Let’s be honest — when you’re running a small pet business or veterinary clinic, marketing can sound like one of those things you know you “should” do… but you’re not always sure why, or how, or if it’s even worth the money.
Maybe you’ve tried posting on Instagram a few times, maybe you’ve paid for a flyer that didn’t get results. And now you’re left wondering:
“What even is marketing — and what’s the point?”
Let’s clear things up.
Marketing Is NOT Just a Social Media Post
This is one of the most common myths we come across.
Marketing isn’t just a few cute dog pictures and hashtags. And it’s not just shouting about what you sell. Proper marketing is about building trust, visibility, and relationships — consistently.
Would you trust a vet who posts once a month with no info about their services or ethos? Probably not.
Would you buy a product from a brand that hasn’t updated their website in 3 years? Doubtful.
Your customers feel the same.
So… What Is Marketing?
Marketing is everything you do to help the right people find your business, understand it, and feel confident choosing you over someone else.
That includes things like:
- Branding and messaging (what you stand for and how you communicate it)
- Social media (but done strategically, not just ad hoc)
- Email marketing which includes targeted campaigns and regular newsletters
- Website content and SEO
- Blogs and resources that build trust
- Online reviews and testimonials
- Photography, packaging, partnerships, signage, events…
Marketing is how you show up. And how consistently you do it matters more than how often.
“But I Don’t Have a Big Budget…”
We get it. Most of the businesses we work with are small teams — often sole traders — wearing 5 different hats and juggling a lot.
The good news? You don’t need a big agency retainer or massive ad budget to market effectively. But you do need:
- A plan
- A clear voice and offer
- Consistency
- A willingness to show up where your audience already is
That’s where we come in — not to throw jargon at you, but to help you focus on the right things, save time, and get results.
Why Does Marketing Matter?
If your business relies on:
- New customers finding you
- Referrals from vets, groomers or pet parents
- People trusting you with their pet’s wellbeing
- Online bookings, enquiries, or product sales…
…then marketing isn’t optional. It’s part of running your business.
And when it’s done well, it:
✅ Makes you easier to trust
✅ Saves you time answering the same questions
✅ Brings in leads and sales while you sleep
Don’t Let Marketing Be an Afterthought
If you only think about marketing when things are quiet, you’re already behind. The businesses that stay visible, consistent and connected are the ones that thrive — even during quieter months.
So if you’ve been thinking:
“Marketing’s not worth the cost”
“I can just post now and again”
“No one reads blogs anymore”
…then it might be time to rethink. We promise it doesn’t have to be overwhelming — and we’re here to help you make it work for your business and your budget.
Let’s Talk
At Clever Animal Marketing, we specialise in supporting pet, animal health and veterinary businesses with real-world marketing that makes sense.
Whether you want to outsource a little or a lot, we’ll help you figure out the right approach for where you are — and where you want to go.
Ready to find out more?
Let’s talk
