The pet breeding industry is thriving today and it's one of the
fastest growing domestic markets. Each year, for the past five
years, the number of pet breeders has increased by at least 20
percent. This may seem like a positive development; however, this
market growth also means a rapid increase in competition.
Breeders now need to further strengthen their sales, marketing
and advertising efforts in order to maintain or better yet, beef
up their customer rosters. They also need to become more
competitive in terms of services and promotional efforts. Now,
more than ever, cat breeders must find more ways on how they can
use the power of media, including the Internet, in order to grow
their business. Here are a few ways on how cat breeders like you
can make your available pets and pet-related services known
online and use the Internet to reach target markets:
The Power of a Website
As a cat breeder, you should never underestimate the power of
online presence. A simple, professional looking website can help
introduce your business and services virtually to the whole
world. The website needn't be expensive, graphics-heavy or fancy
- a simple one can do as long as it can easily be maintained and
can encourage interaction between the cat breeder and the
prospective pet buyer.
Online Classifieds
You should make use of websites such as Find a Pet Online. You
can advertise your cattery, when you're expecting kittens,
details about the cats you breed and your asking price. Online
advertising and online classifieds are the first place many
prospective buyers now look. Keep in mind that long-term ads will
help you gather names of potential customers between litters
giving you the opportunity to carefully choose who you sell your
kittens to. Another item to note is that pictures sell pets. If
you place ads online, include pictures. Ads with pictures will
receive up to 7 times the number of inquiries as ads without
pictures.
Review Communities
Check out online city guides as well and get your business
listed! A good example of this is Yelp, an online guide where
opinionated reviewers can chip in their experiences with
businesses and individuals and yes, with cat breeders, too! If
you already have many satisfied clients, request them to place a
good word or review about you and your services in review
communities.
Profiles
Building various online profiles on social networking sites can
also help you network with other breeders or buyers. If you have
licenses or other facilities, (i.e. you're a duly registered
veterinarian who also owns a breeding clinic) make sure that you
indicate the same in your profile. This can help build your
reputation.
Genealogy Sites
There are websites online which you can use to build your very
own genealogy website, including pictures of your cats, blue
ribbons and breed certifications. These sites are typically
designed for human families, but that doesn't mean they can't
be easily adapted for pedigree tracing. Having one can reassure
your prospective buyers that you are passionate about what you do
and that you only produce kittens from a good gene pool. Remember
that as a cat breeder, you must avoid presenting yourself as if
the pets you sell come from so-called "kitten mills."
Message Boards
Register with various online forums and engage in discussions.
Don't hesitate to help people who are in need of pets or those
who need help on how to take care of their new feline companions.
Who knows - this may even lead to deals in the future!
Given all these reasons and resources, cat breeders need to
maximize the use of the Internet and other media. This, in order
to not only increase business presence and name recall but also
to guarantee pet lovers everywhere that you're ready to do
business.
CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com
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