Pet Marketing Unleashed Podcast

🎧 Quick Recap 

This episode is a recast of our popular website refresh episode, now updated for 2026! Learn simple, impactful pet business website updates that build trust, improve conversions, and set your business up for success, plus a brand new bonus tip on accessibility.

👉Get the full episode blog/show notes at www.petmarketingunleashed.com/33

🎉Ready to refresh your website for 2026? Start with the quick wins. Update your copyright year, check for broken links, and refresh those CTAs. Need help with copy or branding? Book a VIP day and mentio...

Duration: 00:19:50

🎧 Quick Recap 

Pulling back the curtain on PMU's most popular service, our Branding Days. This one is a real personal one that shares our mission and how it’s grown and evolved over the years into what we have now in order to make strategic branding accessible for the people we want to be working with - small pet business owners.

🔍 You'll learn:

Traditional branding costs and our accessible alternativeOur 6-step branding day process from start to finishOne-concept strategy vs. multiple options approachHow focused collaboration beats months-long timelinesThe industry gap behind nearly 20...

Duration: 00:18:12

🎧 Quick Recap 

Feeling stuck between loving your current logo and knowing your brand needs an upgrade? Discover the difference between a brand refresh and a full rebrand, plus how to make the right choice for your pet business without losing what makes you recognizable.

🔍 You'll learn:

The key difference between a brand refresh and a rebrand (and which you actually need)How some major brands handled rebrands (and what went wrong for some)The three-word exercise to evaluate if your brand is working right nowWhy changing your logo for every holiday is hurting your brand r...

Duration: 00:37:45

Stop hiding one of your best marketing tools on a website page that nobody clicks on (and if you don’t believe me, check your Google Analytics and it’ll show you!)! Learn how to turn basic testimonials into powerful stories that sell your services and where to place them so people actually read them.

🔍 You'll learn:

Why testimonial pages are a wasteThe questions to ask clients that get you story-based testimonialsHow to edit testimonials without changing their meaningWhere to strategically place testimonials on service pages to build instant trustHow to make leaving reviews effortless for clients...

Duration: 00:14:58

🎧 Quick Recap
Feeling behind on your books or unsure how to actually use your financial data? Anne-Marie Caden from Tiny Paws Bookkeeping breaks down year-end prep and shows you how to make your numbers work for you in 2026.

🔍 You’ll learn:

How to prepare for year-end financially (including 1099 season, contractor management, and record-keeping cleanup)Why tracking profit margins by service helps you identify which offerings are actually making you moneyHow to evaluate market changes and adjust your pricing strategically without undercutting yourselfThe power of regular financial check-ins for reducing stress and making confiden...

Duration: 00:48:14

🎧 Quick Recap 

Discover how strategic partnerships can become your most powerful (and stress-free) growth tool for your pet business.

🔍 You'll learn:

Why throwing business cards at every local business doesn't work (and what to do instead)The 4 key factors that make partnerships successfulHow to partner with competitors (this is a game-changer!)Specific partnership ideas for different pet businessesThe biggest mistakes that waste your time and hurt your reputation

👉Get the full episode blog/show notes at www.petmarketingunleashed.com/28

🛠️ Here’s how we can help pet business owners get found and booked while you’...

Duration: 00:21:25

🎧 Quick Recap 

Maris from House of Paw Pet Care and I chatted about how she built systems that allowed her to take a 2-month maternity leave while her pet care business continued thriving - perfect for any business owner wanting more freedom.

PLUS, some big personal news from the PMU Team! 🍼

🔍 You'll learn:

How to conduct an audit to identify what's taking up your dayThe power of automations (and our favorite tools) for creating seamless business operationsWhy hiring the right people and trusting them is crucial for stepping awayHow proper branding and website st...

Duration: 00:44:04

🎧Quick Recap
Email marketing expert Dawn Richardson from Flodesk shares everything pet business owners need to know about email deliverability, growing local businesses through email, and prepping for the holidays.

