The Most Powerful Pet Industry Trends and Online Growth Strategies
Erin
Co-Founder & Director
As a pet business owner, you already know that the industry is constantly evolving. In fact, it’s been growing rapidly around the globe since the pandemic began. Yet we also understand that it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, on top of juggling everything else.
So we created this blog to highlight the most powerful pet industry trends and online growth strategies available for pet businesses right now.
And don’t worry, we’ll also provide tips on how you can implement these strategies to benefit your own pet biz!
Online Marketing
It’s no secret that online marketing is the future of how consumers purchase products, and for the pet industry this is no different. As more and more people turn to the internet for their pet needs, it’s vital that you have a strong online presence.
There are several ways you can market your pet business online, with some of the most effective including:
Creating a user-friendly website: Your website is often the first point of contact between you and potential customers. Make sure it’s user-friendly and informative, and include clear calls to action (e.g. make it super easy for them to purchase from you.)
Improving your search engine optimisation (SEO): Use keywords related to your business to help potential customers find you more easily online. Think about what phrases or terms your customers are likely to plug into Google.
Social media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great ways to connect with current and potential customers. Share engaging and value-driven content, use it to answer common customer queries, and run competitions or giveaways across your social media channels to increase interest in your brand.
Paid advertising: This is where you put a budget behind adverts on search engines, social media, and other websites. This can help you reach a wider audience and retarget any potential customers who show initial interest in your product
Brand Storytelling
No matter what marketing channel you choose to use, you should always aim for consistency in your brand storytelling. This means having a clear and concise message that you convey across all your marketing materials, from website copy to social media posts.
Your brand story should be at the heart of everything you do, as it is what will make you stand out in this thriving industry and build a connection with your customers.
If you’re not sure where to start with your brand storytelling, consider using these four tips:
Identify your target audience: what type of pet parent are you trying to reach?
Develop a clear brand voice: what is unique about your brand?
Create compelling content: what story can you tell that will resonate with your audience?
Identify your values: what is your ethos/what are the principles that guide everything you do as a business?
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a powerful brand story that will help you increase your visibility, resonance, and reach.
As a pet biz, storytelling is a powerful tool to engage pet parents – especially as the experience of being a pet parent is already such an emotional journey. But what you may not know is why brand storytelling is extremely effective as a marketing strategy too.
The reason brand storytelling is so effective is because it allows you to connect with pet parents on a more personal level. When you share your story, you’re giving them a glimpse into who you are as a company and what you stand for. This helps your brand to connect with pet parents, helping to build trust and loyalty with your company.
Another reason brand storytelling is so important is because it helps you stand out from any pop up or copycat pet brands. In today’s busy marketplace, it’s more important than ever to differentiate yourself if you ever want to be a memorable pet brand. Telling your story is one of the best ways to do that. When you tell your story, showing some emotion and perhaps even some vulnerability, you’re giving pet parents a reason to choose you over the competition.
Build an Email List
One of the most powerful things you can do to grow your business is to build a list of email subscribers. This list will be filled with people who have showed clear interest in what you have to offer, who are eager to hear what you have to say and be the first to receive any discounts or promotions with your brand.
The best way to build an email list is to offer something of value in exchange for their email address. This could be a discount, a free shipping offer, or a free eBook (what is often called a lead magnet in the marketing industry).
Once you have a list of email addresses, you can use a CRM (customer relationship management) tool to send regular messages to your list. A great quality CRM may also help you keep track of your customers and their purchase history, giving you the ability to further personalise your community’s purchasing experience with your brand.
Email Marketing
In our opinion, the most powerful marketing tool you have at your disposal is email marketing. When used correctly, email marketing can be an incredibly effective way to reach and engage your audience. However, it’s important to remember that not all email marketing campaigns are created equal.
What works for one pet business might not work for another. That’s why it’s important to get expert advice or experiment with different email marketing strategies until you find what works best for your business.
You should also consider segmenting your email list so that you can send targeted messages to specific groups of people. This will help ensure that your message is relevant and engaging, and that it resonates with your audience.
Final Thoughts
The pet industry has been growing rapidly, particularly since the pandemic where many of us invited new furry friends into our lives and our relationships with existing pets deepened. However, because this boom has occurred so recently, we’ve not yet seen pet related businesses adjust their marketing to capitalise on this opportunity.
It’s time to think outside the box of how it comes to connecting and engaging with pet parents. For example, did you know that there’s now bean bags being marketed as being ‘great for your dog’? This is just one instance of adapting your marketing messaging to appeal specifically for pet parents.
By using the most powerful pet industry trends and online growth strategies, you can set your brand up for success. Keep these tips in mind as you develop your marketing strategy, and you’ll be sure to see your results soar.
As a pet business owner, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. By doing so, you’ll be able to create marketing strategies that appeal to your target audience and generate more growth. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the pet industry for years, we hope this discussion has been beneficial for you!
If you’re still feeling a little lost or unsure what steps to take next, remember we’re always here to help with aspects like your email marketing and brand development. Simply reach out here and we’d be happy to offer our support on tackling your next challenge.
