10 Simple Ways to Market or Advertise Your Pet Photography Business

If you’re a pet photographer, you already know your work sells through visuals, but how do you market those visuals in a way that brings in the right clients consistently? That’s exactly what we're covering below - 10 tried-and-true strategies that have worked not only for our clients, but for other pet photographers building thriving businesses.

At Pet Marketing Unleashed, we’re all about helping pet businesses stand out online and attract their dream clients. Over the years, we’ve worked with several pet photographers, and visuals in their marketing play a huge role in whether you’re fully booked or waiting for inquiries.

They say that a client has to see a brand 7-10 times before they consider a purchase. So, here are our favorite ways to market your pet photography business online. These methods are tried and true - if they can help other pet photographers find their ideal clients, they can help you too!

1. Build a Pet Photography Website That Works for You

Think of your website as your online storefront. It’s where potential clients go to view your portfolio, learn about your process, and most importantly, book a session. A well-designed website builds trust and gives you a professional edge over competitors who rely solely on Instagram or word-of-mouth.

When people stumble across your pet photography work online, they’re going to get curious. Especially when it stands out. They may even want to reach out to you! Imagine if you had a website that showcased your portfolio plus allowed your clients to easily book online. BOOM. It makes it a lot easier to boost your lead generation and snag new clients all through an online system!

When your website is designed strategically, it can book clients while you sleep. If you’re ready for a site that does the heavy lifting for you, our website template for pet photographers is built with strategy, SEO, and conversions in mind.

Already have a website, but not sure if you're doing it quite right? Check out our FREE guide to turn your pet photography website into a money-making machine!

2. Get a pet photographer CRM or booking software

Don’t let scheduling and admin work eat up your time. Tools like Dubsado (our favorite for creatives) allow you to automate contracts, invoices, proposals, and session bookings. Less time on logistics = more time behind the camera.

Instead of wasting time going back and forth with yours and your clients’ calendars, you can send them your availability so they can select a mutual time for photo sessions!

Dubsado was specifically designed with photographers in mind. I gotta say, it’s amazing! It helps me send custom-designed proposals, contracts, canned emails, AND invoices that clients can read and sign anywhere! (Here's a code for 20% off your first month of Dubsado).

3. Start an email list

You may have heard the word on the street - email marketing has the highest ROI. When somebody signs up for your email list, it’s like an open invitation directly into their digital home.

Social media platforms change constantly, but your email list is yours forever. Use it to announce seasonal specials, mini sessions, or limited spots for holiday photoshoots. Email marketing consistently delivers the highest ROI of any marketing channel and it works beautifully for pet photographers.

Our favorite email marketing platform for doggie daycares and boarding facilities is Flodesk for beautiful, easy-to-design emails. But, if you're not ready to pay for the email marketing feature, you can get started for free by just collecting email addresses on your site for when you're ready. Get 50% off your first year with our link, or use code UNLEASHED at checkout.

4. Post regularly and consistently on social media

You knew this one was coming. Content marketing on social media is HUGE because 1.) a huge chunk of the world population is on social media frequently, and 2.) it’s relatively simple and FREE to market your business on these platforms.

Show your audience the behind-the-scenes magic: prepping for a shoot, editing sneak peeks, or before/after comparisons. Share client stories and explain why professional photography is worth the investment. The key is consistency so clients start recognizing your name and style again and again.

5. Fun Local Facebook Ads

Want to reach more pet parents in your city? Local Facebook and Instagram ads let you target by zip code, age, or even pet ownership. Sweeten the deal with a limited-time consultation or add-on, then watch how many new leads come your way.

6. Create blog content (with a local twist)

Establish yourself as an expert in pet photography through valuable blog content. Not only on pet photography tips BUT client stories so people can see behind the scenes and see your professional process.

But, please don’t just blog for the sake of blogging. Blog with purpose! Write posts that highlight your expertise and serve your community. For example:

• “Top 5 Spots for Dog Photoshoots in [Your City]”

• “What to Wear for Your Pet Photography Session in [Your City]”

These posts give you SEO traction, position you as the go-to expert, and bring in pet parents searching for local topics similar to that.

7. Get involved in the community

HIGHLY recommend getting involved in your community if you haven’t done this already. Consider partnering with a shelter or rescue and take photos of their available dogs for adoption. Share those photos on your social media. The rescues or shelters can also cross-promote and make you their official photographer, which can be listed on their website, too! You can do this for all sorts of businesses. Even hang your photography in vet offices for sale to promote your business!

8. Claim your online Google Business Listing

Make sure pet parents can find you on Google Business Profile, Yelp, Bing, and Yahoo. Fill out every field—contact info, hours, services, and especially photos (you’re a photographer, after all!). These free listings are a simple but powerful way to boost credibility.

For more tips on the best practices for Google Business Listing specifically for local pet businesses, head to our interview with Amy Toman on the topic of increasing leads via Google Business Listing.

9. Don't underestimate the power of add-on products and services.

It can be intimidating to offer higher rates as a photographer. Some business owners hesitate to try to upsell their clients because they’re afraid that they’re already charging too much money! Well, if you’re offering an add-on that’s valuable and can complement a service that they’re already interested in investing in, it can help cushion that high investment until you’re ready to own it!

Boost revenue (and client satisfaction) by offering prints, canvases, calendars, or photo books. Even digital add-ons like social media highlight reels can go a long way. Think... products and photos that your clients will share on social media and tag you in to get your work in front of. more audiences.

10. Donate gift certificates to local events

The events don't even have to be strictly pet-related, although that's obviously awesome. You can donate a gift certificate or a basket that includes a pet photography gift certificate or session along with treats and toys to promote your business.

Silent auctions, raffles, and community events are the perfect places to donate a free session or gift certificate. Not only will you gain exposure, but the winner may upgrade their package once they see your work in action.

Marketing your pet photography business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It just takes some strategy and consistency. Whether it’s building a professional website, creating local content, or getting involved in your community, each of these steps helps you show up where your dream clients are already looking.

At Pet Marketing Unleashed, we specialize in helping pet photographers like you book more clients through branding, website design, and a customizable Wix website template made just for pet photographers. We've got you covered!