Tips For Getting Clients

To become a successful farrier business it is nessesary to find clients to work for. Though marketing your services and networking you can build your client base. Here are some tips for attracting clients:

1. Have business cards and fliers printed. You can have this done

   Volunteering at therapeutic riding centers lets you give back to the community, while meeting contacts.

   professionally or make them on a home computer and print at a local printer. Cards should be professional and easily read. Fliers should also be professional, accurate, eye-catching and appealing. Make sure to have someone else proof both for readability. With permission of the establishment’s management, post your fliers at places horse owners and trainers frequent, like feed stores or equine centers.
2. Visit local stables and training facilities. Introduce yourself to everyone from the business’s owner to the grooms. Ask if you can leave cards and a flier. Be diplomatic and don’t give the impression you are trying to take clients from farriers already working at these places.
3. Introduce yourself to local equine veterinarians. Tell vets about your education, qualifications and availability. Give them several business cards, as they could pass them along to potential customers.
4. Place a sign on you shoeing vehicle. Pay a print shop for a magnetic sticker — it can be easily moved if you change shoeing rigs. Be prepared to answer questions about your business, as interested parties will engage you at unexpected times.
5. Advertise. This can be in a small-town newspaper, church bulletin, the Yellow Pages and/or a Web site. Determine your budget and advertise as soon as possible.
6. Join the local association. You will not only improve your hoof-care knowledge, but also meet farriers who could refer clients to you.
7. Volunteer. Offer your time to places like therapeutic horse centers. From doing hoof care or lectures, you’ll get your name out there.
8. Go to equine events. Attend as many equine functions as possible, from trail ride gatherings to breed shows. You may have the opportunity to replace lost shoes in lieu of an absent farrier. Give out your cards and post a flier.
9. The best advertising: word of mouth. Don’t just leave a client with a business card after your first meeting — leave them with a good impression. Exercise professionalism and if you follow these guidelines, the next time a fellow horse owner asks your client for a farrier suggestion, your phone will ring.

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