your passion for animals. For example, do you have experience with dogs of different sizes or cats with special care needs? Mention this here.
Bright pictures
Photos are incredibly important. Make sure you have clear, happy photos of yourself with pets that show you are involved. Also try to offer a variety: both active (for example, walking a dog) and cozy (for example, a cat on your lap). Also, owners like to see a picture of your home so they can see where their own four-legged friend will be staying.
Specifications
Clearly state what services you offer (for example, house-sitting, walking, administering medication) and whether there are any restrictions (such as maximum size of dog or no uncastrated animals). Clarity builds trust!
A good profile attracts the right customers and makes pet owners feel comfortable leaving their beloved pets behind.
If you have pets of your own and plan to host pets at your home; always create a pet profile for your own animal(s) as well. This will automatically filter out pets that do not get along well with other animals. So you will only receive requests from dogs that are compatible with your pet. How convenient!
2. Calendar management: keep your availability up to date
One of the most important tools on Petbnb is your personal calendar. It allows pet owners to see when you are available to petsit. Here are a few tips to best manage your calendar:
Make sure you update your availability regularly. It is annoying for owners when they make a request and you turn out to be unavailable even though your calendar indicates that you are.
Not going to babysit for an extended period of time? Then put your ad in "vacation mode". This way you avoid disappointment and do not receive applications during a time when you are not available.
If you know you will be busy or have more time in the next six months, indicate this right away. This helps owners find a reliable babysitter well in advance.
Keeping your calendar up to date shows that you are professional and gives confidence to potential clients.
3. Be quick to respond
Responding quickly to inquiries gives the owner confidence and increases your chances of a booking.
- Always respond within 24 hours, so the request does not expire. Also, owners sometimes send a booking to several sitters at once, so the sooner you respond, the more likely you are to get a booking.
- Set notifications: Make sure you are immediately aware of new posts and requests.
- Download the app: This way you can manage your calendar on your phone and new bookings come in here. So this way you are faster than through the website.
- Proactive communication: Always respond in a friendly and professional manner, even if you cannot accept an application.
The system tracks how often you fail to respond to bosses, and eventually you will become less visible if you fail to respond (in time) too often. This is not to bully you, but to ensure that owners can quickly find a loving sitter. After all, it is very disappointing when sitters do not respond.
4. Lower your rates temporarily
If you are new or want to bring in more inquiries, consider lowering your rates slightly temporarily. This can help you get bookings faster and build reviews. Once you have more reviews, you can gradually increase your rates.
5. Always offer an introduction
One of the most important steps as a sitter is to schedule an introduction to the pets and their owners before the sitting period begins. This time gives you the opportunity to:
- Getting to know the pets better and seeing how they respond to you.
- Make clear arrangements for care, such as feeding schedule, any medications, and their daily routine.
- To discuss if there are any specific concerns, such as fear of loud noises or any allergies.
For owners, this also provides assurance that their pet is in good hands. An introduction reduces stress for everyone and ensures that the petsitting goes smoothly. Moreover, it prevents you from finding out during the sitting that it is not a match after all and the owner has to pick up the pet again - or if they are on vacation you have to find an alternative address yourself.
6. Collect good reviews
After each petsitting assignment, owners can leave a review. These reviews are incredibly valuable to your reputation on Petbnb. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely new clients will choose you. Here are a few tips for getting good reviews:
Always go the extra mile for the pets and the owner. This can range from sending a daily photo update to keeping the house clean and tidy.
Be open and clear in your communication. This begins at the introduction and continues throughout the babysitting period. If something happens - for example, if an animal feels sick - contact them immediately.
Many people forget to post a review after a pleasant experience, so don't be afraid to kindly ask if the owner would like to leave a review. This can be done at the end of the babysitting period, or via a message afterwards.
Reviews provide social proof. New customers see not only what you say about your petsitting services, but also how others have experienced your service.
If you don't have any reviews yet you can also ask your friends/family for references. here.
7. Promote yourself on social media
If you are already active on platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, share your Petbnb profile to increase its reach. Word of mouth and social media can help you get more bookings quickly. You can also share your profile with your own promotional link in your account. Find out where to find it here. If the owner then signs up through this link, he will also receive a 10 euro discount from us on his first booking with you! Don't worry - this does not affect your earnings.
Get the most out of your petsitting adventure with Petbnb
Whether you are an experienced sitter or just starting out, paying attention to these points can take your petsitting adventure on Petbnb to the next level. A good introduction, up-to-date calendar, attractive profile and excellent reviews are the key to success. Not only will you ensure satisfied customers, but also happy pets - and in the end, that's what it's all about!
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