The WeRateDogs Twitter (X) account, launched in 2015, became a viral sensation thanks to its unique and humorous take on rating user-submitted dog photos. With a playful rating scale and witty captions, the account tapped into the internet’s love for cute dogs and funny content. This lighthearted approach made the account highly engaging and shareable, amassing over 9 million followers along the way.
The brilliance of WeRateDogs lies in its ability to integrate marketing seamlessly into its content. Their goal wasn’t just to go viral, but to build genuine connections with their audience through humor and relatability. By featuring pet products in a natural, entertaining way—without hard-selling—the brand fits right into the playful atmosphere of the account. This approach made sponsored content feel organic, not forced, and kept the audience engaged.
This is Brooks. He found a giant stick on his walk and stubbornly carried it all the way home. 14/10 pic.twitter.com/hit0Qks9kn
— WeRateDogs (@dog_rates) February 26, 2025
For pet product brands, WeRateDogs offers a valuable lesson in creating authentic, shareable content that builds trust. By blending humor with product promotion and aligning with a community’s interests, pet brands can drive engagement and loyalty, making social media a powerful tool in their marketing strategy.
- 6 Best Social Media Marketing Strategies For Pet Products
- 1. Creating Anticipation with Subscription Box Unboxing Campaigns for Pet Products
- 2. Advocating for Pet Charities to Strengthen Brand Image
- 3. Creating Adventure-Focused Content for Active Pet Products
- 4. Making Pet Products Fun with Humor and Relatability
- 5. Promoting Pet Products with Real-Life Use Cases
- 6. Leveraging Social Media Giveaways
- Fetching Success with Social Media Marketing for Pet Brands
- Frequently Asked Questions
6 Best Social Media Marketing Strategies For Pet Products
Social media marketing for pet product brands has evolved beyond simple product promotion. Today, it’s about fostering deep connections with pet owners and creating campaigns that resonate on an emotional level. Influencer marketing plays a crucial role in this, and when executed with authenticity and creativity, it can skyrocket engagement and loyalty.
From unboxing campaigns to educational content, let’s dive into some of the most effective strategies pet brands are using to build buzz and loyalty in 2024.
1. Creating Anticipation with Subscription Box Unboxing Campaigns for Pet Products
Subscription box unboxing campaigns are an excellent way to generate excitement and build anticipation for pet product brands. By offering monthly boxes filled with exclusive, curated items—such as treats, toys, or grooming products—you can create a sense of novelty and surprise that keeps customers coming back.
The key to success is showcasing these unboxing experiences on social media, where influencers and customers alike can share the joy of opening their boxes, amplifying the brand's presence and fostering a community of pet lovers eager to see what's next.
Real Dog Box takes the concept of subscription boxes to the next level with its monthly delivery of healthy, single-ingredient treats and chews. Every month, dog owners receive a personalized box filled with hand-made, small-batch treats tailored to their dog's preferences and needs, with no additives or preservatives. To create buzz, Real Dog Box uses user-generated content from customers who are filming and sharing their unboxing experience.
@pupscoutsdogtraining Unloading some Real Dog Box goodies! Fetch $10 off your first box, linked in my bio 😊 #dogfood #dogtreats #realdogbox #realdogfood #dogs #dogsoftiktok #tiktokdogs #dogtok #tiktokdogs #dogtok ♬ original sound - PupScouts Dog Training
Pro Tip:
To boost engagement with your unboxing campaign, encourage customers to share their unboxing videos using a branded hashtag and offer incentives like discounts or free products for the best videos.
2. Advocating for Pet Charities to Strengthen Brand Image
In an era where consumers are increasingly drawn to brands with a clear sense of purpose, advocating for pet adoption has become a powerful way for pet product brands to make a meaningful impact. By supporting animal shelters and promoting adoption, brands not only contribute to a vital cause but also align themselves with the values of compassion and community, which resonate deeply with today's socially conscious consumers.
Pet adoption initiatives can be a fantastic opportunity to forge stronger emotional connections with customers while strengthening your brand's image. Whether through partnerships with animal rescues, donations, or even offering discounted products to adopters, showing a commitment to the well-being of pets highlights a brand’s authenticity and social responsibility.
Chewy, a standout example in this space, has built its brand around this sense of community and compassion. Through its #ChewyGivesBack campaign, Chewy has successfully blended its business model with charitable efforts, making a tangible impact on the lives of rescue pets.
