Babysitting is a great way to make extra money, especially if you love kids. Babysitting can also easily turn into a fulltime job if you have enough clients. With an average hourly rate of $13.50 nationally, and significantly more in high cost of living areas, babysitting pays pretty well while also allowing you to keep flexible hours and do something you enjoy. If you'd like steadier babysitting work and to make more money, here are five tips for taking your babysitting business to the next level:

Create Online Profiles

While word of mouth and babysitting for families you already know is a great way to get started, if you want more clients you should definitely go digital. Online babysitting sites allow parents to search for babysitters in their area.

They'll be able to see your photo (make sure you're smiling!), read what you have to say (keep it professional and upbeat) and even check on your references and any specific qualifications you have. These sites are usually free for babysitters. This list of the best babysitting sites is a great place to start.

Ask for Testimonials

Parents want to know that you have experience and that their children will be safe and happy in your hands. A great way to accomplish this is by collecting a few testimonials from other parents you've babysat for. A glowing testimonial about how reliable, trustworthy, and good with kids you are will go a long way to making a parent you don't yet know personally want to hire you.

Simply ask a few previous clients you know were happy with your services to write a short paragraph recommending you. It's a good idea to get these by emailed Word documents so that you can save them and use them over and over.

Get CPR and First Aid Certified

Knowing that you are CPR and first aid certified is hugely reassuring to parents. Leaving small children in the care of someone else is always nerve-wracking, but being CPR and first aid certified helps parents relax, knowing their children are in responsible hands.

Getting first aid and CPR training will also help give you the peace of mind of knowing that you have the knowledge and skills to help save a life in an emergency, something that is useful in multiple situations beyond your babysitting business. Don't forget to add your certification details to your online babysitting profiles.

Create a Resume and List of References

A resume shows that you're serious about your babysitting business and also helps parents to see all of your pertinent info in one place. References are not typically included on a resume, but it's a good idea to have them ready to go since most parents will ask for them. The reference list should be a simple list of names, phone numbers, and email addresses of people you've babysat for in the past who wouldn't mind if a prospective client contacted them.

Keep copies of your list of references and resume together in a folder so you hand them out at interviews with parents. You will want to have both digital and printed copies available.

Order Business Cards

Business cards are not only professional, they are also a convenient way to give out your contact information to potential clients you meet when you're out and about. Don't be shy about striking up a conversation with parents you happen to meet. If they seem open to hiring a new babysitter, simply hand them your card and ask them to contact you if they ever need a new sitter.

By following these steps you will show parents that you are professional and organized, which may lead to higher pay and more babysitting business.