Welcome to the Village: Setting Up for Success
This first post is all about building a profile that will attract families to book you. We'll take you through each step of the process.
Step-by-step guide:
Choosing Your Profile Picture:
- Make sure it's a solo photo of yourself. You want parents to recognize and trust the face they’re hiring.
- Use a clear, well-lit image. Avoid blurry or group photos.
- Smile! A friendly and approachable image helps build trust.
Crafting the Perfect Bio:
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Keep it short but informative (150-200 words). Share what makes you a great babysitter—experience, personality, hobbies.
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Mention your babysitting background (if any) and how you keep kids engaged (e.g., games, crafts).
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Don’t forget to check for grammar and spelling mistakes. A clean, well-written bio shows professionalism.
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Example Bio:
"Hi, I'm Emma, a university student with 3 years of babysitting experience. I’ve looked after children from 1 to 10 years old, and I love keeping them entertained with fun crafts and outdoor activities. Safety and care are always my top priority!"
Setting Your Rate:
- Do some research on what other babysitters in your area are charging and adjust based on your experience.
- Start with a competitive rate, and once you have more experience or recommendations, you can increase it.
- Remember that ITAV takes a small platform fee, so consider that when setting your rate.
Securing a Recommendation:
- Ask a teacher, coach, or parent who knows you well to write a character-based recommendation.
- If you have prior babysitting experience, reach out to families you’ve worked with to leave a recommendation.
- Having multiple recommendations boosts your credibility and makes you more attractive to families.