This week’s question:

20 years ago when I wanted to begin caring for children in my home I hand drew a flier (I didn’t even have a computer or printer at the time!) and hung it up on a community board at our local corner grocery store. I remember my futile attempts to draw ABC blocks, teddy bears, and beach balls on it and coloring them in with crayons. Fast forward 20 years and thanks to social media, we sure have come a long way in how we “spread the word.”

Although I no longer hang fliers often, that’s certainly a good way to get your name out there. Most corner stores, gas stations, diners, libraries, etc all still have community boards, usually located near their entrance.

Go to where the children and families are! You can hand fliers out at local soccer or T-Ball games, or any time there is some sort of activity going on in your community. I once handed fliers out at an Easter Egg Hunt.

Every Halloween, I attach my business card to little bags of candy to pass out at our local Trunk-or-Treat.

If your town has a town-wide yard sale day, a community day, or a block party, be sure to set up a table to advertise.

If your town does parades for certain holidays, sign up and make a float. Have current families ride with you!

You can attach business cards to the inside of children’s books and donate them to the local doctor or dentists waiting room.

Leave pamphlets or brochures at your local realtor’s office, so when new families move to town and are looking for childcare they know where to find you.

Be sure to call your local CCR&R and let them know what your openings are. They are usually more than happy to give referrals out to families.

Printed materials, although sometimes pricey, are a good way to get your name out there. Magnets, pens, t shirts, car magnets, and reusable cloth grocery bags are all good examples.

Our small town has a monthly newspaper that prints ads for local businesses. I keep my ad in the paper even when I’m full, just so my name stays out there. You can certainly place ads in your weekly newspaper, penny saver, or even online newspaper websites.

For me, social media has been the most effective way to advertise. I have a business page that I post pictures, articles, and current “advertisements” for openings on. You can certainly pay some of these platforms to boost posts for you, but I’ve had a lot of success simply tagging friends and asking them to share my posts.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your program to people you meet in public! When I’m in the grocery store dragging two full carts of food behind me, someone ALWAYS comments on “how many kids I must have”. It’s a great opportunity to say “Yup, I sure do.” And tell them all about my program while handing them a business card.

My most successful way to advertise has always been good old fashion word-of-mouth. Have current families let their extended family and friends know about your openings. You could also have them write recommendations to add to your social media pages. Sometimes I offer current families an incentive like a gift card to the local coffee shop or even a discount on their tuition.

There are a lot of affordable and effective ways to advertise. With a little creativity, you can get your name out there and be sure to fill your openings in no time!