How best to promote a new product for dog owners

[Spearmint]

I've invented and developed a new product primarily for the pet industry (dog owners) which is basically a simple but very effective ball thrower that you can put in your pocket. I've called it a Sloofa but its a nice alternative to the plastic ball throwers that you have to carry around.

I've just launched my new website, but now I need to let everyone know that its out there. What is the best way to do this without incurring great expense. I'd appreciate any advice.


Thank you

 

[BustersDogs]

Send free samples to people who work with dogs in exchange for feedback. If they like it they'll recommend it to their customers.

You could start with me if you like.

 

[emmylou74]

If you are selling directly to the public then approach the dog magazines like Your Dog, Dog Monthly etc. Apply to have a stand at the dog shows.

If you want retailers to buy wholesale then advertise in the pet trade mags.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

You have a great looking GSD.

 

[SouthernBusiness]

Well known trade magazines are PBW News and Pet Product Marketing. I was almost certain they will let you list brand new items in the magazine for free. One of them did in a particular section. These go to pretty much all the pet shops. If yours is just a short version of the normal thrower then this has been done before.
http://www.k9capers.co.uk/armitage-good-boy-mini-ball-istic-thrower

Also Chuckit has an extensive range of throwers, mini, medium, short, long large etc etc.
If you need details message me.

 

[Bob]

..... and there was also the Leaderball

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Well known trade magazines are PBW News and Pet Product Marketing. I was almost certain they will let you list brand new items in the magazine for free. One of them did in a particular section. These go to pretty much all the pet shops. If yours is just a short version of the normal thrower then this has been done before.
http://www.k9capers.co.uk/armitage-good-boy-mini-ball-istic-thrower

Also Chuckit has an extensive range of throwers, mini, medium, short, long large etc etc.
If you need details message me.

Think more "slingshot"

 

[Multi-store]

Lots of word of mouth should help you build a local audience, which, if you are using social media should help you gain interest from further afield at no cost.

 

[Spearmint]

Think more "slingshot"

It is based on a sling, but not to be confused with a catapult.

I do have some demo videos of it being used on my website with my dog, Jake, which are also on Youtube.

 

[Spearmint]

Well known trade magazines are PBW News and Pet Product Marketing. I was almost certain they will let you list brand new items in the magazine for free. One of them did in a particular section. These go to pretty much all the pet shops. If yours is just a short version of the normal thrower then this has been done before.
http://www.k9capers.co.uk/armitage-good-boy-mini-ball-istic-thrower

Also Chuckit has an extensive range of throwers, mini, medium, short, long large etc etc.
If you need details message me.

The Sloofa is nothing like one of the plastic ball throwers. You can actually fit it in your shirt pocket and it only weighs 15g. I dont think I'm allowed to post the url to the website, but if you google Sloofa or check out my profile you should find it.

Thank you for the advice, I did check out the sites.

 

[Spearmint]

If you are selling directly to the public then approach the dog magazines like Your Dog, Dog Monthly etc. Apply to have a stand at the dog shows.

If you want retailers to buy wholesale then advertise in the pet trade mags.

Do you happen to know how it works with dog magazines? Do you have to pay for them to run an article on it, for instance? What is the best way to approach them? Do I have to write the article and then submit it or do they write it?

I'm sure that it will be of interest to many dog owners, as it works so well and its easy to use, but marketing it, is another issue!

Thank you for your advice

 

[ethical PR]

If you want to guarantee content about your product appearing you need to advertise and provide artwork. If you want to try and gain editorial you need to pitch a story or news idea to the editorial team. To do this read their website/ publication to get an idea of the sort of content they are interested in.

Then send it over for them to consider.

You could pitch it as an ideal Christmas present for any gifts section they might be running. Don't forget to send them a quality high resolution image.

 

[BusinessTeam]

Good morning,

It might be worth trying something like www.notonthehighstreet.com they have recently launched a pet section and whilst you would need to pay a joining fee it would most definitely get your new product 'out there'.

Best wishes

Richard

 

[Spearmint]

Good morning,

It might be worth trying something like www.notonthehighstreet.com they have recently launched a pet section and whilst you would need to pay a joining fee it would most definitely get your new product 'out there'.

Best wishes

Richard

Thank you

I did check it out, but it costs £200 for a joining fee and they take 25% commission for each sale!

That seems pretty steep to me!

 

[BeMarketed]

There are at least 7 or 8 pet subscription box services across the world. What better way then to contact all of them and offer them goods for trade price whilst getting your name out there globally.

Even if you make only a small profit off this having several thousand customers for free can only gain you exposure and boost your chances of selling to the major retailers e.g. We have sold over 5000 across 5 or 6 countries in our first 2-3 months. Plus all of these guys have good online marketing platforms so their tweets/ facebook posts will allow you to reach many 1000's of potential customers.

 

[Purelight]

Promote on Social networking sites.. and get amazing response...

 

[Socio South West]

The one thing the OP doesn't mention is how big he wants this to be - Is it just something he knocks up at home himself one by one.... a bolt on project for an existing business making numbers, or does he envisage an all conquering campaign on the dog population of Britain.,.. Europe... The World?

For the smaller numbers, Social networking can work well, but be prepared for everyone to be ripping the idea off and counterposting how cheaply they can make it themselves.

If you are looking at reasonable numbers, your website, with some SEO, and something to get people in -a photo competition or something like that - will be a great aid, and some footslogging round smaller independent pet shops will help get some sales moving.

If you are aiming at volume, then there is no really cheap way - you have to have packaging, marketing materials etc in place, and pitch well to the larger retailers... but get it right, and the rewards in terms of business could be very good.

There's no right answer, and all the ideas posted will help to some degree. Although we live in an internet age, there is still no substitute for seeing the physical product, and whilst space at a show looks expensive, it's still an excellent way to increase product awareness, even if sales that are directly attributed to the show don't appear to make it financially worthwhile.