Your pet business, Your way

Do you need to write a press release about your pet business?You're in the right place!This episode will cover everything you need to know when it comes to creating a press release for your pet business.But what I’m really keen to stress is that there is more to landing press coverage than writing a press release.What journalists want are stories, and by the end of this episode, you’ll have a sense of how to go about finding them in your pet business, plus what you can do if you’d like some support.Key topics and timings in this episode:0.20 - Introduction to the podcast and topic.0.46 - Why I've re-recorded this episode from 2020.1.38 - My background and how this will help you with your press release.4.28 - Why journalists aren't bothered about press releases and what they really want instead.4.57 - What to expect from this episode.5.19 - Definition of a press release.5.54 - Why you as a business owner are capable of writing one yourself.6.55 - Why there's never been an easier time to connect with the press.7.44 - Why have a press release and how being in the press gives third party validation.9.20 - When you might need a press release.10.53 - Examples of what makes a story from Zoe, Rachel and Sarah.16.33 - Story idea prompts for if you're stuck for ideas.17.40 - How to write your press release.19.00 - Why you want your story to be click-baity.22.59 - What else you need to include with your press release.25.27 - What you shouldn't do with your press release.28.01 - Options for working together if you'd like support.28.45 - How press coverage has helped my dog friendly business go from ghost town to fully booked.29.36 - What to expect from the membership.31.18 - How my 1-1 calls work.Background on the host: If you’re new to the podcast and you’ve clicked on this episode because you need to write a press release, here’s a little background about me.I’m a journalist and have been since 1999, a whopping 25 years ago, writing for local, regional, and national newspapers.In 2006 I went freelance, and since then, I have continued to work for national titles, women's magazines, and websites. I found myself writing about the pet industry after adopting my friend's dog Daisy in 2009, and this led me to start my own pet blog.My blog, www.thepawpost.co.uk, appeared in the top 10 UK pet blogs, and businesses and brands would approach me about being on it, and when they found out I was a journalist, they asked for help in landing press coverage.This led to me writing a book, 'Publicity Tips for Pet Businesses,' starting a Facebook group, working one-to-one with people, starting an online course, this podcast, then a membership.Since 2019, I’ve helped over 1000 pet business owners appear in newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, including BBC Breakfast, websites, podcasts, and more.Further reading or listening if you enjoyed this episode: Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to prepare for a radio interview with Anna WebbWhat happens on a Get Your Pet Business in the Press 1-1Dos and Don't when dealing with journalistsIn the spotlight with Sarah Jones from My Anxious DogIn the spotlight with Niki French and what happens when you go viralHow to get your pet business in the press in five simple stepsDo I need to use a Press Release Distribution Service?How to find the right journalist to contact with my press release

Would you love to feel calm and in control of your content?Does it sometimes feel like you're constantly scrambling for ideas, or vanishing off social media when life gets busy?The good news is, you don’t need to chase trends or create from scratch every single day.You can have a plan that fits around you and your life.In this podcast episode, I'm sharing how repeatable content tasks - things you can post every week or every month - can help you stay consistent, visible, and connected to your audience without feeling overwhelmed or stuck.You'll learn what repeatable content is (and what it isn't), how it helps with confidence and consistency, and why it builds trust and leads to more sales.Plus I share some behind the scenes about the posts I use each week and month, and how you can create your own content rhythm using my free calendar and wall planner.This episode is part of the January 2026 planning series and includes a chance to win a three-night stay at Sunnyside Cottage or a year in the Pets Get Visible membership if you grab a planner before January 28th.Key topics and timings: 1.05 - How to access your free social media calendar and wall planner.2.05 - Why self-promotion feels so hard.3.14 - How repeatable tasks are just for you and can't be copied.4.30 - Why being consistent helps and keeping in touch regularly and will put you way ahead of marketing gurus.6.44 - What's in the calendar.7.00 - Why repeatable content works, why we need to keep talking about our offers and how customers need so many more touchpoints now.8.30 - The repeatable tasks I have in my business.12.45 - What happens when you download the calendar and how you can use it.14.00 - Putting together your repeatable plan.16.03 - How repeatable content helps make your life easier.18.30 - How to download the calendar.20.42 - Ways to access more support in Pets Get Visible and what's involved.23.12 - Episode summary and how to get in touch.Links mentioned in this episode:Download the social media calendar: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/calendar/Check out the Pet Business Content Planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/shop/Further listening/reading:Alex McCann on putting your personality into your contentMaking planning a habit in your pet businessCreating habits you can stick toShould you buy my pet business content plannerHow to use the pet business content plannerIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?

