6 Simple Ways to Get Your Dog Business Noticed and Attract More Customers

Let’s be honest, running a dog business isn’t always the dream you thought it would be. Most days we are all spinning more plates than a circus act, and when someone says 'you just need to show up more online,' it’s hard not to roll your eyes, or maybe that is just me!

But if you're wondering how to get your dog business in front of more people, or how to grow without shouting online all the time, this one’s for you.

There is no doubt that getting seen does matter. But it doesn’t have to mean dancing on TikTok or churning out content you hate. The longer I am in business, the more militant I am getting about not doing this!  Some of the best ways to attract more clients come from small and thoughtful touches, the kind that quietly do the job while you’re off walking dogs, packing orders, or having a cuppa. Yay to that!

So, here are six ways to get your dog business seen (without burning out in the process).

1. Spend Time Where Other Dog Business Owners Hang Out

Running your own thing can feel pretty flipping lonely sometimes. That’s why being part of a community can be such a game changer.

One I love is Pets Get Visible, run by Rachel Spencer. It’s a supportive membership of pet business owners. product and service based, who share ideas, collaborate, and cheer each other on and Rachel also does monthly coaching sessions amongst other things . Being part of a group of people who share a similar ideal customer can be inspiring and also provide opportunities for collaboration, which in turn puts you in front of each other's audiences.

You never know where that next referral, opportunity or idea will come from but the chances are, it will be from someone who gets it.

2. Add a Little Magic to the Everyday

You don’t have to go over the top to make a customer feel special. Sometimes it’s the little things, a handwritten note, a surprise freebie, or a funny postcard in their order. Even a tiny packet of Loveheart sweets has been known to brighten up my day!!

If you offer a service, could you pop a little seasonal tip sheet in your welcome pack? Or send a quick 'how did you get on?' message after a session?

Little touches go a long way. People do talk, and they love to share the good stuff.

3. Stay Visible (Even When You're Not Online)

Not everyone wants to be filming themselves every five minutes. If you’re not up for Reels or Lives or pointing at text bubbles, that’s fine. You can still stay visible in ways that don’t need your face on a screen.

Think

• Useful postcards or tips printed out, popped in with orders

• QR codes that take people to your FAQs or blog

• Flyers left at the vet, the local café, or the groomer down the road

You don’t always have to be posting to be present.

4. Team Up with Other Businesses

It’s not always about growing your audience , sometimes it’s about borrowing someone else’s (with permission, of course).

Could you

• Do a giveaway with a business that shares your values?

• Offer a small thank you commission to someone who sends customers your way?

• Guest blog or feature on each other’s newsletters or podcasts?

• Pop flyers in each others parcels.

One post from someone else could do more for your business than ten of your own. Especially if their audience trusts them.

5. Use Your Products to Tell a Story (Without Going Full Sales Mode)

If you sell something physical, your packaging is a brilliant way to quietly remind people who you are and what you’re about.

Take Dee at Slumbering Hound,  she makes stunning dog beds and homeware, but also offers a soothing balm on her website. (One of my white label products no less). What makes it lovely is that not only has it got her own branding on the label, but it also features one of her beautiful illustrations, which is another service that she offers. It’s useful. memorable and promotes the two different sides of her business without a singles sales pitch being needed.

You don’t have to say much, let the product speak for itself.

6. Start Before You Feel Ready

This one’s a biggie. Most of us are waiting,  for the website to be perfect, for the logo to be updated, for 'a better time.'

But you really don’t need all the bells and whistles. People want to connect with you, not some polished version of you. So post the thing. Send the email. Talk about your stuff.

Start small. Start scrappy. Just start. Every business evolves over time so whatever you start with I can guarantee you will end up changing it anyway.

Getting your dog business noticed doesn’t mean being the loudest. It means showing up in your own way, with a bit of heart and a bit of consistency.

Whether it’s a balm with your logo on, a handwritten note, a story shared in a group, or a dog owner telling her mate about you at the park, it all counts.

And if you ever want to chat about how my white label balms and salves can be be part of your business, my in box is always open or you can grab a copy of the catalogue here. 

Keri