Have you ever taken a look at your Google Analytics?

If you have, then chances are that you either dived in and lost a lot of time in a Google Analytics rabbit hole.

Or you took one look and ran to the hills.

Whatever your response, this podcast will demystify Google Analytics and help you use it to make more sales in your pet business.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

2.25 - Vicki's background.

05:08 - How does Google analytics work?

05:52 - What can Google Analytics tell me?

06:43 - Where is your traffic coming from? 

07:30 - Why is this helpful?

08:36 - How to get started with Google Analytics

10:08 - How can I find out what content my readers like? 

23:40 - What are the benefits of Google Analytics? 

27:45 - Using Google Ads - what you need to know to make sure you get value for money.

32:40 - What keywords should I use? 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Check out Vicki's blog: Ten ways to use Google Analytics like a pro.

Vicki Jakes works with small businesses to understand their customers and grow their sales either one-to-one or in her membership.

Find out more on her website: www.heyvickijakes.com

Sign up for Vicki's free five-day challenge here and give your website some love. https://superchargeyourwebsite.com/5-day-challenge/

Have you thought about having a photoshoot for your pet business?

Is the idea of posing uncomfortable, but you know you need nice images?

I hear you, because I HATE having my photo taken too.

However. if you’re planning on putting yourself forward to the media with a story, or as an expert, or for a case study, it’s important to have the right images.

Often, people will be ‘dropped’ from articles if photographs aren’t available.

And with us putting so much content out there on social media and our own websites, having professional images helps create the right impression.

With many photographers offering personal brand shoots, it’s become more affordable too.

So if you’re considering a photoshoot for your pet business, in this episode you'll learn all you need to know to make it as painless as possible.

This episode also comes with a downloadable checklist too that you can access here.

These are the key timings and points covered in this episode:

0.30 - why it’s important to have photographs for your pet business if you’re hoping to secure media coverage

1.31 - Where to go if you have any questions around photography or would like to find a photographer

2.00 - Why you should plan and not make the mistakes I’ve made!

2.39 - Some of the embarrassing things I have had photoshoots for

4.54 - Why business owners need to have their own images and how the media has changed and photographers can no longer go out to every story

6.05 - How sometimes even HUGE brands don’t have the right imagery

7.12 - What is a personal brand shoot?

7.20 - How a shoot doesn’t have to cost a fortune

9.07 - Pre shoot checklist - what to do before the shoot

9.10 - Hair and make up

9.35 - What to wear

9.50 - Outfit changes

11.35 - Choosing a location

12.10 - Creating a mood board of images to capture

12.50 - Choosing your photographer

15.23 - What to do on the day to take away your nerves

17.51 - Remember to smile!

20.01 - Capturing behind the scenes images

21.09 - Checking on usage rights with the photographer to make sure you can use them for publicity and that you’re not going to constrained by their T&Cs

23.23 - Where to get the free download

Links mentioned in this episode:

How to take photos in your pet business with Kerry Jordan

Download: Photoshoot guide for pet businesses

And finally, if you want to see some of my embarrassing photoshoots....

Personal shopper for dogs

Britain's hottest curry

Reiki for dogs

Xtreme bootcamp

What do you think publicity is in 2021?

Is it mainstream media? Newspapers, magazine, websites, radio and TV stations?

Or social media, so networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok?

Perhaps it’s about being featured on other websites owned by people who are an authority in your area or an influencer?

Publicity has changed massively over the last 20 years since I started out as a journalist.

It is such a grey area now, and with new platforms and outlets springing up all the time, there is so many more opportunities to get your message out there.

In this episode, along with May King Tsang, a FOMO creator and social media expert, you'll discover the many different types of publicity we can enjoy today.

Key timings and topics covered in this episode:

2.25 - May King background as a FOMO creator and what one is

4.35 - How publicity has evolved and what it was like before social media

6.35 - Creating content for the lurkers and how we need to be mindful that people are watching and listening even though they don’t tell us!

