Pet Marketing Unleashed Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by Amy Toman, Google Business Profile expert who's been helping businesses navigate Google listings for over a decade. After reaching diamond level in Google's listing forum (the highest tier), Amy has become the go-to person for solving suspension issues and optimization challenges.

Here's what we dive into:

• What your Google Business Profile actually does for local visibility
• Essential guidelines that prevent suspension (and what triggers it)
• How to optimize for niche services when no category exists
• The real impact of reviews on your search rankings
• Why fake reviews will backfire and what Google's new detection methods mean
• How to handle negative reviews without making things worse
• The difference between soft and hard suspensions and how to get reinstated
• Why one bad review shouldn't tank your rating (and what to do if it does)

"Follow Google's guidelines, keep it simple and straightforward, and you're going to be all right. The more active you are, the more likely Google will recommend you."

🎉 Want to go deeper? Join our SEO Unleashed course at petmarketingunleashed.com/seo-course and get 10% off with code PMUPODCAST at checkout.

Links:

• Connect with Amy on LinkedIn
• Pet Sitter SEO services
• Email Amy
• Google Business Profile guidelines
• How many reviews you need for a 5.0 rating
• Grab our free 5 Quick SEO wins
• Join our SEO course and get 10% off with code PMUPODCAST
• Read the episode blog for more
• Connect with Pet Marketing Unleashed on Instagram
• Visit the Pet Marketing Unleashed website

Send us Fan Mail

Things feel a little weird out there right now.

Grocery prices are up, travel is shifting, and even if your pet business is technically doing just fine, there's still this undercurrent of uncertainty leaving many of us wondering: Am I set up for what's coming?

In this episode, I'm doing something different. We’re not talking branding or marketing.

We’re talking friend to friend about some of the things I’m doing and recommend to help creatively feel more grounded or confident in what you’ve got going on, no matter what the world is doing.

Here's what we dive into:

• Why you should stop using regular savings accounts and what to do instead
• Smart grocery shopping strategies to cut monthly expenses
• Using data to cut costs in your business and personal life
• How to create low-ticket offers that perform well during uncertain times
• How to set up retirement for self-employed pet business owners
• The Profit First method for managing business finances

"This isn't about cutting every expense but about getting creative, making empowered decisions, and setting yourself up to feel more secure."

While uncertain times can feel overwhelming, smart entrepreneurs use these moments to strengthen their financial foundation and build resilience.

Links:

• Wealthfront high-yield savings - Get an extra .50% for 3 months
• Azure Standard Co-op
• Sign Up for Carry Solo 401K & Get $100 off
• Track your marketing data (Episode 18)
• Free rate increase email template
• Michelle Klein's "Triple Your Pet Sitting Profit" episode
• Profit First book by Mike Michalowicz
• Read the episode blog for more deets on everything we cover in the episode
• Shop our SEO Course
• Shop our Wix Website Templates
• Pet Marketing Unleashed website
• Pet Marketing Unleashed IG

Send us Fan Mail

Feeling overwhelmed by your pet business numbers? GIRL, same.

Most pet professionals get into this industry because they love animals, not because they dreamed of becoming data analysts.

But boy, let me tell you this: Tracking the right metrics WILL simplify your business and give you back precious time in your day, week, and month.

In this episode, we welcome Corinne Moore, pet business owner of Paws & Claws and business data strategist who’s learned personally and via helping others how much data can simplify, enhance, and streamline your pet business.

Here's what we cover on data:

• The three most crucial metrics every pet business should track immediately
• How data helped Corinne eliminate her most stressful, least profitable service
• Using client retention data to identify where you should focus your efforts
• The real cost of labor that most business owners get wrong
• How tracking employee satisfaction data can transform your team
• Simple ways to start tracking without fancy spreadsheets or complicated systems
• Why your booking software might already have the data you need

"You don't have to be a numbers person to look at your data. It's okay to be a little scared, but the insights can completely change your business." 

Links:

• Join Michelle Kline's Mastermind
• Learn how to track marketing effectiveness (Episode 18) 
• Check the automation episode with Ines McNeil (Episode 19)
• Pet business software and tool recommendations
• Time to Pet - Get 50% off for 4 months!
• Join the DogCo Summit
• Read the episode blog for more
• Shop the SEO Course
• Shop our Wix Website Templates
• Pet Marketing Unleashed website
• Pet Marketing Unleashed IG

Send us Fan Mail

While some pet pros are completely booked with vacation care, others are staring at empty calendars, wondering where all the inquiries went. If you're in that second group or just want more consistency this season, this episode is exactly what you need.