During #GivingTuesday, Chewy’s local hubs teamed up with shelters and brought adoptable dogs into their facilities, encouraging their team and customers to get involved. This initiative not only boosted brand visibility but also fostered goodwill and trust among pet owners, positioning Chewy as a brand that truly cares about animals in need.
By integrating pet charities into your marketing efforts, you elevate your brand from just a product provider to a trusted partner in the fight for better lives for pets everywhere. This kind of advocacy can help you build a loyal, passionate customer base that shares your values.
Pro Tip:
Incorporate pet adoption stories and customer testimonials into your social media campaigns to humanize your brand and inspire more pet lovers to support adoption initiatives.
3. Creating Adventure-Focused Content for Active Pet Products
Social media is the perfect platform to connect with outdoor enthusiasts and active pet owners by showcasing adventure-focused content. For pet brands that offer products designed for active lifestyles, creating content that highlights pets in real-world, outdoor environments not only promotes your products but also resonates with an audience that values adventure, exploration, and a healthy, active lifestyle with their pets.
For example, Rocky Mountain Dog has mastered this approach. As a brand offering adventure gear for dogs—like durable collars, leashes, harnesses, and outdoor accessories—Rocky Mountain Dog creates content that celebrates outdoor adventures. Their social media feed is filled with stunning visuals of dogs hiking, camping, and exploring nature, all while wearing their high-performance gear.
By reposting user-generated content (UGC), they engage their community and show their products in action, helping potential customers envision how these products fit into their active, adventurous lifestyles.
Rocky Mountain Dog’s approach not only promotes the practical benefits of their products but also taps into the emotional aspect of outdoor adventures with pets. It makes their audience feel part of a larger, like-minded community that enjoys getting out and exploring the world with their dogs by their side.
Pro Tip:
Encourage your customers to share their own adventure stories using your products with a branded hashtag. Reposting their content not only builds community but also boosts social proof, showcasing real-life experiences that align with your brand’s mission.
4. Making Pet Products Fun with Humor and Relatability
In a crowded marketplace, brands that connect with consumers on a personal and emotional level stand out. One of the most effective ways to create this connection is by injecting humor and relatability into your marketing. Pet product brands that can make people laugh, while still showcasing their products, not only entertain but also build brand loyalty.
Bark is a perfect example of this strategy in action. Known for its playful and humorous tone, Bark consistently creates posts that speak to both pet owners and their pets in a fun, relatable way. A standout example is their Valentine’s Day campaign, where they partnered with The Bouqs Co. to offer a unique, heartwarming promotion.
Their social media post, paired with a bright, fun image, read: “Love is in the air... and in your dog’s mouth!” With this playful message, Bark encouraged dog owners to include their pets in their Valentine’s celebrations by offering two dozen roses, along with a free rose-shaped dog toy. The campaign brilliantly blends humor, gift-giving, and pet love into one lighthearted promotion.
The key to this strategy is its accessibility and charm. By turning the sometimes overly serious world of Valentine’s Day into a fun and pet-centric experience, Bark not only advertised its product but also made its brand feel relatable and enjoyable.
Pro Tip:
Don’t be afraid to let your brand’s personality shine through. Humorous content humanizes your brand and can drive viral engagement. Leverage popular social media trends, like posting TikTok memes, to create funny, shareable moments that resonate with your audience.
5. Promoting Pet Products with Real-Life Use Cases
One of the most powerful ways to market pet products is by showing how they are used in real-life situations. Instead of just listing product features or benefits, brands can demonstrate how their products solve everyday problems or enhance the lives of pets and pet owners. Real-life use cases not only make the products feel more relatable but also build trust, as potential customers can see how the product fits into the daily routines of other pet owners.
Pet brands can leverage user-generated content (UGC) and testimonials to highlight these real-life use cases. Sharing videos, photos, and personal stories from happy customers creates social proof, showing that real people and their pets are enjoying the benefits of the products. It also gives customers a voice, which fosters a sense of community and trust.
Fi Dog Collar is a pet product brand known for its high-tech GPS-enabled dog collars. What makes them a standout example is that they frequently post videos and UGC on their official TikTok account. They ask satisfied customers to share their experiences with the collar, and in turn, feature these testimonials on their social media platforms. Whether it’s a video showing how the collar helped locate a lost pet or a story about its role in everyday adventures, Fi’s real-life use case content helps potential customers visualize how the collar can benefit them and their dogs.
