Why Start a Pet Blog?
Before jumping into the technical details, it helps to get clear on why you want to start a pet blog. Here are some of the top reasons pet lovers create blogs:
- Share stories, photos, and videos of your own pets
- Educate others on pet care, training, health, etc.
- Build community with fellow pet enthusiasts
- Promote pet-related business or services
- Generate income through ads, affiliates, sponsors, etc.
- Document a personal journey with a pet (illness, training, etc.)
- Advocate for animal welfare causes
- Highlight pet friendly travel destinations
Knowing your motivation will help shape the focus and voice of your blog. Do some self-reflection before moving forward.
Choosing a Domain Name
One of the first steps in starting a pet blog is registering a domain name. Your domain is your unique web address that visitors will type in to access your site.
Here are tips for choosing the right domain:
- Brainstorm keywords related to your niche – type of pet, care topic, location, etc.
- Aim for a .com extension if available – it looks the most professional
- Keep it short, clear and easy to remember – ideally under 20 characters
- Check domain availability with a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap
- Be prepared to get creative if your first choice isn‘t available
For example, if "janesdogtrainingtips.com" wasn‘t available, you could try a variation like "janestrainingdogs.com."
Expect to pay around $10-15 per year for domain registration. Securing social media usernames that align with your domain is also a good idea.
Choosing a Web Host for Your Pet Blog
Your web host provides the storage space and technology infrastructure to get your site online. Aspects to evaluate when choosing a host include:
- Reliability – Look for guaranteed 99%+ uptime.
- Speed – Fast hosting ensures good site performance.
- Storage – Entry plans provide around 50GB.
- Cost – Starts around $3-10 monthly for basic plans.
- Support – Chat, phone, tickets for any issues.
- Backups – Automatic daily backups for disaster recovery.
- Money-back guarantee – Test drive the host risk-free.
Top picks like Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround check these boxes at reasonable prices.
Building Your Pet Blog with WordPress
When it comes to choosing blogging software, WordPress is by far the most popular platform. The content management system powers over 43% of all websites as of 2023.
Reasons WordPress is ideal for pet blogs:
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Thousands of free themes and plugins
- Great SEO capabilities out of the box
- Scales to handle lots of traffic
- Vibrant community support forums
Many web hosting companies like Bluehost offer 1-click WordPress installation. This automates the process of setting up WordPress with your domain.
Once installed, you can customize the design using free or premium pet-themed templates. Add your logo, update fonts and colors to match your brand. No coding skills needed!
Plugins can extend WordPress‘ functionality with features like contact forms, email newsletters, social sharing and more. There are plugins suited for pet blogs available in the WordPress directory.
Defining Your Pet Blog Niche and Topics
While pet blogs cover furry friends generally, it helps to focus your content around specific niches and topics tailored to a target reader.
Narrower niches not only give your blog authority on a particular subject, but also make it easier for ideal readers to find your content online.
Some pet blog niche examples include:
- Specific pet types – dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles, farm animals
- Pet care topics – health, nutrition, training, grooming
- Pet product reviews – food, toys, gear
- Veterinarian Q&As and pet first aid
- Adoption and rescue stories
- Pet photography and cute pet pics/videos
- Pet travel tips by location
- Therapy and emotional support animals
While a broad focus works early on, over time readers appreciate pet bloggers who deeply understand a niche.
Make sure to intersperse some posts on general interest, viral pet topics as well. This content can bring new readers to your blog.
Researching Keywords and SEO Strategies
Writing blog posts your target audience searches for and wants to read should be a top priority. Keyword research using free tools uncovers these topics.
Google‘s keyword planner reveals high volume searches related to pets such as:
- why do dogs eat grass
- homemade dog food recipes
- how much to feed a cat
- best pet insurance
- dog breeds good with kids
Target 10-100 searches per month for topics to maximize your chances of ranking.
Optimizing posts for SEO makes it more likely search engines put your content near the top of results. Useful tactics include:
- Place researched keywords in headings, URLs, image titles, opening paragraphs and 2-3 times throughout the posts. Don‘t over-optimize.
- Include related links to other posts on your blog.
- Embed relevant images and videos in content.
- Publish longform, well-researched articles (1,500+ words).
Leveraging search data when writing posts pays off with consistent blog traffic over time.
Establishing Your Voice as a Pet Blogger
Your unique personality and passion for pets should shine through from post one. As readers get to know you, they‘ll come to love your authentic self as much as the furry friends you write about.
Ways to develop an engaging blogger voice include:
- Open up about your own pets – names, quirks, silly stories.
- Blog in first person rather than sounding overly formal.
- Show your sense of humor and enthusiasm.
- Have a conversational tone as if speaking with a friend.
- Share professional credentials if you have relevant experience.
