Do you find yourself worrying around how much engagement you have on your social media accounts?

This is a topic I find comes up repeatedly on social media, in Facebook group conversations, and in the coaching calls I run in my membership.

Pet professionals who are doing a brilliant job of caring for animals and supporting their clients, making brilliant products that make a difference.

Yet they become tied up in knots with social media, trying to keep up with the ever changing demands of platforms run by billionaires.

Social media is an incredible free tool to get your work seen, but it can also cause a lot of stress and frustration.

One thing I wish wasn’t a cause of this is engagement.

In this podcast episode, I’m talking about why I would LOVE for you to let go of any concerns you have around this, so it doesn’t hold you back, and so you can show up as the brilliant pet pro you are.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

1:23 - The challenges pet professionals share about social media engagment

2:38 - What is social media engagement

5:24 - Why worrying about it can hold you back

7:10 - Why normal people don't care about social media engagement

8:35 - Would a lack of engagement stop you from buying?

9:24 - Even social media experts struggle to get engagement

10:13 - Remember, you're a pet pro, you are not a social media expert

11:51 - Worrying about a lack of engagement means you’re not getting seen

13:36 - People can discover you on social media and then come OFF social media to find out more about you

15:09 - It takes 10 to 15 touchpoints for people to decide to buy from you

16:42 - Pet parents need to know the available choices

19:08 - You want to dilute the aversive messages that are out there

20:25 - Social media is a little bit like quicksand

21:09 - Remember that people are lurking

22:24 - Engagement doesn't pay the bills and an engaging post may generate no money

24:29 - You're winning just by showing up as research shows many people don't even bother

25:22 - Be brave and post what you really want to say and you might surprise yourself

27:11 - Sometimes it's just having a little confidence boost

29:01 - Podcasts to listen to if you'd like to feel inspired

31:15 - Final thoughts on posting and feeling confident

31:40 - How I can support you in feeling more ok with self-promotion

Get 50% off your first month in Pets Get Visible here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/offers/7Hvpvxzr/checkout?coupon_code=PGV50

Links mentioned in this episode:

Creating meaningful content with Aileen Stevenson

How to feel more comfortable and confident promoting your pet business

If you’re not visible who misses out?

Stuff the social media rules and do things your way with Colette Adwin

Putting your passion and personality into your marketing with Alex McCann

Why I trained as an...

Are you fed up with feeling awkward when selling your product or service?

If so, I think you’ll love this episode with sales expert Sara Dalrymple, author of More Sales Please, where we’re talking about letting go of the discomfort you feel around asking for money.

You started your business because you wanted to do good work and make a difference, and for this to happen, you need to earn a living.

You likely love doing your work, and Sara says that simply ‘developing a love of talking about what you do’ is the key to being a better salesperson.

Selling is like a muscle, you have to work on it, build it up and maintain it, and in this interview Sara shares a simple way to do this.

She talks through the journey your potential clients go through, from being cold and unfamiliar to warm and ready to make a decision to hot and ready to take action.

Whether you’re a confident salesperson already or looking to get more comfortable with the process, I think you’ll love Sara’s no-fluff advice.

*This post contains an affiliate link to Sara’s book, meaning if you buy a copy, I will be paid a small commission. This doesn’t affect your price and helps fund this podcast.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

2.36 - Sara’s background in corporate and how she came to specialise in sales training.

5.23 - Why it’s ok to feel vulnerable when presenting what we offer online.

6.19 - Sara’s thoughts on reframing sales as “talking about what you’re good at and asking for money.”

9.43 - Accepting that there will always be challenges in the world and economy and that you need to be consistently visible to thrive.

12.21 - Seeing our sales skills as a muscle we need to build and maintain.

16.35 - Ways to figure out what your potential clients are looking for so you’re able to lay the information they need to decide to buy from you.

20.16 - How to create content for the different stages of the journey, from a potential buyer being cold and unsure to warm and considering their options to hot and ready to buy.

27.03 - Posting little and often and why it’s the compound effect of seeing you regularly rather than a few perfectly crafted posts that will lead to more sales.

31.26 - Being strict with your time on social media and spending a maximum of 30 minutes a day on your posts.

35.17 - Handling rejection and using this as an opportunity to clarify your messaging.

37.25 - Having time and patience to let social media work with you and the compound effect to build.

41.52 - How running a pet business is a gift when it comes to content creation because of the emotional connection we have with our animals.

44.07 - Sara’s three steps to get started for sales phobics. Be clear on the value in what you offer, show up regularly, and get support.

46.36 - Where to learn more about Sara and the best places to connect.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Buy Sara’s book More Sales Please on Amazon * https://amzn.to/4cQjUHe

Learn more from Sara on her website: https://saradalrymple.co.uk/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saleswithsara/

Further reading

Creating meaningful social media content with Aileen Stevenson

Putting you first and creating a pet business that makes you happy with Jane Ardern

How to feel comfortable and confident talking about your pet business

Taking the fear out of putting up your prices with Sally Farrant

Why I trained as a coach and what this means for your pet business

Further...

Would you love to be an award-winning pet business?

To gain recognition for the hard work you do and stand out from the competition?

Whether you own a grooming salon, a pet shop, training or dog walking service, or you make products that make a difference, being involved in industry awards will boost your credibility and attract new customers.

In this podcast episode, I'm sharing reasons you should aspire to be an award-winning pet business.

Plus tips on choosing the right award for you and using your win to secure media coverage.

Winning awards means you'll elevate your pet business, stand out from the crowd, and gain the recognition you deserve.

And you’ll hear from two pet businesses who have won awards to inspire you.

If this is something you'd like to work on, join my Pets Get Visible membership where the focus for April is awards and get 50% off your first month by clicking here.

Key topics and timings:

0.20 - Introduction

1.29 - What to expect from this episode

1.40 - Getting over the cringing feeling of looking for recognition

3.48 - How you can get support with your awards process and applications

5.50 - It's acceptable to self-nominate for awards

6.30 - Consider the purpose of winning an award

7.37 - Choose the right awards

8.49 - How applying will refine your business messaging

9.42 - Recognition demonstrates professionalism

10.49 - Case study - Niki French

12.10 - Awards boost confidence

12.54 - Winning gives third party validation of business impact

13.51 - Stand out from competitors

15.42 - Social media buzz and engagement

16.00 - Case study - Louise Humphrey

17.54 - Opportunities for public relations

20.45 - What to do if you’d like to work on applying for awards - come and join my workshop!

Further reading on this topic

How winning the SBS award with Theo Paphitis can raise your profile

10 takeaways from Theo Paphitis’ SBS event 2024

Kirsty Skeates shares why you SHOULD be applying for awards for your pet business

How to feel more comfortable and confident promoting your pet business

Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you