In today’s digital era, visual content plays a HUGE role in grabbing people’s attention. It’s all about conveying messages effectively! For pet businesses, it might be easy to grab stock photos of animals and pets. After all, they’re all so cute and easy to find just about anywhere, aren’t they? Pause and think about it for a moment. What do you think will enhance the branding and online presence of your pet business more? Generic photos of someone’s dog you bought a license for, or content involving the pets you’ve worked with directly? 

We think we know your answer. Let’s get into why it’s so important to use non-stock photos. 

Authenticity and Connection

Pet owners are passionate about their furry friends, and we seek authenticity and relatability when engaging with pet-related businesses. There’s a great chance you’re a pet owner yourself; isn’t that what you’re looking for when you do the same?

Using non-stock photos of real pets ensures a genuine connection with your target audience. Authentic images capture the unique characteristics and personalities of pets, making them more relatable and creating an emotional bond. Customers are more likely to trust pet businesses that use real pet images over generic stock photos. It’s easier to identify the differences between the two than you may think. 

We don’t want to make you feel badly for using those photos! Most of the time, smaller or newer businesses don’t have the funds to hire a photographer with the experience of working with animals. Stock photography is a great starting point but with real photos… you’re standing out from the pack!

Authenticity is the key to building a strong bond with potential customers. Non-stock photos allow you to showcase the true essence of pets and the joy they bring to people’s lives. Whether it’s capturing the mischievous grin of a playful puppy or the blissful expression of a cat curled up for a nap, these moments bring a sense of authenticity that resonates with pet owners. By using real pet images, you create a genuine connection and establish trust with your audience.

Brand Differentiation

With the proliferation of websites and social media channels, it’s crucial for pet businesses to stand out from their competitors. Non-stock photos provide an excellent opportunity to differentiate your brand by showcasing your own pets, customers’ pets, or even “pet ambassadors” that have been identified by you and your company. 

By using unique and original images, your pet business can create a distinct visual identity that resonates with your target audience. This sets your brand apart from others who rely on generic stock photos.

When potential customers browse through numerous pet-related websites and social media feeds, they are bombarded with generic stock photos all the time. These images lack personality and fail to capture the essence of what makes their pet business unique. By utilizing non-stock photos, you can showcase your own pets, staff, and customer’s pets, creating a strong brand presence. This personalized approach leaves a lasting impression on your audience and increases the likelihood of them choosing your pet business over competitors.

Building Trust and Credibility

Trust is a crucial factor in the success of any business, and that goes double for any business that pet owners hope to entrust their furry children to. Non-stock photos can help establish trust and credibility with your audience. By showcasing real pets and interactions in your business, you build a transparent and authentic image. 

Customers are more likely to trust a pet business that demonstrates a genuine and personal touch through its visual content. This trust can lead to increased customer loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations.

When potential customers visit your pet business’s website or social media profiles, they want to see real examples of the services you provide and the pets you care for. Stock photos may seem polished and professional, but they lack the genuine touch that only non-stock photos can provide. By showcasing the real pets that have been in your care, you give potential customers a glimpse into the loving and personalized experience they can expect when choosing your pet business.

Emotional Appeal and Engagement

Pets hold a special place in people’s hearts, and evoking emotions is a powerful marketing strategy. Why not go for the easy wins when you can?

Non-stock photos have the ability to tug at heartstrings, elicit genuine emotions, and generate greater engagement with your audience. Showcasing adorable pets, heartwarming moments, or even funny, meme-worthy pet expressions can generate a positive response and create a stronger emotional connection. This emotional appeal can fuel higher engagement rates on social media, increase content shares, and boost brand awareness.

The power of pet photos to evoke emotions should never be underestimated. Whether it’s a video of a puppy’s first steps or a photo of a pet and their owner sharing a tender moment, these images capture the hearts of pet lovers. Emotions have a profound impact on decision-making, and by using non-stock photos to create emotional connections, pet businesses can influence potential customers to choose them over competitors. 

Additionally, the engaging nature of these photos encourages social media shares and increases the reach of your brand. Virality is not a thing to underestimate in this day and age. Your company could be dealing with a very new audience overnight if something catches on!

Reflecting Diversity and Inclusivity

A diverse and inclusive marketing approach is essential for any business. While you might not think it, pet businesses especially deserve versatility. 

Stock photos often bring a limited representation of pets, focusing on popular breeds and stereotypical scenarios. By using non-stock photos, you can showcase a wide range of pet breeds, sizes, and unique features. This inclusivity demonstrates that your pet business embraces diversity and welcomes all pet owners, regardless of their pet’s appearance or background. 

You would really want to push for diversity if your business handles more than one animal, too; for example, kennels may want to show off the many types of dogs and cats they have had to stop by for a stay. Let your audience see that you’re equipped to accept all comers!

It’s important to remember that pet ownership comes in all shapes, sizes, and breeds. By showcasing a diverse range of pets in your non-stock photos, you send a message of inclusivity. Potential customers will appreciate seeing pets that resemble theirs, and showcasing a variety of breeds and sizes encourages a sense of belonging. This diversity reflects the reality of pet ownership and ensures that all pet owners feel seen and welcomed by your business.

Non-stock photos offer pet businesses a powerful tool to enhance their online presence and connect with their target audience on a deeper level. By taking the time to capture genuine moments with pets or partnering with local pet owners, you can create a library of captivating non-stock photos. By doing so, your pet business can effectively showcase its unique identity and create a lasting impression in the hearts of pet owners.

Are you looking for help on how to use your new library of non-stock photos to your advantage? That’s where Petfluence can step in! We offer our marketing skills and diverse portfolio of services to ensure you don’t have to do anything more than what you have already done. Contact us today so that we can discuss what is ideal for you and your pet business!