@fi.dogs Be the best dog parent possible with valuable insights about your dog using the Fi Collar. Track your dog’s exact GPS locations, walks, sleep, and so much more. #ficollar #ficollarreview #dogparentsbelike #dogparentsoftiktok #dogparentslife ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic
By showcasing authentic, real-world experiences, Fi builds trust and credibility, which ultimately drives conversions.
Pro Tip:
Encourage your customers to share their experiences and tag your brand. By posting their UGC and testimonials, you not only promote your product but also build a loyal community around it.
6. Leveraging Social Media Giveaways
Social media giveaways are one of the best ways for pet product brands to increase engagement, attract new followers, and build excitement around their products. Not only do giveaways create buzz, but they also foster a sense of community and encourage brand awareness as participants share the contest with their friends. A well-executed giveaway can lead to more followers, increased traffic to your website, and an enhanced connection with your audience.
The key to a successful social media giveaway is to keep it simple and aligned with your brand’s values. Encourage participants to engage with your posts, tag friends, and follow your account—all actions that boost your social media presence while keeping the giveaway fun and accessible. Additionally, leveraging popular hashtags can further extend the reach of your giveaway.
Take UpCountry, for example. The brand recently launched a giveaway to celebrate their new Purple Gingham collar, and their strategy hit all the right notes. To enter, followers simply had to follow their account and tag a friend who would love the design.
This straightforward, fun contest not only engaged their audience but also helped spread the word about their stylish pet accessories. By offering an adorable, new product as the prize, UpCountry sparked excitement and fostered a sense of community among pet lovers.
Pro Tip:
When running a giveaway, focus on simplicity and encourage participants to tag others and follow your page. This will increase your reach and foster organic engagement while strengthening your brand’s connection with your audience.
Fetching Success with Social Media Marketing for Pet Brands
As the pet product market continues to grow, utilizing creative and engaging social media tips is essential for standing out. Whether it’s building anticipation with unboxing campaigns, advocating for pet adoption, or leveraging humor to connect with audiences, the right approach can turn followers into loyal customers.
By incorporating these strategies into your own marketing efforts, you can elevate your brand, strengthen community ties, and drive lasting engagement. Get ready to unleash your brand’s full potential and create paw-sitive connections that keep customers coming back for more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best social media platform for promoting pet products?
When it comes to promoting pet products, different social media platforms offer distinct benefits. Here are some options that stand out:
- Instagram: Great for visual content, Instagram allows you to showcase products, share user-generated content, and create pet-centric stories that resonate with your audience.
- TikTok: Ideal for viral content, TikTok lets you create fun, relatable, and shareable videos that can quickly capture the attention of a wide audience.
- Facebook: With its robust targeting features, Facebook is perfect for running highly targeted ads and engaging with niche pet communities.
- YouTube: For longer-form content, YouTube is great for tutorials, unboxings, and product reviews that help build brand trust.
Each platform offers unique advantages depending on your marketing goals and the type of content you're creating.
How can I increase engagement for my pet business on Instagram?
Instagram offers a variety of ways to boost engagement for your pet business. To make the most of it, consider the following strategies:
- Use Interactive Features: Leverage Instagram’s interactive features, such as polls, questions, and stickers, to encourage audience participation.
- Post Consistently: Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and ensures your brand stays top of mind.
- Share User-Generated Content: Featuring your customers' pets and their experiences creates a sense of community and authenticity.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers who align with your brand to reach a larger, targeted audience.
By combining these strategies, you'll be able to create an engaged and loyal following on Instagram.
What are the most effective social media marketing strategies for pet brands?
The most effective social media strategies for pet brands involve creating content that resonates with pet owners and fosters community. Here are the top strategies:
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Influencer Marketing | Partnering with pet influencers to amplify brand reach and credibility. |
| User-Generated Content (UGC) | Encouraging customers to share their own pet-related content with branded hashtags. |
| Emotional Storytelling | Sharing heartwarming pet stories that build emotional connections with your audience. |
| Product Education | Posting educational content that explains the benefits and features of your products. |
These strategies create strong bonds between your brand and pet owners, leading to greater engagement and customer loyalty.
How do I target pet owners using Facebook ads?
Facebook provides powerful targeting tools that can help you reach pet owners effectively. You can use these targeting options:
- Demographics: Target users by age, gender, and interests related to pets.
- Behavioral Targeting: Facebook allows you to reach people who are likely to engage with pet-related content or who have shown interest in buying pet products.
- Custom Audiences: Use your existing customer data to create custom audiences and retarget them with tailored ads.
By fine-tuning these targeting options, you can ensure your ads reach the right pet owners.