Are you looking for a simple planning system that can cover your SEO, social media and email marketing?Maybe you'd love to create one piece of content that you can use for all three, and know that your business is showing up on Google and in the AI learning models.If so this podcast is for you.It covers how to create content to feed the demands of your website, social media and your newsletter so you can keep in touch with your current clients, and connect with people who need what you have to offer.Key topics and timings: 0.21 - What to expect from this episode.0.50 - How my pet business planner can help.2.30 - What we know about pet owner behaviour when it comes to searching online.7.23 - The 'They ask, you answer,' principle by Marcus Sheridan.8.20 - Examples of what kind of user experience you can create.10.20 - How creating content for your website and Google will help the AI models learn about you.11.48 - Start with one core piece for the week or month and host on your website.12.35 - Creating a bank of bingeable content for your website, and that you can send to potential clients when they ask you questions.13.15 - Remember your blog content will show up on AI searches too.14.00 - Case study, Louise Humphrey.15.07 - How blogs you wrote years ago will serve you, and creating content themes.16.34 - How my Pet Business content planner can support you.Links mentioned in this episode: Buy my pet business planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/shop/Rikki Sullivan at The Canine Copywriter: https://thecaninecopywriter.co.uk/Kate Toon's SEO podcast: https://therecipeforseosuccess.com/category/podcast/Read Louise from Studio44Pilates blog: https://studio44pilates.com/category/louises-blog/Further listening: How to create website content to make your pet business stand out with Roz HealeyHow to create a pet business social media content calendarHow to start a pet blog or pet business blogHow to start a pet business newsletterHow to create a bingeable bank of contentShould you buy my pet business planner

Do you choose a word for the year? Or are you thinking about yours for 2026? Each year, I choose a word to guide how I want to feel and how I want to work and this year it’s Connection.In the past, it's been Calm and Space - two things I definitely needed during some pretty full-on seasons. But this year, for 2026, it’s all about connection.In this post, I’m sharing why that word matters to me, how it came about, and some reflections and prompts to help you choose what you want from the year ahead too. I hope it gives you a moment to pause and think about what 2026 could look like for you.Topics and timings:0.20 -Episode outline.0.38 - Planner sponsor message.2.17 - How do you want to feel in 2026.2.40 - Why Connection is the word for 2026.3.10 - Why my perspective has changed.4.37 - Some previous words of the year.8.10 - What Connection means and the training I'm doing for 2026.10.59 - Prompts to help you think of what connection means for you.13.09 - Connection and collaboration example with Vanessa from Wag-Wagatha Christie groomers.16.29 - The importance of a sense of belonging.17.02 - How the Pets Get Visible membership can help you feel connected.17.44 - More real life meet ups for 2026.19.08 - Why it's not just you sitting there thinking everyone else has it all figured out and you dont.21.18 - How imposter syndrome is with us at all levels.22.05 - Thank you message to start the year. Links mentioned in this episode:Emotions coaching: https://www.igcompany.com/emotionscoachingPlanner and Planner Club: www.rachelspencer.co.uk/shopFurther reading/listening: 12 Takeaways from my Online Planning DayHow to prepare for a pet business eventIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?How to choose the right pet business membership Should you buy my Pet Business Content PlannerWhat is The Planner Club and should you joinWhy I am an accredited Pet Business Coach Look back and see how far you've come