Instead of panic-posting on social media or desperately adding more services to your already full plate, I'm sharing 5 simple but strategic tweaks you can make to boost bookings without burning out. These aren't overwhelming overhauls but smart, behind-the-scenes updates that quietly do the heavy lifting for you.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to refresh your website's first impression to convert more visitors
• The strategic way to use social proof that actually sells
• Clear call-to-action strategies that guide clients to book
• How to identify which services deserve your marketing focus
• Smart ways to prep for fall's busy season during summer's quiet moments

"Slower seasons aren't wasted seasons but opportunities to position your business for the busy months ahead." While many pet business owners panic during quiet periods, the smartest entrepreneurs use this time strategically to refine what's working and set themselves up for success.

Links:

• Track your marketing effectiveness (Episode 18) 
• Check out our SEO Course
• Check out the PMU Website templates
• VIP Day services
• Read the episode blog for more
• Connect with Pet Marketing Unleashed on Instagram
• Visit the Pet Marketing Unleashed website

Send us Fan Mail

Breaking free from tedious manual tasks isn't just a luxury—it's essential for growing your pet business while maintaining your sanity. 

In this episode, Pet Marketing Unleashed is thrilled to welcome Ines McNeil, CPDT-KA and Founder of The Modern Dog Trainer. After years of helping dog trainers with their businesses, Ines shares exactly how automation can transform your pet business while maintaining that personal touch clients expect.

Here's what we dive into:

• Three essential areas where automation creates immediate impact
• How to save 10+ hours weekly through strategic automation
• Why email marketing remains critical (and not dead!)
• Automation strategies for client onboarding and offboarding
• Tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing systems
• Maintaining the personal touch while automating routine tasks
• Common automation mistakes and how to avoid them

Ines's key advice: "Automation doesn't remove you from the equation—it makes your one-on-one experience exponentially accessible." While many pet professionals fear losing that personal connection, proper automation actually enhances the client experience while freeing you to focus on what matters most.

Links:

• Visit The Modern Dog Trainer
• Check Effortless Automation Services
• Join Ines's Free Facebook Group
• Zapier (automation platform)
• PMU Website Templates
• PMU recommended tools
• Read the episode blog for more
• Connect with Pet Marketing Unleashed on Instagram
• Visit the Pet Marketing Unleashed website

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever spent hours crafting Instagram posts, tweaking your website, or trying to get more engagement, only to feel like nothing is actually working? It seems like it's working for everyone else, but for some reason, you're not seeing the big ROI you were promised.

In this value-packed episode, I break down exactly how to stop wasting time on marketing that isn't working for your pet business. Marketing can make you feel like a deer in headlights or like it’s a complete waste of time and money, especially when you're not clear what's actually driving results.

If you're struggling with pushing traffic to a website that isn't converting, don't miss our free Seamless Onboarding Masterclass mentioned at the end—because all the marketing in the world won't help if your website isn't built to attract and convert!

Links mentioned:

• Join the free Seamless Onboarding Masterclass
• Check out our website templates
• Browse our custom design services
• Read the episode blog for more
• Connect with Pet Marketing Unleashed on Instagram
• Visit the Pet Marketing Unleashed website

Send us Fan Mail

In this important conversation, I welcome Beth Stultz-Hairston, President of Pet Sitters International, who brings over 20 years of experience supporting pet care professionals and certifications on the topics of burnout and compassion fatigue. Beth shares why burnout and compassion fatigue are increasingly prevalent issues in our industry and the practical steps you can take before reaching your breaking point.

Here's what we dive into:

• The critical difference between burnout and compassion fatigue
• Early warning signs that most pet professionals miss
• Setting boundaries that actually stick with clients and colleagues
• Creating a personalized self-care plan that works for YOUR unique situation
• Why "there aren't enough bubble baths in the world to overcome bad boundaries"

"Prioritizing yourself is not putting your business last—it's the hallmark of professionalism." - Beth 

If you're feeling overwhelmed in your pet business, this conversation offers both validation and practical next steps to help you reclaim your passion and purpose.

Links:

• Free Pet Sitter Mental Health & Wellness Summit
• PSI's burnout and compassion fatigue resources
• Get Motivated (veterinary well-being resources)
• Animal Hospice Group (end-of-life care resources)
• Join the 52 Hike Challenge (Beth's favorite stress-reduction activity) 
• Connect with Beth
• Read the episode blog for more
• Shop The SEO Course
• Shop our Wix Website Templates
• Pet Marketing Unleashed website
• Pet Marketing Unleashed IG

Send us Fan Mail

What if a brand refresh could transform not just how your business looks, but also increase your leads and inquiries?

