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More than two-thirds of PSI’s professional pet sitters use at least one social media platform for their pet-sitting businesses. Pet sitters want to engage with local pet owners and fellow pet sitters online, but they don’t want to take a lot of time out of their busy schedules to devote to their business use of social media. In fact, a previous PSI survey found that nine out of 10 pet sitters reported spending five hours or less on social media for business use each week.

With a busy pet-sitting schedule, it can be difficult to find fresh content to post on your social-media pages. If you are trying to think of what to post on your company's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social-media account, consider these 12 ideas:

1. Photos of pets in your care: Remember to ask permission before sharing photos of clients’ pets (asking for permission in your pet-sitting contract is a good idea) and always take extra precautions to ensure that your online photo sharing doesn’t jeopardize your clients’ privacy. Your posted photos shouldn’t display the exterior of clients’ homes, contents within clients’ homes, or other items (such as a dog tag with address) that could give clues to where the particular pet lives. Photos should be high quality, crisp and clear, which is fortunately easier to accomplish with today’s smartphones.
                                        View photo on Canine Concierge's Facebook page.
   
   
2.  Videos of pets you care for: Again, you should have permission before sharing photos or video of a client’s pet online. Videos should be short (consider making them around 30 seconds) and should catch the viewers’ attention. Consider sharing a short video of something interesting you see on one of your dog walks, or perhaps a client’s pet that can do a unique trick.  Various platforms—Facebook, Instagram, etc.—have live video features that make sharing video easier than ever before. 
   
   
                                     View video on A FurFilled Life's Facebook page.
   
   
3. Your story: Sharing why you became a professional pet sitter can be a powerful way to help clients and potential clients connect with your pet-sitting business. You may share your story by video, or simply post a photo of yourself with a pet and explain why you choose this career path in the caption. Your “why” is often what makes your business unique, and followers will appreciate learning your story.
   
   
4. Holidays and observances: Almost every day of the year celebrates something. These daily celebrations are great fodder for social-media content. Whether it’s Love Your Pet Day or Pet Dental Health Month, you have something to post about. PSI members, be sure to log in to the Members area of petsit.com to download free social-media images to promote the various pet-related holidays and observances each month. 
   
   
5. Helpful tips: Establish yourself as a pet-care resource and promote sharing of your content by posting your tricks of the trade. Do you have a quick tip for removing dog hair from your clothes, or a simple method for pilling a cat that always works? Share it! Your followers will appreciate your willingness to share your expertise and they’ll want to pass your tips along.
   
   
6. Company milestones: Are you celebrating five years in business or have just scheduled your 1,000^th pet-sitting visit? Share the news on your social-media pages. Posting about new hires or even staff retirements also helps you highlight your pet-sitting business without appearing overly promotional on your social-media pages.
   
   
7. Products you love: Is there a dog leash you’ve found to work on even the most resistant canine or a cat toy you’ve found to be a favorite of many felines? Or, have you seen an amazing guinea pig habitat or bird enrichment toy you want to rave about? Share it with your followers. As a professional pet sitter, you are an influencer, so use your influence to suggest products that could improve the lives of pets and their pet parents!
   
   
                        View this post on  Copy Cat & Dog Care Pet Sitting's Facebook page.
   
   
8. Local recommendations: If there’s a local trainer you highly recommend or a veterinarian that you work closely with, give them a shout out on social media. You can also post about local pet stores, groomers, or even pet-friendly restaurants that you would recommend. If you post about another business, be sure to tag their business page in the post so that they’ll know you’ve recommended them.
   
                          View this photo on Pet Parade Plus' Instagram account.
   
   
9. A poll or quiz: Polls and quizzes are interactive pieces of content, so they promote engagement and shares. Facebook has a poll feature you can use on your business pages (allowing followers to “vote” directly in the poll) or you can simply ask followers to comment below the post with their replies. Your post can be as simply as giving four choices and asking “Which is your favorite activity to do with your dog?” or “If you had to choose your cat’s superhero alter-ego, which one would it be?” You can also post more serious quizzes that focus on pet-health topics and ask followers to select the correct answer.
   
   
10. Lists and infographics: We all have short attention spans, which is why lists and infographics are so popular. Sharing information in easy-to-digest formats such as lists (e.g., 5 signs your cat may be stressed) or infographics (e.g., a visual sharing ways to protect your pets from the heat) is a great way to capture your followers’ attention and encourage them to share your information with others.
    
                                      View on Critter Capers Pet Sitting's Facebook page.
    
    
11. Local events: Sharing about upcoming events in your community (even if not specifically pet related) is a great way to become a go-to resource to your clients and others following your page. Also, be sure to promote any events your company will be participating in and share photos and videos of your even participation, when possible. 
    
                                   View post on Ally McPets Pet Sitting's Facebook page.
    
    
12. Someone else’s content: If the thought of sharing such a variety of social-media content seems daunting, don’t worry! All of your social-media content doesn’t have to be original content. Follow Pet Sitters International and other pet-related sites you trust and share their information when you think it will be of value to your followers. This includes articles, infographics and other content shared by sources you trust. As a courtesy, always share the content directly from the original source’s page (or credit the source in your post). Never download and then re-post content as your own without attributing it to the original source.

Bonus tip:

While it’s important to post a variety of content to keep your followers engaged with your profiles, don’t forget to ask questions. Sharing important pet-related tips, resources and information online can go a long way in establishing you as a local pet-care expert, but make sure you aren’t having a one-sided conversation with your audience. One of the easiest ways to generate online conversation with your fans or followers is to pose a question.

Ask for recommendations for local pet-friendly attractions or events or inquire about favorite pet products. You can get more personal by asking your fans or followers to share about pets that have passed away, a favorite memory with their pet or how their pets have changed their lives. Asking online questions is also a good way to conduct informal market research. For example, you can ask pet owners how far in advance they plan vacations or book pet-sitting assignments. If you ask for specific feedback about your business, be sure to respond to any concerns that may be posted.

What other types of content do you post on your social-media pages? Share your suggestions in the comments below.