🔍You’ll learn:

Why your emails might be going to spam and how to fix itThe importance of list cleaning and sending to engaged subscribers onlyHow local pet businesses can use email for exclusivity, VIP offers, and targeted contentSmart ways to segment your audience for better resultsHoliday email strategies that go beyond generic Black Friday blasts

👉Get the full episode blog/show notes...

Duration: 00:52:22

🎧Quick Recap

This episode is your website self-audit for pet business owners whose sites aren't converting visitors into bookings. In it, we’re covering the 5 biggest website mistakes that kill conversions.

🔍You'll learn:

How to optimize the ‘above-the-fold’ area of your website to get potential clients to stay on your site longer.Why weak call-to-actions are costing you bookings and how to improve themSimple ways to speed up your slow website and keep visitors from bouncingEssential trust-building elements that help potential clients feel safe booking youHow to clean up messy navigation so clients c...

Duration: 00:20:41

Worried about AI changing the way people find your pet business? In this episode, we break down what’s actually happening with SEO and search, why your website matters more than ever, and the simple steps you can take to future-proof your site (without overcomplicating it).

Here's what we dive into:

What's actually changing with AI overviews and search resultsWhy local and niche businesses aren't impacted the same way as larger sitesHow your website is literally training AI bots (and what that means for you)The shift from domain authority to brand authority ac...

Duration: 00:21:11

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 visibilityEssential guidelines that prevent suspension (and what triggers it)How to optimize for niche services when no category existsThe real impact of reviews on your search rankingsWhy fake reviews will backfire and...

Duration: 00:57:18

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 worl...

Duration: 00:21:44

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.

He...

Duration: 00:36:50

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:

...

Duration: 00:22:57

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 impactHow to save 10+ hours weekly through strategic automationWhy email marketing remains critical (and not dead!)Aut...

Duration: 00:44:57

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 re...

Duration: 00:21:54

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 fatigueEarly warning signs that most pet professionals missSetting boundaries that actually stick with clients and colleaguesCreating a personalized self-care plan that works fo...

Duration: 00:46:48

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...

Duration: 00:40:24

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 star...

Duration: 00:13:26

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...

Duration: 00:58:45

Have you ever found yourself second-guessing your website platform choice after hearing different people tell you Wix (or any other platform) is ‘bad for SEO?’ or ‘doesn’t have the functionality you need?’ What if I told you those rumors about any of the popular platforms aren’t the real issue? And worse– what if those rumors are holding you back from having a website that's both powerful AND easy to maintain?

In this myth-busting episode, we're tackling the biggest misconceptions about Wix head-on. Whether you've hesitated to use Wix because "someone told you" it wasn’t good...

Duration: 00:17:05

Remember when you started your pet business dreaming of freedom and flexibility?

Yet somehow you ended up working longer hours than ever before. If you're feeling trapped in the day-to-day operations of your business, wondering when you'll finally have the freedom to live the life you envisioned, this episode is for you.

We welcome Kristin Morrison, pet business coach, author, and founder of the Six-Figure Pet Business Academy. After experiencing burnout in her own pet business, Kristin transformed her company into one that could run without her, allowing her...

Duration: 01:15:09

Ever googled "SEO tips" only to feel overwhelmed by technical jargon and endless to-do lists? You're not alone! While most of us know SEO is important for business, figuring out where to start can feel like solving a puzzle in the dark.

In this episode, we're diving into the world of SEO audits—no tech expertise required. Whether you're new to SEO or looking to improve your current strategy, these steps will help you understand exactly where your website stands so you know where to focus your attention moving forward.

Here's wh...

Duration: 00:12:12

Email marketing remains one of the most powerful ways to connect with clients, yet many pet businesses struggle to use it effectively. While social media gets most of the attention, email marketing actually offers one of the highest returns on investment of any marketing channel—with studies showing a $35 return for every $1 spent.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Tori Mistick, founder of Wear Wag Repeat and a true expert at building genuine connections through email marketing. If you're feeling overwhelmed by email marketing or looking for more reliable ways to reach your clients, th...