9.45 - Why we need to be patient and not expect instant results from publicity and social media

12.14 - Using a Twitter chat hour to get a magazine publicity opportunity - Case Study Kerry Jordan

16.54 - The power of social media and how it can create a ripple effect through sharing connections

19.45 - Being polite and thankful on social media and how that can help your reputation 

21.33 - How you can use traditional publicity to amplify the material you are publishing yourself

24.39 - Examples of how May King has used social media and in person events to secure more paid work

28.32 - Examples of how traditional publicity can lead to huge peaks in sales (libido enhancers and slimming bands!)

31.58 - Why storytelling is important and how we can do this on social media - Case Study. Katie Gwilt (www.thekatlady.co.uk) 

33.56 - Why we are all publishes and how there has never been a better time to get our brands and stories out there

36.33 - Where to find out more about May King

Links mentioned in this episode:

May King Social media:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/maykingtea

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maykingt

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maykingtea

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maykingtsang/

Mallory band story in Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2345168/Hairdresser-Harrogate-loses-stone-using-Ancient-Egypt-diet-trick-Malory-Band.html

Libido enhancer story in Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9157945/Sales-female-Viagra-soar-women-look-add-spark-love-life-lockdown.html

Being featured on a podcast is a way to reach hundreds or even thousands of potential clients in an intimate way.

Because they’re listening to you, it helps you build a connection far quicker than they might experience from a social media post.

You also have the benefit of being seen as a trusted source of information from the person who hosts the podcast.

You’re able to reach their audience, which could potentially mean connecting with tens of thousands of people who had never heard of you before.

And if they like what they hear, they could become customers of yours in the future too.

In this episode you’ll learn the best way to go about pitching yourself as a podcast guest.

Key timings in this episode:

0.20 - Where the idea for the podcast pitching guide came from.

2.00 - Working out what kind of podcast to pitch to.

2.20 - Examples of business related podcasts

3.18 - Examples of local podcasts

4.25 - Examples of pet owner podcasts

6.47 - Examples of influencer podcasts

8.52 - Steps to follow before approaching a podcast - listen to it! 

10.02 - Building relationships with the host on social media

10.16 - Leaving a review and how it can make you memorable

11.01 - Make sure you can demonstrate your expert status

14.46 - Why you must think of what's in it for the listener and not you!

17.28 - Writing your pitch to the podcast

18.50 - Remember when you’re pitching they are helping you and you will need to schmooze them!

20.13 - How to write your pitch (You can download the template here)

22.19 - Including previous interviews and blogs in your pitch

23.32 - Preparing your bio and images

24.13 - Sharing the living daylights out of the interview

24.41 - Shanking the person and leaving a review

26.05 - Come and join me in my free Facebook group to stay in touch

Links mentioned in this episode:

Download the guide: Podcast pitch

Dominic Hodgson podcast: The Poodle to Pitbull Pet Business Podcast

Janet Murray podcast: Janet Murray

Animal Star Awards: Animal Star Awards in 2018

Anna Webb podcast: A Dog's Life

Greg Pattison podcast: Woofin Pawsome

Kellie Wynn interview: Niching with Kellie Wynn the Beagle Lady

Katie Gwilt - the Kat Lady: www.thekatlady.co.uk

Rikki Sullivan the Canine Copywriter: www.thecaninecopywriter.co.uk/

Best podcasts for pet businesses: Pet Business Podcasts

I'm so excited to share this episode with dog trainer Karen Boyce from Beastly Thoughts who has done incredible things when it comes to raisnig her profile.

In the past 18 months alone, Karen, Wales, has been featured more than 30 times in the press, including many times through lockdown.

This has meant she’s become the go-to person for new dog owners and has even been called the ‘Puppy Queen’ of Wales.

It’s been amazing for her business and in the episode she shares how petpreneurs can follow in her footsteps.

Key points and timings in this episode:

2.26 - Karen's background and how she became a dog trainer.

3.50 - Her experience with her own reactive dog 30 years ago and how that shaped her career.

6.09 - How sharing her personal story helped her to connect and be relatable to other dog owners.

8.03 - Karen's first pitch to the media about her Crufts win in 2019 and the impact that had on her profile.

10.36 - Karen shares what happened when she pitched, and how the pieces of coverage came about.

