5 Comments so far

1. Danielle T on November 21, 2009 2:24 am

   Have you heard of the babysitters club books? There is a book by the same author that is called BSC guide to babysitting, and it gives you tips to starting a babysitting service, advertising, what you need, etc. I believe the author is Ann M. Martin.
   Basically, you will need to find people who need a babysitter. You should make up fliers with your name (I would reccommend not listing your last name on fliers), years of experience, and either your email address, your phone number, or both. Also, if you have any references, say that on the fliers too, but do not list their names or phone numbers. If someone calls you and asks for references, then you can give them the names and phone numbers of your references. You can give the fliers out in your neighborhood, or contact a place where kids are a lot (gymnastics studio, ballet school, etc.) and ask them if you can leave a pile of your fliers there. Also, you can post an ad on craigslist.com, sittercity.com, nannies4hire.com, care.com, and myfreenanny.com. Post the same information that is on your fliers on these sites, but I would not give out your phone number online, until you have talked to the person online for a while. Even then, I would reccomend not giving out any personal information until you meet the person. Have your parents bring you to meet the person, for safety reasons. Just have them come to the door with you and say, Hi I’m (your names) mom/dad, I will be waiting in the car while you interview (your name). Or something like that, lol.
   Also, one last tip (sorry for the long message by the way) get certified as a babysitter, or at least take a CPR and a First Aid course, that shows that you are really committed, and that you care about the safety of the person’s child. Parents are very impressed when you can tell them that you have certifications in CPR.

2. JustCuri on November 21, 2009 3:16 am

   You can:
   1) Place a free ad on Craigslist and other free classified ad sites, for starters!
   2) Make cheapy flyers, printing them out as you can afford to, and distribute in your neighborhood and surrounding areas. Leave at local carryouts, gas stations, dry cleaners and other places in the library as allowed, libraries, too.
   3) Keep seeking more tips like you are here
   4) Outsource some online marketing and do some yourself, using keywords for your area (state, city, “babysitting” etc.). …using blogging, articles, press releases, etc.
   5) Tell everyone you know you babysit and are seeking clients (neighbors, church friends, biz associates, groups, etc.) ; tell them to spread the word. Print up biz cards to give to everyone, extras to share, too, with their friends. Vistaprint feebies work fine.
   6) Gather testimonials from happy clients and post them on your website and pass them out with info sheets to prospects.
   7) Take courses like CPR and babysitting at local places (check at the library), then add these to your info sheet, too, along with a resume for a Welcome package to prospects).
   Good luck!

3. ~MaRrIeD on November 21, 2009 3:56 am

   this is what i did when i was 15. i made up some flyer’s and went to each and every neighbors house and gave flyer’s out and told them if they know anyone with kids please give them my number. i would just walk around looking for people with kids asking if they needed a babysitter. so just go to each neighbor and leave a flier! good luck!

4. Merry Christmas from mom of 7! on November 21, 2009 4:16 am

   There are some great websites that you can put up free profiles about yourself an your experience that parents look at!
   Some examples are Care.com and Sittercity.com!!
   Good Luck and be safe!

5. Roo on November 21, 2009 4:56 am

   put your number with local schools push leaflets through doors you would be willing to work word of mouth from there though im affraid!