~ By Pilar Hemry ~

“Stop the Scroll.” Have you heard that term? Most of us who’ve ventured into the digital world, probably have. So what makes us stop and look at someone’s content on social media?

If you’re like me, it’s probably the fun and silly animal posts and pages. I follow and like those that bring a smile to my face and make me literally laugh out loud!

I absolutely love the dedication and creativeness of those that have fur-babies and feather-babies with their own Facebook & Instagram feeds. Everything from talking Huskies, laughing Labs & Party’ing Parrots, to just all out cuteness in general.

So down to brass tacks. You want to create your own page or feed for your fur or feather baby and don’t have a clue how to start. Here’s some basic how to’s for Instagram and Facebook.

Name of Page

(Username – i.e. @handle)

It can be hard & down right daunting trying to come up with something catchy and fun that also lets folks know what they’ll see. Google can be your friend! And you want your page name to be as unique as possible.

Think about how you’d describe your pet, their attitude, looks, and then make a play on words. (Example: if you have a barker, maybe “BarktasticAdventures.”)

I have a friend who’s a Private Investigator, and her pup’s name is Mannix. So her play on it is “Adventures of Spy-Pup Mannix.”

Profile Photo

For this, you need a cute photo of your pet that:

  • Is easily identifiable.
  • Doesn’t have a ton of clutter or background.
  • Is a closeup of their face, or is even a caricature image.

Details (About) Section

Here again, it’s all about what your followers can expect and why should they like/follow you. (Example: “Follow precocious & inquisitive Spy-Pup Mannix as he sniffs out clues and leaves no bone unchewed.”)

If you’re using the name of your pet, what’s going to grab someone’s attention are things like:

  • Noodles The Pooch @NoodlesThePooch
  • The Corporate Canine 165 wpm
  • Sipper of PawGaritas

Use fun emojis in your details: they give your potential followers the quick at-a-glance that you want to catch their eye.

  • Dog emoji – fancy mutt
  • Carrot emoji – snack lover
  • Dog emoji – face licker
  • White heart emoji – your new best friend

Tips & What Works

  • Use good, fun & interesting hashtags – from super generic #InstagramPets to more specific #MyDogGizmo (yes, they still work!)
  • Keep your reels short. People just don’t have that long of an attention span. 10 to 15 seconds are long enough for most, with some videos scattered in at 30 seconds.
  • Sounds. If you’re not speaking for the critters, you can use an existing audio/sound, song, etc.
  • If you’re placing text within the reel, insert it inside a few text bubbles.
  • People love surprises and love to laugh, so throw in a plot twist.
  • Ever wonder what your pet is thinking and wish they could say? Let’s hear from them.
  • Apps are fun. I’ve tried a couple where you can upload a picture of your pet, record a message from them, add a hat, glasses, etc. Just have a blast with it.

Post a lot and have fun with it! Reels, pictures, a day in the life of, and other good stuff!