Pet Marketing Unleashed Podcast

<p>Your Ultimate Guide to Growing a Thriving Pet Business—Stress-Free<br /><br /><br />Welcome to <em>The Pet Marketing Unleashed Podcast</em>, the go-to resource for petpreneurs (AKA pet business owners) who want to scale their service-based pet businesses without the overwhelm. Whether you're a dog walker, pet sitter, dog trainer, pet photographer, dog daycare owner, or any other pet care professional, this podcast is packed with actionable marketing, branding, and website strategies tailored to your unique needs.<br /><br /><br />Hosted by Mikaela Vargas, designer and educator for pet businesses, each episode dives into practical tips for streamlining your online presence, boosting client onboarding, implementing SEO strategies, enhancing your branding, and avoiding burnout—even while you’re out walking dogs or managing your busy schedule. Expect a mix of solo episodes and guest interviews that dig deep into what it takes to build a successful, sustainable, and stress-free pet business.<br /><br /><br />So, pop in those earbuds, grab your favorite treat (or three!), and join Mikaela as she shares how to grow your fulfilling pet care business—one walk, sit, or coffee break at a time!<br /><br /><br />https://www.petmarketingunleashed.com</p>

27: How to Prep Your Pet Business for Maternity Leave with Maris Sonnabend (Plus… Big News!)

🎧 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...

10-07
44:04

26: Avoid the Spam Folder: Email Deliverability Tips and Email Marketing Strategies for Pet Businesses with Flodesk (Plus Holiday Prep Tips!)

🎧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 res...

09-16
52:22

25: Is Your Pet Business Website Guilty of These 5 Mistakes?

🎧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-...

09-02
20:41

24: AI Didn’t Replace SEO, But It Did Change the Rules: Here’s How Pet Businesses Can Future-Proof Their Websites Now

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 t...

08-19
21:11

23: What Local Pet Businesses Need to Know About Google Business Listings with Amy Toman of Pet Sitter SEO

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 n...

08-05
57:18

22: Weird Times, Smart Moves: Creative Ways to Prep for Uncertainty

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 g...

07-22
21:44

21: Stop Guessing: Track These Numbers to Grow Your Pet Business and Make Better Decisions with Corinne Moore

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...

07-08
36:50

20: What to Do When Business Slows Down: 5 Smart Moves for Pet Biz Owners This Summer

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 smar...

06-24
22:57

19: Want More Time, Happier Clients, AND a Bigger Paycheck? Let’s Talk Automation Tips with Ines McNeil

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 whe...

06-10
44:57

18: How to Stop Wasting Time on Marketing That Doesn’t Work

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 an...

05-27
21:54

17: Feeling Drained? Overcome Pet Industry Burnout and Compassion Fatigue with PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston

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 compassio...

05-13
46:48

16: How Community, Confidence, and a Brand and Website Refresh Helped Heidi Lewis-Pracko Get 90% of Client Inquiries from Google

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 in...

04-29
40:24

15: 3 Must-Have Blog Posts Every Pet Business Owner Should Have on Their Website

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 ever...

04-15
13:26

14: The Future of Pet Care: Trends, Challenges, and Growth Tips from Collin of Pet Sitter Confessional

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 a...

04-01
58:45

13: Debunking Wix Myths: The Truth About SEO, Functionality & Whether Wix Is Right for Your Pet Business

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...

03-18
17:05

12: Building a Pet Business That Supports Your Dream Life with Kristin Morrison

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 t...

03-04
01:15:09

11: The No-Stress SEO Audit: 3 Steps to Boost Your Pet Business Website Visibility

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 yo...

02-18
12:12

10: Overlooking Email? Unlock Creative Email Marketing Strategies for Pet Service Businesses with Tori Mistick

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 y...

02-04
53:09

09: Tired of The Social Media Hustle? 6 Strategies to Grow Your Pet Business Without It

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 altog...

01-21
25:21

08: Stop Blending In! How to Create a Brand That Gets Noticed and Attracts Clients in the Pet Industry with PMU Brand Designer, Cagney

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...

01-07
55:21

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