12.45 - Securing a monthly collumn in a local lifestyle magazine.

14.09 - Being described as The Puppy Queen of Wales after training a record number of pups in 2019.

18.46 - Winning awards, having publicity and the impression that creates for future clients.

22.35 - Karen's advice on building relationships with journalists and nurturing them to ensure a steady stream of publicity.

25.00 - What Karen has learned from being in the Publicity for Pet Businesses membership.

28.51 - Karen's advice on pitching and how business owners should be brave and not be scared to big themselves up!

30.10 - The importance of photos with your pitches.

32.10 - How Karen coped with lockdown.

35.44 - The changes Karen has seen in the cases of dogs she's been training since lockdown and how she's adapted her programmes.

39.05 - What's next for Karen and Beastly Thoughts, her Reactive to Reassured programme and puppy training.

40.00 - Where to find out more about Beastly Thoughts.

Links mentioned in this episode:

You can find out more about Karen on her website www.beastlythoughts.co.uk

Puppy Queen of Wales: Dog trainer Karen's milestone achievement

How Karen trained 220 pups in Lockdown: Wrexham puppy trainer helps record number of pups

Trader of the week feature: Karen knows all there is to know about dogs

Is the Publicity for Pet Businesses membership right for you?

This week I've been working with over 200 pet business owners showing them simple steps to follow to put themselves in the spotlight.

During the challenge they will work their way through a roadmap which includes how to come up a story idea, find places to pitch to and connect with journalists.

The next step for anyone hoping to work on raising their profile is to take part in the Publicity for Pet Businesses membership.

In this episode, I explain how the membership works and why I've decided to rebuild it.

And you'll hear from two petpreneurs, Claire Lawrence and Louise Humphrey, who share how publicity has helped their business.

If you'd like to find out more about the programme, click here to visit the information page.

These are the key timings in this episode:

0.18 - Intro and why this is a special episode explaining what's happening in the membership.

2.12 - How the Publicity programme started.

4.30 - When I realised I needed to focus on pet business owners and what they were creating on their own platforms if they were being put forward for publicity opportunities.

6.39 - Why the Publicity for Pet Businesses course became a membership programme.

7.21 - Bringing guest experts into the membership programme like May King Tsang and Janet Murray.

8.42 - The additional courses in the programme like Get Your Pet Business Found on Google and Kick Start Your Pet Business Blog.

10.04 - Giving more value in the membership because it's no longer just focused on press.

12.01 - The difference between the Monday and Wednesday classes moving forward.

13.29 - Claire Lawrence shares how the membership programme has helped her business.

18.03 - What to expect in the two different sections of the membership.

19.30 - The opportunities out there to promote our businesses and how the new programme will utilise all of them.

21.00 - How you can use mainstream media to amplify the message you're putting out on your own platforms.

22.00 - The two sections of the programme explained.

34.10 - Louise Humphrey from Paws4Running shares how publicity has helped her business.

37.10 - The current price of the programme - £67 a month or £799 for the year and why the price is increasing.

38.00 - Objection - it's too expensive.

40.22 - Objection - it's not the right time.

42.12 - Objection - can't attend live.

45.00 - Objection - don't have time to work on publicity.

46.02 - Objection - I'd rather hire a PR company.

47.04 - Objection - why is it more expensive than bigger/other memberships.

48.24 - Objection - what if it doesn't work for me?

49.30 - Why I don't want you to come and try it for a month.

51.00 - What kind of results you can expect.

55.04 - What else is there to support me?

Links mentioned in this episode:

Sign up page: Publicity for Pet Businesses membership

You might know Sarah Baxter from her awesome pet blog Twilight Bark where she showcased pet brands, shared stories and documented the adventures of her Dachshunds Ted and Millie.

Two years ago, after Millie needed surgery, Sarah began training as a business and personal coach with leading experts in the coaching industry; Barefoot Coaching. 

With her experience in the pet industry and her expertise as a coach, I thought Sarah would be perfect to chat to for a special episode on mindset to start the year.

The beginning of each year is a time to reflect on what lies ahead but after that has happened with COVID, 2021 is slightly different.

