Advertising Your Childminding Services
There are many different ways and places to advertise your services. Methods include using the Children's Information Service, newspapers, posters, postcard adverts, local CMA coordinator. Places include schools, play groups, community centres, health clinics, doctors waiting rooms, shops, libraries and the internet. Any where parents might go.
- Children's Information Service - a contact for parents looking for child care, registering your details is free, CIS info
- Newspaper- a small add could be placed in the classified section
- Posters - these could be put up in various locations
- Postcard adverts - most shop windows will display these for free or a small charge
- Local CMA coordinator - your local childminding association may deal with parents looking for vacancies
- Internet - we place adverts on this site for Leighton Buzzard Childminders, you could also have your own internet site For more information on online advertising read our help page.
The most important information to include in all adverts are, the fact you are a registered childminder with vacancies, your location, (not your address) and your contact details. Depending on the amount of room, other information could include, personal logo, school pick up, facilities, qualifications, cost. The advert should be eye catching, friendly and professional. Using a computer is a good idea otherwise make sure the writing is neat and easy to read. If you are including photographs get permission from the parents of the children in the them.
When writing about your facilities you could include things such a garden, playroom, separate sleeping room, hot food, play equipment, computer, mention any outings you do. You need to sell yourself, if you have a garden, say if it is large or what sort of toys you have outside and that it is child friendly. Why not read our advert pages to see how other childminders describe themselves.
Make sure you list any qualifications you have. Have you attended any courses, have a first aid certificate, an NVQ or NNEB, or a childminding course. Put down any courses you are working towards.
The cost of your services often depends on the number of hours etc so it is often easier to discuss this in person or on the phone rather then on an advert. If you do put a cost remember to say its only approximate.
A lot of customers come through word of mouth so make sure your friends and family know you have vacancies. Let other childminders in the area know you have vacancies so they can pass your details on to parents that contact them if they have filled their vacancy, or the parents requirements do not match their vacancies.
Remember advertising costs are tax deductible.
For help on what to do once a prospective customer contacts you, you may like
to read our article on how to be the
'Best Thing Since Sliced Bread'.