When you run a business, it can feel like you’re constantly bombarded with new things you need to be doing.You wear plenty of hats anyway, from doing the actual work, to social media, your accounts, keeping on top of your orders and appointments.And on top of that, in the ever-changing online world, with so many ways you can get your business seen at your fingertips, there’s an endless barrage of information on stuff you need to do.There will be times when what you need is directive support, for someone to say, ‘You need to.’And there will be stages where you’ll need space to think about what you need, and you might benefit from someone to pose that question to you.In this episode, I talk about the two approaches, what coaching is, what mentoring is, and some things to consider when it comes to working out what you need.Plus, your options if you’re looking for support.Key topics and timings:0.20 - Episode outline.0.45 - Pets Get Visible sponsor message.1.24 - The 'You need to' challenge.3.25 - How it can feel like you've run back into the thing you tried to get away from, being micromanaged.4.45 - Working at your own pace.5.30 - When I DO tell people what to do.7.16 - The difference between coaching and mentoring, 8.34 - Keri Squibb Pets Get Visible review.9.48 - The three kinds of coaches I see in the pet business space.13.28 - The coaching support I'm having at the moment.14.40 - Having an unshakable belief in what you do.15.00 - Why it's up to you to decide what success is for you.16.30 - What person centred coaching is.17.50 - What happened when I decided to go freelance.20.02 - Training to be a coach in 2022.21.14 - Tools in the planner that can help you figure out what you need.22.30 - What kind of support would help you?23.00 - How to get in touch if you'd like to work together.Links mentioned in this episode:Join Pets Get Visible: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/pets-get-visible/Buy a 2026 planner: https://rachelspencer.co.uk/product/pet-business-content-planner/Further reading/listening: What is a pet business coachShould you buy the Pet Business Content PlannerWhy I am an accredited Pet Business CoachIs my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?Different kinds of coaching for different stages in your businessHow to choose a pet business coach

Jade Statt is the co-founder of StreetVet, a charity supporting people affected by homelessness and their pets.Jade, her co-founder Sam Joseph, and their volunteers, support animals in 23 locations in the UK and there are 350 vets and nurses who are part of StreetVet.It all started when Jade, a vet, was on a night out in London in 2016, and saw a homeless man whose dog had a painful skin condition.She was desperate to help but couldn’t, and the image of that dog stayed with her, so she decided she wanted to make a difference.Jade began going out and treating animals on the street, then connected with Sam, who was doing the same, and StreetVet began in 2017.In this interview, Jade shares their story, the many hurdles and challenges along the way, and how you can support the work they do.Scroll down for all the links to connect with Jade and support StreetVet. Topics and timings: 0.20 - Episode outline.1.22 - Jade on how she started StreetVet-ing in 2016, and founding the charity with Sam Joseph.2.32 - The volume of volunteers working in the UK.3.12 - The different kinds of animals StreetVet support from dogs and cats to rabbits, birds and snakes.5.29 - Trust and some of the challenges Jade and Sam and their colleagues needed to overcome.7.00 - Working with regulations to ensure vets were able to go and offer support.8.39 - Connecting with Josh Coombes of Do Something For Nothing and how that helped build trust with the homeless community.10.32 - The message Jade wants people to understand about people living on the streets with their pets and why they sacrifice a home to be with their pet.14.45 - How the difficulties with the rental market and the cost of living crisis combined could lead to more pet owners being on the street.16.36 - How 9/10 hostels don’t allow pets and why StreetVet started the Accredited Hostel Scheme.17.39 - The Purina Better With Pets Prize and how this has supported the hostel scheme and now 60 accept pets and 50 are now being ‘onboarded’ to have the right set up for pets.21.32 - What working with Purina has meant for StreetVet and how a corporate relationship works.23.33 - The StreetVet film and why it was so vital to create a film with the sensitivity it deserved.26.49 - How the Big Give is boosting funds for StreetVet and how buying a copy of my Pet Business Content Planner between 2nd - 9th December 2025 will mean £5 is donated. This is fund matched meaning the charity will be given £10.28.07 - Some of the stories in the film - Debs and Bluebell and working with Steph Keelan to ensure StreetVet was represented appropriately.32.30 - Jade shares some of the ‘ugly moments’ of the StreetVet experience and managing the charity along with her work as a vet.35.30 - Why collaboration is important for StreetVet.36.53 - Dean Coleman, one of Jade’s clients who passed away and how losing him impacted on Jade.39.23 - Reflective practice and emotional support for volunteers with Rosie Allister from Vet Life.41.46 - How being a StreetVet has impacted on Jade’s mental health.45.07 - How the awareness and support around mental health has changed.46.30 - Homeless people cite their dog as their ‘support network’ research. 48.06 - Ways you can support StreetVet as a business.50.06 - The Big Give and the boost this can give by doubling donations - this year’s target is £60,000.51.03 - The Human Animal Bond Day on July 26th.52.07 - What’s next for Jade and StreetVet and having vets and nurses in new locations, with the goal of two new locations a year for the next two years.54.01 - Ways to connect with StreetVet.Key quotes:"If you were made homeless tomorrow, would you give up your pet? Most people say no -but have you really thought what that means?""There may be nothing else going well for that person, but that dog is their anchor in a chaotic life.""The commitment these owners show - putting their pet before themselves at every turn - is humbling.""StreetVet gave Dean a purpose, and now he’s part of our legacy. We honour him every day in our work.""The reality of life on the street is one of love, sacrifice and survival—and our film gives voice to that story."Links mentioned in this episode:Watch the new StreetVet film on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h_FhJO3xHkFind out more about The Big Give: https://biggive.org/charities/StreetVet’s Accredited Hostel Scheme: https://www.streetvet.co.uk/streetvet-accredited-hostel-scheme/The Better with Pets Purina Prize: https://www.purina.co.uk/our-impact/better-with-petsHuman-Animal Bond Day: https://www.human-animalbondday.com/eventsFollow Josh Coombes/Do Something for Nothing: https://www.instagram.com/dosomethingfornothing