Photos, videos and even short audio clips with your pets let readers put a face to your name. Don‘t hide behind your blog – putting yourself out there builds loyal followers.
Creating an Editorial Calendar for Consistent Pet Posts
They say the secret to growing a blog is consistency. Regularly publishing valuable articles keeps readers engaged and coming back.
It also gives search engines fresh content to index, expanding your site‘s footprint over time.
Creating an editorial calendar tracks ideas and keeps your pet blog on schedule each week.
- Map out 12+ months of potential post topics and niche angles to explore.
- Schedule time every week to write 2-3 articles. Batch writing works well.
- Use free templates available online to organize and Prioritize your content pipeline.
- Add your publishing dates to a Google Calendar or project board.
Striking an editorial balance between evergreen niche posts and timely viral topics boosts search traffic and social shares.
Repurposing written blog posts into videos and podcasts further extends your content reach.
Promoting Your Pet Blog on Social Media
While quality content is critical for pet blog growth, an equally important success factor is promotion. Spreading your articles far and wide through social media expands your audience.
Pet lovers are most active on these platforms:
Facebook – Groups and Pages related to pets breed strong communities ideal for engaging discussion. Create a Page for your blog and join Group conversations where you can share posts.
Instagram – A hugely visual platform great for cute pet pics and behind the scenes. Use a mix of hashtags, mentions and links in captions back to blog content.
Pinterest – Pet care Pins with mixed media perform wonderfully on this bookmarking site. Craft snackable graphics with quotes from your posts to Repin.
Twitter – Known for real-time conversations and commentary. Reply to pet questions from followers and Retweet influencers in your niche.
Leverage cross-promotion across your owned web properties and user channels. Welcome networking opportunities to guest post on other established blogs. PR services can help secure media features as your site grows.
Monetizing Your Pet Blog: Affiliates, Ads and Sponsors
Building an income from blogging takes time, but done right pet blogs can generate thousands per year through:
Affiliate Marketing
Programs like Petco ShareASale and Chewy pay commissions when readers purchase from special links on your site. Transparently recommend quality products you actually use.
Display Advertising
Services like Google AdSense place advertiser ads around your content and share the ad revenue. Pet brands will bid to reach your engaged audience.
Sponsored and Brand Partnership Posts
As your following grows, pet companies will pay $100-$500+ to sponsor posts and social promotions aligned with your niche. Ensure transparency around sponsored content.
When starting out focus on value-driven over money-driven blogging. Building trust and loyalty of readers is the foundation of a thriving pet blog.
Pet Blogger Income Potential
Wondering how much money pet bloggers really make? Income varies greatly but six-figure earning pet influencers do exist.
Per the 2022 Tubular Labs report, below are typical content creator earnings across platforms:
- YouTube – $18.99 per 1,000 video views
- Facebook – $9.51 per 1,000 video views
- Instagram – $11.59 per 1,000 video views
- Blog posts/affiliates/ads – $500-$5000+ per month
For a new pet blog, expect to make little in your first year outside of small affiliate commissions. Think long term.
With consistent posting meeting reader needs and calculated promotion, bloggers can join the top pet influencer ranks over 2-3+ years.
Pet Blogging Tips From the Pros
We asked veteran pet bloggers to share their best advice for aspiring writers. Here are top tips:
"Connect with your readers by giving your pets names and backstories. This forms emotional bonds between readers and your fur babies even if they never meet." – Jane of MyFurFriends.com, 7 years blogging
"Guest post and network with both pet bloggers and veterinarian sites related to your niche. This introduces your expertise to aligned audiences open to quality content." – Tina of TheHealthyPetsGuide.com, 5 years blogging
"Initial research is key. Know the most common questions searcher ask on your topics and the gaps competitor sites haven‘t addressed well. Fill those gaps with reader value top of mind." – Mark of DogCare101.com, 10 years blogging
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about launching your own pet blog? Check the FAQs below:
How much does it cost to start a pet blog?
Expect first year costs under $200 for domain registration, basic web hosting, themes, stock images and marketing expenses. Ongoing costs run $100-$500+ yearly.
Can I make pet blogging a full-time job?
In time, with hard work and persistence dedicated pet bloggers can replace their income through a mix of ads, affiliates and brand sponsorships. Top influencers make 6 to even 7 figures.
What‘s the best blogging platform for pet topics?
We recommend the WordPress CMS for its ease of use, SEO benefits, scalability, support and plethora of pet-related themes and plugins.
Ready to Start Your Pet Blog?
We covered step-by-step how to:
- Choose the perfect blog name and niche
- Set up hosting and WordPress
- Create compelling content
- Promote your blog & grow an audience
- Monetize through affiliates and sponsors
Now it‘s your turn. Unleash your passion for pets by launching an amazing blog readers will love. Wishing you much success!
