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 Keira (Sawyer'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?
Mantey: From the day I brought Sawyer home, I knew I wanted to showcase his personality to as many people as possible. His quirks and his ability to make me laugh are qualities that I hope to share with whomever comes across his social media, in hopes that he can put a smile on their face too. I wasn’t sure where to begin, so I posted a slideshow on TikTok explaining how he came to be mine. People fell in love with his smile and his story, and I’ve been uploading occasional videos ever since. I am excited to see his accounts grow as I put out more content, and I hope more people will come to enjoy him in the way that I have!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Mantey: Sawyer has a very distinct look and personality. It’s rare that I take him out in public and we don’t get stopped with questions and pats. He is an extremely happy and lively dog that lights up any room that he’s in, and he is very sociable. Sawyer is also very athletic and smart, so training him has been a breeze, and we are always on the go to try and find something new to do. This makes it quite easy to create content that appeals to viewers.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Mantey: When creating content, I think of what might appeal to me personally as a dog owner if I were scrolling through social media. Whether it be something educational or simply adorable, I try to be mindful of this when creating. Making something that tugs on the heart strings is a popular style for many dog influencers, me included, as it tends to reach a larger audience by placing a sentimental value to their content. Educational content can be anything from a training tip to sharing a product that you recommend. You should be passionate about what you plan on sharing when creating content, that’s usually a good start, as that will translate in your content to your audience.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Mantey: When posting on social media for anyone in the world to see, negativity and criticism are a given. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and feelings, and they’re likely to share those with you if they do not agree with your content or practices. For example, there is a handful of people who dislike the fact that I keep Sawyer at college with me. These people are usually concerned with the amount of exercise and stimulation he receives, or the lack thereof, by living in a dorm. This is a valid concern, and I respond to this by informing people that he gets sufficient exercise and mental stimulation daily. I’ve even posted videos of him exercising while at school to reinforce my point. It is important that you remain open minded and even tempered when creating content, because a defensive creator often comes across as a guilty creator. Social media can be your biggest critic, and this is not always a bad thing! There is always something new for us to learn.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Mantey: Be patient and have fun. Your content won’t always blow up and got tons of likes or views, and you might start out with only a handful of followers, but this shouldn’t discourage you. We all begin somewhere. I continue to try and grow my audience across platforms, and it’s a slow process. Don’t be in a rush to put out as much content as possible all at once, but try to put out at least a video or picture a week depending on your platform. This will only help increase your reach. This being said, posting should never feel like a chore or an obligation. Enjoy the process of creating content and have fun with your pup.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Mantey: Sawyer brings me immense happiness and inspires me to be more active on a daily basis. Some days when I don’t feel like leaving my bed, or when I just need to set my phone down and unplug myself from social media, he’s the motivation I need to get ready for the day and get moving. When you have a high energy dog, there is no skipping those daily walks, and he’s sure to let me know when he’s ready to go. Sawyer never fails to bring a smile to my face, even when I feel down. My introduction to college life and adulthood has only been supplemented by his presence, and I’ve come to learn a lot about time management and responsibility from Sawyer.
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?
Mantey: I’d say my most memorable content was that which I took during my first week at college. Sawyer was wearing a backpack and overlooking my campus while we sat under the shade of a tree. I remember in that moment being happy with my choice to bring him with me, and feeling ready for any challenges I might face in years to come. The daunting task of attending college did not seem so scary with Sawyer by my side in that moment.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Mantey: My favorite thing about being a dog influencer is witnessing how people react to Sawyer’s content. It makes me really happy to see others touched by Sawyer, I almost feel like a proud mom.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Mantey: Right now I’m focusing on posting more frequently and working on new ideas for content. I would like to share my experience of having a dog while in college, tips, and tricks, as well as the pros and cons for anyone who is interested. I hope to see Sawyer’s audience grow as I put out more engaging content!
