DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Apollo, Canada's Adventurous Mini Aussie
Welcome to the ultimate destination for dog enthusiasts and social media mavens alike. At Dogfluencers, we're passionate about showcasing the best and brightest in the world of four-legged fame.
Whether you're looking for adorable photos, heartwarming stories, or expert tips on how to turn your own pup into a social media star, we've got you covered.
Today we got the honor of interviewing Kristen (Apollo's Human). You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.
Here is their story:
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a dog influencer? What inspired you to start sharing your dog's adventures on social media?
Wenzel: I started out just wanting a separate Instagram account to share photos of Apollo but I soon saw the potential of building a following and started spending more time learning about social media strategies and improving my photography and videography. I love being able to share the things I’m passionate about with other like-minded individuals!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Wenzel: I think what sets Apollo apart is the wide range of activities and travels that I show him going on. It inspires others to do more with their dogs and try traveling with their dogs too! Apollo has become a great model as well and our followers love his signature poses!
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Wenzel: When thinking about creating content, I imagine who my ideal follower is and what information they would be interested to hear about or what kind of content they would find entertaining. I also gauge this off previous content and how it has done to know what my audience wants to see more of.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Wenzel: I think a challenge most people face on social media is comparing themselves to others and lack of engagement. The biggest thing I do is try to focus on what I’m sharing that is unique and not trying to follow in the paths of others' trends. When I’m lacking engagement on Instagram, instead of getting discouraged and not wanting to post, I try to post even more as I find the more content I put out, the more every post seems to be seen overall.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Wenzel: My biggest piece of advice would be to find what is going to set you apart right from the start. Decide what about you or your dog is going to be a focus on your account. Targeting a more specific audience can be helpful to build your audience and can help give you direction for what kind of content to create.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Wenzel: Because of Apollo’s social media, I’ve met some of my best friends who have dogs and share similar interests to me. I probably would have never met these girls if it wouldn’t have been for Apollo’s Instagram account.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or funny moment you've had with your dog during one of your photo shoots or adventures?
Wenzel: A funny moment I had was when I was paddleboarding with Apollo, I had my phone in my life jacket recording and I happened to capture Apollo falling off the paddleboard and me yanking him back on.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Wenzel: Getting to do things with Apollo I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise, meeting new people, and making a side income through fun projects with brands!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Wenzel: I am working on an e-book that shares information about going on adventures with dogs. I don’t have a date of release yet, but I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with those who hope to take their dogs on the types of adventures I’ve taken Apollo on!