What if building authentic community connections is the missing piece that could elevate both your business presence and your confidence as a pet biz owner?

In this inspiring conversation, I welcome my friend and client, Heidi Lewis-Pracko of Heidi and Hope Pet Services, whose community-inspired business helped her grow beautiful partnerships, build amazing connections, and increase brand awareness throughout her service area. AND, after we worked with Heidi through her recent brand and website refresh, she pulled the data and saw something amazing—90% of new client inquiries were coming directly from Google.

Here's what we dive into:

• How to build meaningful community connections with local pet-friendly businesses
• How to track where your leads are coming from (and why it matters)
• Why focusing on Google can be more effective than social media for many
• Finding hobbies outside of pets to maintain work-life balance and prevent burnout

"Even if business isn't your thing, you can do it. There are so many resources out there. I didn't do this all on my own."  - Heidi

If you're feeling hesitant about putting yourself out there, this conversation provides both the inspiration and practical steps to help you build confidence as a pet business owner.

Flodesk is a beautifully designed and user-friendly version of MailChimp that works perfectly for pet business monthly newsletters. Use my code UNLEASHED to try Flodesk for 14 days free AND get 50% off your first FULL year! 

Links:

• See the Heidi and Hope website
• Follow Heidi and Hope Pet Services on Instagram
• Try Flodesk for your email and get 50% off for a year!
• Read the episode blog for more details!
• Shop The SEO Course
• Shop our Wix Website Templates
• Pet Marketing Unleashed website
• Pet Marketing Unleashed IG

Send us Fan Mail

Stop writing blog posts like… "Why You Should Hire a Professional Pet Sitter.”

No one reads those! 👇

What if we told you that strategic blogging isn't about random pet tips but about creating specific content that ranks on Google, builds authority, and turns readers into clients? And worse—what if your current approach is causing you to miss out on valuable traffic and leads that your competitors are capturing?

In this strategy-packed episode, I'm breaking down the 3 must-have blog posts every pet business website needs. Whether you've been blogging without results or haven't even started because it feels overwhelming, this episode will give you clear, actionable blog topics that actually work.

It's time to stop wasting energy on random posts and start creating strategic content that grows your business. Tune in now to discover the blog posts that will have pet parents in your area finding and booking with you!

Links mentioned:

• Access the blog course content within our updated SEO Unleashed Course!
• Get free blog posts ideas
• Read the episode blog for more
• Shop The SEO Course
• Shop our Wix Website Templates
• Pet Marketing Unleashed website
• Pet Marketing Unleashed IG

Send us Fan Mail

In this value-packed episode, Pet Marketing Unleashed is thrilled to welcome Collin from Pet Sitter Confessional as our special guest. After transitioning from scientists to pet business owners, Collin and his wife, Megan, built a thriving pet care business and launched a popular podcast that connects pet care professionals across the industry. Their journey from charging $20 per day for unlimited visits to building a team-based business with specialized services offers valuable lessons for any pet business owner looking to grow.

Here's what we dive into:

• How to shift from traditional service models to highly personalized care
• Why specializing in a niche might be your key to standing out
• Smart ways to use AI (without losing the human touch)
• How subscription models can change client relationships for the better
• The power of building genuine community connections (not just networking)
• Practical strategies for differentiating your business beyond just price
• Collin's "boxed schedule" approach to managing overwhelming days

Collin's key advice: "Consistency wins over time." While many chase quick hits and frantic growth, the businesses that thrive focus on consistent service excellence and relationships that last.

Psst… It's time for your savings to work FOR you! 💰

Why let your hard-earned money sit when it could be growing? With Wealthfront’s high-yield savings accounts, pet business owners can earn 4% on their savings—plus an extra 0.50% for 3 months when you sign up using our link!

Start earning money just by saving, today with Wealthfront!

Links:

• Wealthfront high-yield savings (earn + bonus 0.50% for 3 months)
• Check out Pet Sitter Confessional
• Collin's curated starter packs by topic
• Join the Sitter Confessionals Facebook group 
• Read the episode blog for more
• Shop The SEO Course
• Shop our Wix Website Templates
• Pet Marketing Unleashed website
• Pet Marketing Unleashed IG

Send us Fan Mail