How to Turn Your Fur Baby Into a Social Media Star

You love your dog so much that you just want to share him or her with the world, right? There’s nothing wrong with that. But if there comes a point in your social media life when the majority of the content you’re sharing is pics of your pup, it might be time to reevaluate. Because that, my friends, is the telltale sign that it’s time to take the next step in your dog-dad or dog-mom journey: creating a social media account for your furry friend.

Many pet owners start an Instagram account, TikTok page, YouTube channel or other social media account for their dog because they don’t want to annoy their followers by constantly posting pictures of him or her on their personal account. And before they know it, their doggo has followers from all over the world. What started as a fun and creative outlet can quickly turn into a side hustle or real business opportunity as the manager of a canine influencer, actor or model. Whether you launched your dog’s Insta for fun or set out with the intention to create the next Doug the Pug, here are a few tips to follow when building your best friend’s brand.

Deciding on a niche is one of the most important ways to attract followers who are interested in the same things that you are. Ask yourself: What do you want your dog’s account to be known for? Maybe your dog is an allergy alert dog, special needs dog, Korean meat trade rescue, fashionista, senior dog, sock thief or your hiking companion. There’s a lot of competition in the canine social media industry, so don’t be afraid to stand out from the pack.

It’s also important to consistently share high-quality content to keep your followers barking for more. Post clear pictures and videos with good lighting to get people to stop scrolling and engage with your content. You can inspire your followers to interact with your posts by asking questions and deliver value to them by offering up solutions to
their problems.

Lastly, at Dog Like Me, we encourage people to get out from behind their brand to build relationships with their followers. Let’s face it, everyone knows your dog can’t type, and by showing your face with your dog on social media, your dog becomes more relatable. People really do want to know the human behind the canine star, so don’t be afraid to share a little bit about yourself on your dog’s social media, or use his or her platform to spread awareness for a cause you are passionate about.           

Saratogian Kara Conway Love is a lawyer and former adjunct college professor. She is a dog mom-turned-Instagram strategist who developed Dog Like Me, a media brand that connects and inspires dog lovers. Kara helps canine influencers and dog businesses and nonprofits develop their niche and grow their brand on social media. Follow her and Walter the Australian Cobberdog on Instagram at @walterduffydog and @dog.like.me.