Do dog walkers need a website? (Spoiler: Yes)
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Thinking about whether you really need a website for your dog walking business? The answer is yes - and it's simpler and more affordable than you might think. Here's why having a website can make all the difference.
If you've been around dog walking groups for more than five minutes, you've probably seen the question pop up: “Do I really need a website?” The answers are usually mixed. Some people say social media is enough. Others say a website is too expensive or too complicated.
Here's the truth: if you're a professional dog walker, a website isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential. And the good news? Setting one up doesn't need to be difficult, time-consuming, or costly.
Let's break down why a website matters, what it can do for your business, and the easiest ways to get started.
Get found on Google
When a pet owner searches "dog walker near me", Google isn't trawling Facebook groups. It's looking for websites. Without one, you're invisible to the people actively looking for your services right now in your area - your prime customers with high intent.
A simple website with your business name, services, location, and contact details is often enough to appear in local searches. That alone can win you clients you'd never reach through word of mouth or social media.
Build trust and professionalism
Imagine you're a dog owner comparing two walkers:
- Dog walker A has a Facebook page with a few photos.
- Dog walker B has a website describing who they are, with clear services, prices, testimonials, insurance, accreditation and contact info.
Who looks more professional and trustworthy? Dog walker B.
A website signals that you take your business seriously. It reassures clients that you're reliable, organised, and easy to reach. That extra credibility often makes the difference when someone's deciding who to trust with their beloved pet.
Control your own space
Social platforms are great, but they can change their algorithms overnight. Your posts might not get seen. Your page could even get locked or deleted. With a website, you own the space. You're in control of how you present your services, and your content won't vanish because of an algorithm update.
All your info in one place
No more back-and-forth DMs answering the same questions. A website can display your:
- Services and pricing
- Areas you cover
- Availability (or a booking link)
- Contact details
- Reviews and testimonials
That saves you time and makes life easier for potential clients.
Isn't a website expensive or complicated?
This is often where dog walkers hesitate. The good news is, building a simple professional website is cheaper and easier than ever. Here are a few routes you can take:
- DIY Website Builders - Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly let you drag-and-drop a website together. No coding required, costs about £10-15/month, and you can be live in a day.
- WordPress - Slightly more advanced, but hugely flexible. Perfect if you want to grow your site over time (blogs, online booking, even selling pet products). Hosting costs from £5-10/month, plus the price of a domain (~£10/year).
- Hire a Freelancer - If you'd rather hand it off, you can find designers who'll build you a starter site for a few hundred pounds. More expensive, but you save the time and hassle.
Whichever you choose, the investment quickly pays for itself in just a few new clients.
Beyond the basics: What your website can do
Once you've got a simple website up, you can start to see bigger opportunities:
- Lead magnets and email lists - Offer something free in exchange for an email address, like a "5 tips for choosing the right dog walker" PDF. It positions you as an expert, builds trust, and grows a list of potential clients you can stay in touch with.
- Bookings and scheduling - Add a simple booking form or link to your dog walking software that allows clients to view your availability and book you directly from your website, without endless messages back and forth.
- Downloadable content - Think beyond your services. You could sell or share things like:
- Puppy training checklists
- Seasonal dog care guides
- Local dog-friendly walk maps
Community building
Your website can host a blog where you share stories, advice, and updates. That content not only helps with SEO (Google loves fresh, helpful posts) but also positions you as part of the local dog-walking community. Owners come to you for more than just walks - they see you as a trusted resource.
The bottom line
If you're serious about growing your dog walking business, a website isn't optional - it's the foundation. It helps new clients find you, builds credibility, saves time, and opens doors to new opportunities like passive income, community engagement, and online bookings.
The best part? You don't need to spend thousands or learn to code. Start small, keep it simple, and let your website grow with your business.
So, next time someone asks, "Do dog walkers need a website?" you'll know the answer.
Absolutely, yes.