A growing number of pet owners in the UK are turning their beloved pets into social media stars, with recent data revealing that 35% of pet parents have created social media accounts for their animals.
What began as a fun way to share adorable photos and videos has evolved into a profitable venture for some, as pets become key players in the influencer market.
According to Jason Higgs, a money expert from Bountii, the pet influencer market is experiencing significant growth. “Brands are recognising the power these accounts have to connect with pet owners on an emotional level,” he says, highlighting the lucrative potential for pet owners willing to invest time and creativity into their pets’ social media presence.
How Pet Owners Are Monetising Their Pets
Pet owners are finding various ways to monetise their pets’ social media accounts, transforming their furry friends into ‘petfluencers.’ One of the most common methods is through brand partnerships. Popular pet accounts often collaborate with brands that cater to animals, such as pet food companies, toy manufacturers, or insurance providers. These partnerships may involve product endorsements, reviews, or product placement in the pet’s daily activities, providing a steady income stream for the owner.
Another profitable avenue is sponsored posts. Pet owners can promote specific products or services on their pet’s social media accounts in exchange for a fee. “It’s a great way to highlight pet products your followers will love while earning money,” says Jason. He emphasises the importance of authenticity, advising pet owners to promote only what their pets genuinely enjoy to maintain trust with their audience.
Affiliate marketing is another strategy pet owners use to generate income. By promoting products through affiliate links on their pet’s social media profile, owners earn a commission when someone clicks the link and makes a purchase. “Choose affiliates that align with your pet’s lifestyle,” Jason advises, noting that this approach benefits both the pet owner and their followers by sharing quality products while earning a commission.
Opportunities for Emerging Pet Influencers
One of the most encouraging aspects of the pet influencer market is that it doesn’t require a massive following to start earning. Brands are increasingly interested in niche audiences, so pets with unique talents, breeds, or personalities have ample opportunities to carve out a space in the ‘petfluencing’ world.
“The key is to focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience,” says Jason. He adds that engagement is often more valuable than the sheer number of followers, suggesting that dedicated followers who interact with content are more attractive to brands than larger, less engaged audiences.
For pet owners who already enjoy capturing and sharing their pet’s moments, the potential to turn this hobby into a source of income is within reach. With dedication, creativity, and a strong focus on quality content and audience engagement, pet owners can join the growing ranks of successful pet influencers. The charm of a well-loved pet, combined with strategic content creation, could indeed lead to substantial rewards.