How do I create a successful social media campaign for a pet business?
To create a successful social media campaign for your pet business, it's essential to focus on key components:
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve—whether it's brand awareness, sales, or community engagement.
- Know Your Audience: Understand your target demographic's interests and pain points to craft relevant content.
- Use Engaging Content: Share photos, videos, and stories that resonate emotionally with your audience, such as cute pet moments or customer testimonials.
- Leverage Hashtags: Use trending and relevant hashtags to boost your reach and increase discoverability.
- Measure and Adjust: Monitor campaign performance and adjust strategies based on what works best for your brand.
A successful social media campaign combines creativity, targeted goals, and continuous optimization.
How do pet brands collaborate with influencers effectively?
Influencer partnerships are highly effective for pet brands, but they need to be managed strategically. Here are some best practices:
- Choose the Right Influencers: Select influencers whose followers match your target audience. Look for authenticity and engagement, not just follower count.
- Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define the deliverables and compensation to ensure both parties are aligned.
- Co-Create Content: Work together with influencers to create content that feels authentic, like unboxings or product trials.
- Track Performance: Measure the results of influencer collaborations to understand their impact on brand awareness and sales.
With the right approach, influencer collaborations can significantly boost your pet brand’s visibility.
What types of content should I post on social media for my pet brand?
To keep your audience engaged and connected, here’s the type of content you should consider sharing:
| Content Type | Description |
|---|---|
| User-Generated Content | Feature content from customers, showcasing their pets using your products. |
| Behind-the-Scenes | Show how your products are made or the daily operations of your business. |
| Tutorials and How-To Videos | Share educational content about pet care and how your products can help. |
| Pet Stories and Emotional Content | Tell heartwarming stories about pets and their owners, showcasing your brand’s values. |
These types of content build trust, showcase your products authentically, and engage your audience emotionally.
How can I use contests to boost engagement for my pet business?
Contests are an excellent way to increase interaction with your brand. Here's how you can use them to boost engagement:
- Create Shareable Entries: Encourage participants to post photos or videos of their pets with your product, increasing visibility.
- Use Hashtags: Promote a unique hashtag for the contest to make it easy for users to follow and share their entries.
- Offer Attractive Prizes: Ensure that the prizes appeal to your audience, such as free products, discounts, or exclusive pet accessories.
- Promote on Multiple Platforms: Run the contest across your social channels to reach a larger audience.
Contests can generate excitement around your brand and help build a loyal online community.
How can educational content help in pet product marketing?
Educational content is a powerful way to establish your brand as an expert in the pet industry. Here’s how it helps:
- It builds trust by providing valuable information that helps pet owners make informed decisions.
- It positions your brand as an authority in pet care, creating long-term loyalty among customers.
- It drives traffic to your social media profiles and website, increasing the chances of converting followers into customers.
Sharing insightful educational content will enhance your credibility and attract more engaged customers.
How can SEO improve my pet product brand’s social media presence?
SEO helps your social media profiles and posts appear higher in search results, improving discoverability. Here’s how:
- Optimize Your Profile: Use keywords in your bio, about section, and posts to make it easier for potential customers to find you.
- Hashtags and Keywords: Integrating relevant hashtags and keywords will boost your visibility and engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Link Back to Your Website: Share links to your website or product pages to drive traffic and improve rankings.
With SEO, you can ensure your content reaches a wider audience, leading to greater brand exposure.
How do I create targeted ads for international pet owners?
Creating targeted ads for international audiences requires some planning. Here are the steps to follow:
- Use Geo-Targeting: Leverage ad platforms like Facebook and Instagram to target specific countries or regions where pet ownership is high.
- Tailor Language and Currency: Customize your ad copy to the local language and offer prices in the local currency to make the ads more relatable.
- Consider Local Holidays and Trends: Create campaigns around local events or holidays to resonate better with international audiences.
By refining your targeting and understanding cultural preferences, you can successfully reach international pet owners.
What are the best influencer marketing strategies for pet brands?
Influencer marketing is one of the most effective ways to promote pet products. Here's how to do it right:
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Micro-Influencer Collaborations | Partner with micro-influencers who have high engagement rates with niche audiences. |
| Product Seeding | Send free products to influencers to get honest reviews and organic content. |
| Creative Campaigns | Allow influencers to create content in their unique style to make it feel authentic. |
| Tracking Performance | Use promo codes or affiliate links to measure the success of the collaboration. |
Implementing these strategies will help your brand build credibility and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
