So you want to blog about pets? 5 tips to get you started

by Guest Blogger Robbi Hess

You love your dog, cat, ferret or fish, right? They are amazing, fun, do the coolest things and you find a way to talk about them to everyone you meet. Your Facebook profile starts with, "I love my bossy

poodle…" Oh wait, that's mine! 

So you've determined you have a passion for your pet and you'd like to spread the word about him or her, right? Do you have a blog? Are you thinking of starting a blog in which you can write about your pet? What's holding you back? Is it lack of time? Are you unsure of what you'd write about? Read on for 5 tips to get you started in the pet blogosphere:

1.  Find a focus/your audience: Will your blog be about Fluffy or Fido's adorable antics? If so, who will be your audience? Are you writing/blogging about them for your own edification? To hone your writing skills? To get invited on Letterman for his Stupid Pet Tricks segment? All are good reasons, but if you're looking to grow your blog and gain a following you might want to expand it a bit. Perhaps you can focus on topics related to your pets' specific breed, what you did to train him and how long it took to pick up the new skill.

2.   How often will you blog: If you want to gain a following, your audience will want to see fresh content at least weekly. More than weekly — at least three times – is ideal. If people click to your site a few times and don't see anything new, chances are they will lose interest and find another blog to follow. 

3.  How will you spread the word: Do you have your own personal Facebook or Twitter page or blog? Have you considered setting up a Fanpage for your pet's blog? It's a great way to find followers and promote your posts. 

4.  Will you be relevant: Pet rescues because of hurricanes or tsunamis, pet food recalls, heroic acts performed by dogs (perhaps by the same breed as your own dog) — these are great topics to blog about (and link outside of your blog to other people who are talking about the same subject). Do you want to be looked to as an expert in a particular pet area? Blogging about current events can help make your blog more searchable. 

5.  Grammar and style matter: If you're a great idea person but not so great a speller, you may want to ask a friend to proofread your posts before they go live. In the past, bloggers were given a pass on bad grammar, spelling and punctuation, but no longer. Individuals who follow blogs are as interested in reading something that's well written as they are in reading something that's interesting. If nothing else, run your post through spell check but a second set of eyes can be your best friend when it comes to your posting. 

Pet bloggers are taking over the world! Okay, that may have been a bit dramatic, but pet bloggers are gaining notice and recognition within the blog world. Pet lovers are a force to be reckoned with. Now is the time to add your voice to the conversation!