How To Use Online Job Sites To Build A Babysitting Business
Babysitting is big business. Parents are busier than ever, and many need a reliable sitter for a variety of occasions. Because sitters are in such high demand, a smart sitter can earn a comfortable income doing something she loves. But how do you get started? Here are some steps you'll want to take when setting up your new business.
Create a profile that highlights your babysitting skills. Most online sites offer parents the option of searching for a nanny or babysitter. Make sure your profile makes it clear that you're looking for sitting jobs. Customize your message to connect with parents that are looking for a quality caregiver. Highlight your experience, your availability, your reliability and other things that make you a great sitter. Writing a great profile takes time and effort, but the end result is well worth it.
Regularly search new families for matching profiles. New families register with online sites every day, so make sure you're regularly searching for potential new clients. You may be able to set your notification settings so you'll get an automatic email or text whenever a matching family joins.
Include keywords so your profile shows up in searches. When families join an online site, they'll also search caregivers. Make sure your profile includes the keywords that parents will use when searching. If you have experience with multiples or special needs, make sure to include those terms. If you're willing to work overnights, make sure you list that. By thinking about how parents will search, you can make sure that your profile ends up at the top of their list.
Give parents the information they need to hire you. Online sites are a great way to get leads, but that's only the first step. Once you have a lead, you'll need to turn that lead into a paying family client. Use the many features available through online sites to highlight the information parents are looking for when deciding who to hire. You can include your resume, your background clearance, reviews and testimonials from past clients, reference letters, activity ideas and sample meal and snack suggestions. Include anything you'd like to share with parents that shows the type of sitter you are.
Create a rate card. It's essential that your clients know how much you charge before you babysit for them for the first time. What is your hourly rate? Do you charge more if there's more than one child? Do you charge more for weekends or holidays? Do you offer a discount to families that use you often? Once you know exactly what you're going to charge in different circumstances, create a rate card that outlines all the information and give it to parents. That way you'll know you're both on the same page and you won't have to negotiate money at the end of the evening.
Develop a cancelation policy. At some point, a parent will cancel a date they've scheduled with you. They should know in advance what your rules are. How far in advance do you need to know the family is canceling before you charge them a cancelation fee? What will that cancelation fee be? Can they reschedule without having to pay a penalty? Make sure you have your cancelation policies clearly detailed in your profile and that you give each new client a copy of the policy. You don't want them to find out you're charging them a fee after they've canceled.
Set up an easy way for parents to make payments to you. The point of having a babysitting business is to make some money! So one thing you'll want to do is find a way for parents to pay you. While it's likely you'll accept cash, fewer and fewer parents use cash these days. Will you accept personal checks? With a check, you not only have to worry about the check bouncing, but also how long it will take before the funds become available to you. Depending upon your bank, that could be immediately or could take several days. There are several smart phone applications and instant payment options available now that allow parents to quickly and easily pay you with just a few clicks. The money goes directly into your account and you can immediately access it. There is a small fee for some of these transactions, so you'll have to decide if the advantages make the fees worthwhile.
Ask parents for referrals. One of the best ways to build up your babysitting clientele is to ask your current families if they have friends that are looking for a babysitter. A personal referral from a friend can help put even the most anxious parents at ease.