In this episode Sarah Baxter, a business and personal coach, shares how to process what happened in 2020 in a healthy way.

Rather than think about the struggles, Sarah shares lots of helpful coping strategies.

Plus ways to document your success and how and start 2021 with a positive mindset.

These are the key points and timings in this episode:

0.18 - Intro to Sarah and why we’re talking about mindset for 2021

2.27 - Sarah explains her new career and what she now specialises in

3.17 - The Twilight Bark Blog and why. Sarah decided to stop the blog because of her Dachshund Millie’s health problems

7.01 - Sarah explains how what has happened with COVID in the last 12 months impacts on our mindset

11.08 - How to use the Stress Container exercise to cope in difficult times

14.37 - Sarah shares another exercise called ‘Circles of Concern’ where you identify the things you can control and those that you can’t to limit stress

16.46 - Why it’s important to recognise how you react when stressed and find healthier coping strategies 

18.57. - Recognising the emotional impact of our livelihood being taken away and taking time to feel that rather than bottling it up. 

20.53 - Why you DON’T have to put your best face on all the time and you can talk about how you feel

24.13 - The importance of reflection and spotting the opportunities you found during the difficult times

27.52 - Why every small business owner should have a win folder!

30.16 - Examples of pet business owners who kept going when it was tough and had amazing results, Kim O’Donnell from Leo, Charley and Me and Dawn Wilkinson from Nosy Dog

32.14 - The difference between a fixed and a growth mindset

34.13 - How it can be hard to step out of our comfort zone

36.15 - Questions from members of the Publicity for Pet Businesses Facebook Group

45.39 - What is the best thing that could happen to you for 2021?

Links mentioned in this episode:

Sarah's Twilight Bark website: Twilight Bark

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @Goodthoughtsgrowhere

Connect with her on LinkedIn: Sarah Baxter Linked In

Would you like to get media coverage for your pet business?

Maybe you’ve seen other service providers like dog walkers, trainers and groomers feature in magazines and are wondering how you can do the same.

Or perhaps you’ve a product and you would love to see it feature in a gift guide or review.

Well the good news is it’s easier than you think and next week, January 11th-15th 2021, I’m holding a FREE publicity challenge for pet business owners.

In this episode you'll learn everything you need to know if you'd like to take part.

If you’d like to take part, click here to grab your place.

Key timings in this episode:

0.20 - Intro to the challenge

2.21 - How coming on the challenge can help you come up with your publicity ideas for the year

2.54 - The kind of publicity we cover on the challenge

4.20 - How the daily tasks work on the challenge

5.35 - How long the tasks will take each day

6.34 - How the live Q and A sessions work and why I made a right mess of the last challenge

7.10 - What you get as part of the week long challenge - a week's intensive publicity coaching

8.55 - The importance of having feedback on your ideas and how it can make a difference as to whether a story lands or not

9.51 - Success stories from previous challenges - see links below to read the articles

12.50 - What you need to take part in the challenge, an idea, enthusiasm and dedicating a bit of time each day to the tasks

14.05 - How you can be in with a chance to win a month's free membership in the challenge worth £67 or a Janet Murray media diary worth £39.

18.41 - Where to sign up for the challenge - see link below - or e mail [email protected] if you have any problem joining up

Links mentioned in this episode:

If you'd like to join the challenge, you can sign up here: publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/PublicityChallenge

Sarah Latham’s dog treat company appeared in her local paper, the Stoke Sentinel, with this fab piece about her bushtucker trials! 

Zita Wells pitched to her local radio station Meridian 107, and was interviewed about her puppy health guide.

Alex Graves from Rove Pet Services appeared in her local paper in Essex talking about how she was supporting pet owners in lockdown.

Kim from Leo, Charley and Me, Karen from Luxury Dog Hampers, Jo from Barks and Squeaks and Heather from Treat Your Dog featured in Christmas gift guides in Dogs Today.

Trainer Claire Lawrence featured in Companion Animal magazine talking about her new book, Three Steps to Silence, for owners of barking dogs.