Kate Hendry is the founder of Finbo Studio - a branding and design agency that helps pet businesses create a visual identity that feels just like them.In this episode, we talk all about how your brand is so much more than just a logo – and how to put yourself out there in a way that feels good.Kate is the brilliant brain behind the design of my planner, and she’s worked with loads of amazing pet brands to help them stand out, tell their stories, and grow businesses they’re proud of.We talk about how she went from drawing wildlife prints for her son Finn’s nursery and selling them in an Asda car park, to creating brands that go on to win top industry awards.We cover the mistakes she’s made, the moments that made her want to give up, underpants on the radiator, and what it takes to build a business that reflects who you are.Kate explains what good branding is really about - not just colours and logos, but clarity, confidence, and creating something that supports you to show up. She also shares how feeling invisible shaped the way she now helps others feel seen.We chat about why we need to stop overthinking, how to be brave in our content, and why sometimes the hardest part of business is saying the thing you really want to say.I really hope you love this episode, and that it leaves you feeling a little bit braver when it comes to being yourself.You’ll find all the links to connect with Kate at the end of this post, along with a summary of our conversation.Key topics and timings:0.20 - Episode overview.2.53 - Kate’s introduction and background.4.02 - How Kate’s self-employment business started with creating wildlife illustrations and prints for her little boy Finn and selling them in Asda car park.7.07 - Understanding profits and margins and why Kate stepped away from her product business.9.21 - How Kate uses the experience she made with her product business to support her clients in her new business.13.35 - How Kate fell into the niche of working with pet brands.18.05 - The process of helping a pet brand work out how to bring their brand to life and represent themselves in a way that feels right and reflects how they are.23.51 - How her clients are the key for helping Kate bringing their brands to life with a case study with Kate Hart from The Sniffer Shop.25.50 - The research process and how the passion of the business owner is brought into branding.27.59 - How the branding and strategy and design is implemented across the business.31.45 - How a visual identity project worked for Nina Fotara from The Confident Canine.35.21 - How Kate would brand herself.40.29 - The confidence you get from feeling the impression you’re putting out into the world reflects your business properly.43.29 - Why Kate’s own experience of feeling invisible and wanting to be ‘small and quiet’ makes her so passionate about supporting her clients in feeling good about being seen.48.55 - Originality and authenticity and how this makes running your business easier.51.24 - Being brave with your content.52.14 - How Kate is feeling more confident with sharing her thoughts and feelings and not being scared of being divisive and how posting your opinions will help you stand out. 54.45 - Kate’s advice for people who want to stand out and why you don’t need to be polished and professional.57.08 - Our sharing things you’re a bit scared of saying challenge!1.01.52 - Where to find out more about Kate.Links mentioned in this episode:Find out more about Kate on her website: https://finbostudio.co.uk/Learn more about The Sniffer Shop: https://thesniffershop.co.uk/Learn more about Nina at The Confident Canine: https://confidentcanine.co.uk/Further listening/reading:Kate Hart on creating Nose Joy with The Sniffer ShopShould you buy my Pet Business Content Planner?What is The Planner Club and should you join?Should you join my Online Pet Business Planning event?