Duration: 00:53:09

Are you stuck in the cycle of posting, engaging, and trying to keep up with social media trends, but not seeing results? We feel ya!!

Here’s the reality: Less than 3% of your followers are even seeing your Instagram content, and those hours spent scrolling, liking, and posting might not be bringing you the clients you deserve.

In this episode, we dive into six powerful strategies to grow your pet business without relying on social media. We’re not saying you need to delete Instagram altogether – it's still useful as part of a b...

Duration: 00:25:21

Think branding is just about a logo? 👀 Think again. Your brand is more than colors and fonts—it’s the heart and soul of your pet business. It’s what helps you stand out in a sea of other dog walkers, pet sitters, and petpreneurs vying for attention.

In this episode, we welcome Cagney, one of Pet Marketing Unleashed’s talented brand designers who brings both creativity and strategy to the pet brands she designs. 

Here's what we cover:

Why branding is WAY more than just a logo (and why it matters f...

Duration: 00:55:21

The new year is the perfect time to refresh your pet business website! Whether you're setting new goals or just looking for a fresh start, a quick website update can work wonders to boost business and build momentum.

In this episode, we’re sharing 8 simple, actionable ways to refresh your website so it not only looks its best but also works smarter for you in the year ahead. Each of these tips is easy to implement and perfect for kicking off the year on the right foot! Plus, we’re including a bonus strategy to help...

Duration: 00:18:27

Finding and retaining great team members for your pet business can feel like an impossible task, and there's so much struggle around identifying the right candidates, navigating employment laws, and building a team that truly represents the values of your business. Maybe you've tried hiring before but struggled with finding people who truly care about your clients’ pets as much as you do, or perhaps you're considering your first hire but feel overwhelmed by the whole process.

In this episode, we welcome Doug Keeling, founder of The Pawsitive Hiring Course–a leading expert in pet indu...

Duration: 01:01:10

The world of SEO can seem daunting, especially for small, local pet businesses. It's tough to know where to start and which strategies will actually make a difference in your search rankings. 


Let alone the fact that most SEO efforts can take months and months to see results…

In this episode, we dive deep into practical SEO strategies for pet businesses, and uncover some game-changing insights:

Why SEO is your 24/7 salesperson and how it actually worksThe importance of proper indexing and how to check if your site is visible to...

Duration: 00:25:53

The pet industry is booming, which means more competition than ever. It's tough to know how to position yourself, find your ideal clients, and build a business that truly reflects your values and expertise.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome our very first guest, Michelle Kline, founder of DogCoLaunch–a powerhouse in the pet care industry. Michelle's journey from accidental pet care business owner to sought-after pet biz coach is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in scaling her own dog-walking company to 25 employees and 600 clients, Michelle now dedicates her expertise to helping ot...

Duration: 00:56:42

Are you constantly being told you should have a marketing strategy but don’t know where the heck to start? 

How do you build one? Where do you start? What should be included? How does it become useful?

Crafting a marketing strategy can seem like a huge, daunting task. We’ve all been there, feeling like we need to do everything and be everywhere, only to end up confused and burnt out with not a lot to show for it. 

In today’s episode, we’re breaking it all down into manageable steps, so you can...

Duration: 00:18:39

We're diving into one of my absolute favorite topics: websites! As a website designer, I'm thrilled to share some quick, actionable tips that can make a huge impact on your pet business's online presence.

Today, we're focusing on the "above the fold" area of your homepage - that crucial first impression that can make or break a potential client's interest. Whether you're a dog walker, pet sitter, or dog trainer, these tips will help you turn your website into a client-attracting powerhouse.

In this episode, we're diving into some...

Duration: 00:11:41

Have you ever felt like your pet business isn’t quite where you want it to be?

You’re putting in the work, but the results aren’t what you expected. Maybe you’ve been working on your branding, posting on social media, and running your business day in and day out, but it feels like something’s missing. You’re exhausted, juggling too much, and no matter what you try, the stress just keeps piling up.

Can you relate?

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Is this it? Am I missing something critical in...

Duration: 00:16:46