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 Sadie (Piper Pippington'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?
Cox: I used to be a social media strategist on a well known ecommerce site, while doing that, I stumbled upon so may adorable pet accounts, and it made me really want to create an online presence for Piper. I may be biased, but I think he's the cutest little thing and he has such a unique personality I really wanted to share him with the world and bring a little joy to someones day.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Cox: I think it's the fact that he is such a tiny little guy, only 4 lbs, but has such a larger than life personality, he's fun, sassy and has a little bit of an I'm the boss attitude. All of that rolled up into one tiny little fashion icon. I truly believe his followers love that about him.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Cox: I base all of my content around his personality and how I perceive him. Kind of like, what would Piper say to that or how would he behave in a certain situation when I come up with different ideas. A lot of times, I go back and watch the videos or look at the photos after I take them, with no concept in mind and see what I come up with based on his behavior or the look on his face. Other times, I will look over at him, and he's being funny, so I grab my camera to capture the moment for his followers.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Cox: I have, and it's not fun. I think as an influencer, it's to be expected at some point. We're putting our lives out there and there's always going to be someone with an opinion. The video that got the most negativity, and instantly went viral was in part due to all of the negativity it received. It was his first time wearing shoes and I thought it was adorable and made me laugh to see his reaction and thought people would find it equally as cute. But no, I had nonstop comments tearing me apart, because how dare I put shoes on a dog. I live where the summers get 117+, there's no way he's going for walk without them. I've never experienced any kind of negativity like that before and had to take a step back from social media and reset myself mentally. At the end of the day, it's Pipers followers, and others who comment such lovely things, and all of the positivity and kindness that's shown that's important and what matters the most. Trolls, are just that. Trolls. I had to learn to block them and move on with my day, and forget about it.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Cox: Just do it! Go for it and have fun. But also go into it knowing, its not instant and takes dedication. Give your dog a personality and a voice, are they funny, serious, sassy, adventurous and go from there. Make content that speaks to you, is meaningful or makes you laugh. Be authentic and please stay engaged with your followers, if they comment, respond. Let them know you see what they're saying and appreciate them for being a part of your dogs life, let them know they're seen.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Cox: Piper has had a huge influence on my life outside of social media in so many ways. I suffer from severe anxiety and depression, he helps make my days better and brighter. I can't help but laugh and smile when I look at him and his funny little antics. He's also brought so many amazing people into my life that I would have never met had it not been for his social media accounts. Everything I do since the day he came into my life, has revolved around him and his happiness. He also gets me out of the house, he loves adventures, and everyone loves him, so beause of that, he's really forced me out of my introvert shell. Every walk we go on, we are always stopped by neighbors and end up chatting sometimes for an hour or more. So I've definitely become more social in many ways all because of him and its awesome.
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?
Cox: I'm always laughing when I'm creating content with him, he's such a fun loving little fellow. Especially now that we added a new puppy to our pack! Her interactions with Piper are nothing less than pure chaos. Piper really is the perfect model, and loves posing for the camera, but now that Daisy has entered the picture, she wants to be the center of attention at all times, so it makes for fun times behind the scenes. Photoshoots take twice as long now, but so worth it. A memorable time would be on one of our walks a couple months back, a woman in a car stopped in the middle of the street and asked to take a picture of Piper because she couldn't believe how adorable he was in his outfit and shoes going for a walk. Yes, she held up traffic, as she literally stopped in the middle of the road and pulled her phone out to take pics!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Cox: It's definitely getting to know Pipers followers, and other pet accounts I follow as well. I love hearing from them, things like how much they love him and he makes them smile. Ive had people message me and say they are only on social media because of him, or they were having a bad day, and after seeing a particular post, it made their day so much brighter, and they really needed that. It warms my heart knowing he brings as my much joy to others as he does to us. His followers are the absolute best and I just love them all so much! You can tell how much they love him, they show absolute concern and care towards him, and it's an amazing thing. It's like being a part of this huge family! I have actually made some of the most awesome and dear friends through his social media accounts, and I'm so greatful for that. It's also great to be able to have the opportunities that we do, working with brands that we really like. I'm picky, so I don't grab every offer that comes my way, and there's a lot. If I really like the company, or the product I will absolutely want to share that with his followers, because I feel if I like something, I'm sure they will too and I want to let them know about it.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Cox: Aside form working with some amazing partners, We actually have two things in the works! First, we're doing a line of Pipers fashion. We're so excited! His hats, bow ties and some of his outfits. So many people ask where we buy it all, but I persoinally make the majority of it, all of his hats, bows and ties aside from a few of the obvious, like his pajamas, it's all my designs. We have had such interest, I had to do it. So thats happening very very soon! Its going to be called Pippington, by Piper and I cant wait to see other dogs wearing his fashion! One other big thing is going to be so much fun as well! I met a fellow dog mom through our dogs social media, and she's amazing, truly the best human being, we're so much alike, and have so much fun chatting. Our friendship was definitely meant to be. This project is all still in the planning stages, but we're doing a podcast together! Its going to be real dog mom talk about life with dogs, from the serious to the down right hilarious and we cant wait! We really think people are going to love it, at least we hope they do!
