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 Nicole (Hank'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?
Artuso: At first, like most people, the pup account was created so that I could document Hank as much as I wanted without annoying my friends and family on my personal account. It quickly turned into navigating everyday dog mom life and sharing all our adventures. Seeing how fun the dog community is really inspired me to continue to share daily doses of Hank!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Artuso: Hank has had a big personality since day one, and I try to share as much of it as possible. I've tried my best to be 'real' on social media as well because that's something that I would personally prefer to see - choosing to not only show the glamourous parts of having a dog, but also the not-so-fun stuff that dog parents deal with daily.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Artuso: Most of the time, I post based on what's going on at the time in real life - whether it be a new place we've explored, something silly Hank does, or products we're currently loving. Hearing trending audio also helps to get the ideas flowing, and 99% of the time there is something that relates to a usual day in our life that just works with it.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Artuso: There hasn't been much negativity in my experience, but when I do see unnecessary comments I typically ignore them. In my opinion, it's not worth my time to engage!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Artuso: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! Sharing your pup should be a fun experience, so try to remember that no matter how frustrating it can get at times. I also think it goes a long way to show up on social media authentically, as yourself, and not try and force it - it's much easier to connect with others if you're being you.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Artuso: Hank continues to remind me to enjoy the little things in life and overall has encouraged me to be more active every single day, which comes with visiting new dog-friendly places and exploring new trails.
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?
Artuso: Last summer, we were about 5 minutes into a hike and Hank decided he wanted to take a mud bath. I remember seeing it coming so I tried to tell him 'NO' - he looked at me, looked back at the mud, and then bolted and plopped himself in it all... even dunked his head under!! I was completely speechless because there was nothing we could do at that point and then just burst into laughter. Needless to say, we kept the windows down for the entire 2-hour car ride.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Artuso: Connecting with new people!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Artuso: I'm hoping to collaborate with more of our favorite brands in the coming months as well as travel more with Hank as the weather gets warmer!