Roz from ByBenji had a double page spread in Puppy Post for her biltong treats.

Pet Photographer Petra featured in 

Would you love to put your pet business in the media spotlight for 2021?

If you’re here, I think the answer might be yes.

And it is completely achievable for you to win fantastic media coverage as long as you have a plan.

In this podcast, I’m going to share how to put one together to increase your chance of featuring in the media in 2021.

And if you need more support I have a free challenge taking place on January 11-15th where you can get personalised advice on how to get more eyes on your pet business in 2021.

Key timings in this episode:

1.21 - How to plan your publicity for 2021

2.33 - The two kinds of publicity that can help your pet business

4.45 - Details for the planning masterclass on 7th January at 1pm

5.18 - Why it’s important to plan your publicity

8.08 - Where to start when it comes to putting your plan together

10.10 - How to go about coming up with ideas for publicity

10.46 - Getting publicity opportunities by applying for awards

14.44 - Using awareness days and national days to come up with ideas for publicity

(Check out the Kerry Jordan interview about National Dog Photography here)

17.02 - Hannah Capon interview from Canine Arthritis Management.

19.16 - What to do when you have the foundations of your publicity plan together

21.10 - Generating publicity for your idea or campaign on your own platform

21.34 - Building relationships before you’re ready to pitch with journalists and influencers, and other pet business owners like vets, pet shops

22.19 - What to do if something comes up outside of your plan

23.45 - Details on the publicity for pet businesses free challenge on January 11th - 15th

24.46 - Details on the Plan Your Publicity for 2021 class on January 7th.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management interview.

Kerry Jordan interview about National Dog Photography.

I have my Publicity Challenge happening on 11th to 15th January and I would love for you to come along with a story idea and I can help you there.

You can sign up for the free publicity challenge here. 

Or, if you’d like help with your plan, I have a Plan Your Publicity for 2021 masterclass happening on January 7th 1pm UK time.

In the session I will show you how to create your publicity plan and make 2021 the year you put your pet business on the map.

If you’d like to sign up, you can do so for £47 here. 

Fancy tuning in to some tips for your pet business over the holidays?

There are pet business podcasts popping up all over the world where you can learn ways to boost your brand.

I've rounded up a selection of shows that you can tune in to to improve your skills as a petpreneur.

Here are the key timings in this episode: 

0.20 - Intro and why I'm doing an episode on podcasts.

1.54 - Dominic Hodgson - The Poodle to Pitbull Pet Business Podcast

4.19 - Anna Webb - A Dog’s Life 

6.26 - Beverley Cuddy - Editor of Dogs Today - The Devil Wears Dog Hair 

7.53 - Nick Benger - Dog Talk 

9.31 - Kate McQuillan - Pet Sitters Ireland

10.45 - Meg Kelly - Vet Rehabbers

12.25 - Bella Vasta - Bella in Your Business

15.09 - Kristin Morrison - Prosperous Pet Business

17.34 - Wear Wag Repeat - Tori Mistick 

19.24 - Meghan and Collin Funkhouser - Pet Sitter Confidential

Links mentioned in this episode:

Dominic Hodgson - The Poodle to Pitbull Pet Business Podcast

www.growyourpetbusinessfast.com/podcast/

Anna Webb - A Dog’s Life 

www.annawebb.co.uk

Beverley Cuddy - Editor of Dogs Today - The Devil Wears Dog Hair 

https://thedevilwearsdoghair.podbean.com/

Nick Benger - Dog Talk 

www.nickbenger.com

Kate McQuillan - Pet Sitters Ireland

www.petsittersireland.com

Meg Kelly - Vet Rehabbers

www.onlinepethealth-info.com/podcast/

Bella Vasta - Bella in Your Business

 www.jumpconsulting.net

Kristin Morrison - Prosperous Pet Business

www.prosperouspetbusiness.com

Wear Wag Repeat - Tori Mistick 

www.wearwagrepeat.com

Meghan and Collin Funkhouser - Pet Sitter Confidential

www.petsitterconfessional.com/

If you have a podcast and think it should be added to the list, or you'd like to chat about my podcast, you can drop me a line at [email protected]