It’s that time of year. “New Year, New me” resolutions and bold proclamations are everywhere. But the first few months of the year can be so much more than that, it can be a time to plan your year of marketing to new clients and retaining your current ones. Now is the time to rethink the 'typical' marketing tactics you use- virtual and hardcopy - and see if they are still working for your business, or are you just doing them because you think you have to.

Out with the Old- Business Cards
Many companies are opting out of traditional business cards for purposes of environmental standards, potential clients not keeping them or lacking of personality in them. They just feel 'old', and they don't feel very personal and genuine as much in the 2020's.

In with the New- Virtual + Sustainable Alternatives
Replace with magnets that last longer or QR codes that auto send a virtual business card or bring them to landing pages on your website.

Magnets: They last longer and rarely get ruined when in a pocket or bag, people feel bad about throwing them away more then a card, and most people love magnets to use on the fridge. They can look like the front of a business card with a rectangle or more uniquely shaped like your logo or other fun design with contact info on either.

QR Codes: There are many companies out there that can help you create this process- which is becoming ever increasingly popular with the younger generations.

AVOID: Annual calendar magnets-you put an expiration date on something that instead could last YEARS.

Out with the Old- Brochures
Many companies are opting out of the Bi- or Tri- fold brochure- most clients do not have the time or attention span to read all that word space.

In with the New- Rack Cards
Replace with single page- front and back only rack cards. They are cheaper, more clean to look at, get the point across quicker, less paper used and even sturdier then a typical brochure.

AVOID: Putting prices could make you throw them away if not used by the time you do a price increase. I've even heard of businesses delaying price increases because they still have hundreds of brochures printed they didn't want to waste!

Out with the Old- DIY Website
While a DIY website is the lowest cost upfront, its the most expensive in the long run. Your business cannot succeed with poor SEO (search engine optimization), 90's- early 2000's era designs and lack of ease of use.

In with the New- Custom Website
There are many pet - specific companies and website designers that cater specifically towards the pet industry and they do their jobs exceptionally. From the background details of Wordpress, HTML, and all that other fancy jargon to the front end font choices, keywords, accents, photo sizes and all the 'pretty' parts that will bring your customers straight to you.

AVOID: Using other companies' wording and business website designs- it's illegal, you can be sued - it's called Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism. Companies can spend thousands on that content and, to keep it simple, it's just not cool.

Pro Tip: Check to see if your website content has been stolen. Go to: http://www.copyscape.com/, enter the website URL for your home page and run a search.

Out with the Old- Generic Logo
While Canva, Vistaprint and other programs have pre-made, generic logos you can use legally- the probability a hundred other persons are using that too. Your logo is your BRAND, is your LEGACY and it's the FIRST thing customers see usually.

In with the New- Professionally Designed Logo
Hire a professional Graphic Designer to pick your brain about your brand's personality and what type of emotions you want to portray - and they will create something that is so unique to your company your clients will recognize it with a quick glance.

AVOID: The most common logo designs in the animal industries are profile outlines of a cat + dog combo- from Veterinarians, Trainers, Groomers and, yes, Pet Sitters + Dog Walkers. While it is a perfectly viable option, I recommend to stay clear away.

Out with the Old-Bad Color + Font Choices
Just because you can choose whatever colors and fonts you want, doesn't mean you should. Certain colors are shown to have clear emotional reactions for our customers- so sometimes thinking with just your heart-isn't the best option.

In with the New- Modern Color + Font Choices
Yes, certain fonts and colors can 'age' your business- so ask opinions from professionals on popular colors, color pairings, and fonts that go best with them. It is like choosing the best wine to go with your meal, there are professionals that have done thousands of hours of training and education to tell you how these pairings portray your company's story. Having a marketing guide for your company created is a great way to ensure long term success for you and your staff. 

AVOID: Choosing colors that are hard to find or have certain limitations for printing on shirts, materials and other marketing supplies.

PRO TIP: Keep an eye out for the BRAND NEW NAPPS Brand + Media Kit! This virtual guide will help you understand how to create your own or be able to advocate when hiring a professional.

Amber Van Denzen Suarez is the Founder of Atta Boy! Animal Care, and Pet Sitter CEO Youtube channel. A dually certified Professional Pet Sitter, retired Veterinary Nurse of 13 years, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences. She lives with her 3 dogs, 15 chickens, 3 fish aquariums, 2 hermit crabs + 1 green anole lize with her human family in Lakeland, Florida.

Amber Van Denzen, CPPS
Atta Boy! Animal Care
Dedicated NAPPS Volunteer