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 Maddison (Posie'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?
Our journey into the world of dog influencing began in 2020 when we welcomed our first pup, Ellie, into our lives. It all started with my partner, Matt, who has always had a keen eye for photography, particularly landscapes.
Naturally, he began capturing Ellie's adorable moments and sharing them on social media. Little did we know, those initial posts would mark the beginning of an incredible adventure.
In 2022, we welcomed Miss Posie into our family, and our social media presence evolved to include both of our beloved dachshunds. What started as @thetailsofellie soon transformed into @thetailsofdachies, encapsulating the essence of our journey.
However, our journey hasn't been without its challenges. Last year, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of Ellie. Despite the grief, we made a conscious decision to carry on with our brand, TTOD, as a tribute to Ellie and the joy she brought into our lives. Through our platform, we aim to continue sharing the adventures and happiness that made Ellie's life so special.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
What sets our dogs apart on social media is our unique approach to content creation. We prioritise showcasing Posie in stunning natural and urban landscapes, which not only highlights her adorable personality but also allows our followers to experience the beauty of the world through their eyes.
In the past year, we've honed in on a clear niche, focusing on all things dog-friendly, helping creators and outdoor photography/adventures. Whether it's discovering hidden gems that welcome our fur babies or sharing tips for fellow dog creators, we're dedicated to providing valuable and engaging content that resonates with our audience.
Ultimately, it's our commitment to authenticity, creativity, and our passion for exploring outdoors with Posie that sets us apart.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Creating content for our dog's social media presence is both a creative endeavor and a labor of love. Our specific focus areas, including dog-friendly adventures, outdoor photography, and supporting fellow dog creators, serve as guiding pillars for our content strategy.
Inspiration for our posts often stems from our own experiences, whether it's discovering a new dog-friendly venue or sharing something we’ve learnt from having this account for 3 years. Additionally, we actively engage with our community, drawing ideas and insights from the comments and interactions we receive. Understanding the needs and interests of our followers helps us tailor our content to provide value and foster meaningful connections.
To streamline our creative process and stay organised, we utilise various tools and programs such as ChatGPT, Planoly, and Notion. These platforms help us brainstorm ideas, plan out our content calendar, and efficiently execute our vision.
Ultimately, our goal is to create content that resonates with our audience, sparks joy, and inspires others to embark on their own adventures with their fur babies.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Operating an influencer account, regardless of its nature, inevitably exposes us to both challenges and negativity. While we didn't encounter much negativity in the early stages of our journey, as our audience grew and our content reached more viewers, we began to face criticism and unwarranted judgments.
These challenges manifested in various forms, from negative comments on our posts to the creation of dedicated accounts aimed at discussing and scrutinizing our decisions on Instagram. Despite efforts to brush off negativity, it's difficult not to take it personally when you've invested significant time and effort into nurturing an influencer account.
In coping with these challenges, we've found solace in confiding in trusted individuals, whether they're friends, family, or fellow creators who understand the nuances of navigating online spaces. Taking mental health breaks from social media has also been crucial in maintaining our well-being and perspective.
Ultimately, we've come to accept that encountering negativity is an unfortunate aspect of having an online presence. However, by prioritising our mental health and surrounding ourselves with supportive communities, we're better equipped to handle this and remain focused on the positive impact we strive to make through our platform.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Do it - whether it be purely for a diary of your dog or with the goal to form a dog influencer page. Starting your own dog influencer account or sharing your furry friend on social media can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here's some advice to help you get started on this exciting journey:
- Find Your Niche: Discover what makes your dog unique and what aspects of your life together you're most passionate about sharing. Whether it's outdoor adventures, training tips, or heartwarming moments, having a clear focus will help you attract and engage with like-minded followers.
- Engage with Your Community: Take the time to engage with your followers by responding to comments, liking and sharing their content, and participating in conversations within the dog-loving community. Building relationships with your audience fosters loyalty and strengthens your influence.
- Quality Over Quantity: While consistency is important, prioritise quality content over quantity. Invest time in creating visually appealing photos and videos that tell a story and evoke emotion. Remember, it's better to post less frequently with high-quality content than to overwhelm your audience with mediocre posts.
- Have Fun: Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey! Sharing your dog's adventures on social media should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Embrace the joy and camaraderie that comes with being part of the dog influencer community.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Having dogs has had a profound impact on our lives beyond the realm of social media. They have shown us the true meaning of unconditional love, greeting us with boundless enthusiasm and affection each day. Their presence has encouraged us to embrace our creativity and embark on new adventures together. Through their eyes, we've discovered a passion for pet photography and are forever inspired to explore the great outdoors.
Their companionship has enriched our lives in countless ways, teaching us valuable lessons about empathy, patience, and the importance of living in the moment. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the park or an exhilarating hike in the mountains, their zest for life reminds us to savour every moment and find joy in the simple pleasures.
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?
During one of our recent photo shoots in the city, we were collaborating with a café and attempting to capture a video of Posie next to their welcoming sign. As we coaxed her to wait patiently for the shot, we heard an unexpected exclamation: 'Is that Posie?!'
Surprised, we confirmed, 'Yeah, it is?' It turned out that a bystander and her partner recognized Posie from Instagram.
This spontaneous encounter gave us a slight feeling of what it would feel like to be a human influencer. It was both surreal and heartwarming to witness the genuine excitement and connection that Posie's online presence had fostered.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
My favourite thing about being a dog influencer is the incredible journey it has taken us on and the meaningful connections we've made along the way. Firstly, we've had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with amazing people online, forming genuine friendships with fellow dog lovers who share our passion for adventure and creativity.
Moreover, being dog influencers has opened doors to exciting opportunities that we never could have imagined. From collaborating with brands that align with our values to participating in sponsored campaigns and events, we've been able to turn our shared love for Posie into memorable experiences and valuable partnerships.
But perhaps the most cherished aspect of being a dog influencer is the memories we've created with Posie by our side. As well as those we had with our precious soul dog, Ellie. From epic outdoor adventures to heartwarming everyday moments, our journey together has been filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable experiences. Knowing that we're able to document and share these precious memories with others is truly rewarding and fuels our passion for what we do.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
As we look ahead, our focus remains on our mission to showcase dog-friendly venues and products, with the ultimate goal of making dog-friendliness the norm in our communities. We're passionate about advocating for the inclusion of our furry friends in everyday experiences, whether it's exploring new cafes, hotels, or traveling.
In addition to our ongoing efforts to promote dog-friendly initiatives, we're committed to growing our social media presence and engaging with a broader audience. We're continuously brainstorming creative content ideas and exploring new ways to connect with our followers and fellow dog enthusiasts.
Furthermore, we're dedicated to supporting and collaborating with other dog content creators. We believe in the power of community and strive to uplift and amplify the voices of fellow dog lovers who share our passion for adventure and advocacy.
One of our aspirations is to expand our reach beyond our local area and explore opportunities for interstate collaborations and partnerships.
Overall, we're excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities that await us and Posie. With each new project and endeavour, we're fuelled by our passion for making a positive impact in the world of dog influencers and beyond.