Once you’ve completed your babysitting basics, such as CPR and first-aid training and a babysitting course, you need to start letting families know that you are ready to babysit. From writing or polishing up your resume and job references and creating a standout job profile to building a social media presence, here’s what you need to know to get the word out about your babysitting business.
1. Put together a resume and references
Before you set forth on marketing your babysitting services, put everything together in a resume, including your name, contact information, work and child care experience (however minimal), special skills and any job or personal references.
2. Create a professional online job profile
Next, create a job profile on an online babysitting resource, such as Care.com. Having an online job profile can extend your digital reach to more potential clients. Pull from your resume to list your professional skills and relevant experience.
Before finalizing your online job profile, make sure to:
- Include a tasteful, high-quality profile photo or headshot.
- Make sure to complete each section with accurate information.
- Have a parent or trusted friend check for typos.
- Include your current contact information and availability.
Once your profile is up, prepare for the calls to come in.
3. Spread the word out about your services
While you are waiting for job offers to roll in via your online profile, there are other ways to get the word out about your services and availability. Try these methods:
- Leave a babysitting flyer in neighbors’ mailboxes.
- Post a flyer on community boards in local coffee shops, the library or post office.
- Try using social media. Share your job profile on your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and it goes without saying that you should make sure any of your public social media accounts are friendly and professional.
- Ask your parents or neighbors to send a text or email blast to all their friends and colleagues announcing your availability to babysit.
4. Be ready when the job comes
Last but definitely not least, to run a successful babysitting business, you need to be organized.
You should be ready to:
- Respond to prospective families and babysitting requests quickly — parents are busy, so make it easy for them to hire you and they’ll call back again and again.
- Answer questions about yourself.
- Pull up your schedule in a snap, using an online calendar app or other tool.
- Scan your availability quickly so you can book meet-and-greet interviews and new jobs on the spot.
- Keep track of clients’ contact information, addresses and even the kids’ birthdays!
Have more babysitting questions? Check out The Professional Guide for Babysitters.
