Ashley @ Petfluencer Secrets

Interview with Ashley

What was the moment you realized pet content could actually replace your income?
I began Chip’s TikTok years ago just to have a social album of his life – for me, not necessarily for anyone else. I remember posting a simple video of Chip to a basic song, and it blew up. I started getting offers for free products & that’s when it clicked—Chip’s everyday life could actually become a real career and my life has been different ever since!

What was your biggest mistake when you started—and what did it teach you?
Early on, I tried copying what other pet accounts were doing, like getting my cat to do trending challenges that my target audience just didn’t care about. I also would just try to recreate popular videos rather than making my own authentic content style.

What separates the creators who succeed from the ones who give up?
It’s all about staying consistent and learning as you go. Successful creators keep posting, even when a video doesn’t hit, and they study what works—analytics, trends, feedback. There’s a reason everyone isn’t successful – or else everyone would be doing this!

For someone stuck under 10k followers, what’s the fastest way to turn their pet content into cash?
My favorite advice is to start by looking local! There won’t be any competition. Reach out to local pet businesses, like groomers, vets or treat brands, and offer to create a quick video featuring their product. Charge something affordable, like $50–$150, to start. It’s a great way to build experience, get paid, and show bigger brands what you can do.

What’s your favorite way to make money without feeling cringe about “selling”?
I love being an Amazon Influencer! I just share products Chip actually uses, like his go-to treats or toys, and include a link in my Instagram Stories. It feels natural because I’m only recommending stuff we love, and the commissions add up without feeling pushy.

What’s something you’ve learned from the creators you’ve coached with hundreds of millions of views?
Not only do I run ChipTheManx – a channel for the world’s most famous Manx cat – but I also am a pet content creator coach over on Petfluencer Secrets! I have had the amazing opportunity to work with pet creators and hands down, the best creators know how to tell a story. It’s not just about cute & viral pet videos—it’s about sharing little life snippets that make followers feel connected, like they’re part of your pet’s world. That emotional bond keeps people coming back. And in the pet niche, the emotional connection is almost ALWAYS the most important factor to content planning!

What made you create the “6-Figure Petfluencer” course?
Through Petfluencer Secrets, I initially created “Petfluencer Foundations”, which is a robust course for new-to-intermediate pet content creators. I kept hearing feedback that even intermediate-to-advanced creators (people who have been around for a while & have earned money) are struggling with growing bigger and building more of a brand with their channels. There are so many amazing tips and subtle changes that can skyrocket a pet channel, and I put everything into one course, “6-Figure Petfluencer”, with the goal to help any pet influencer grow to earning 6 figures a year!

What’s the biggest revenue unlock for advanced creators right now—brand deals, digital products, or something else?
Not only personally, but I have talked to many creators about this, and we are seeing a shift from “brand sponsored posts” to “UGC deals”. Essentially this change where, instead of a brand wanting to be featured on a creator’s channel, they want a creator to make content for them to use & publish onto their own channels. This gives a brand more control in the end.

If someone only has 1 hour per day to grow their pet influencer brand, how should they spend it?
Research – Create – Publish – Analyze. In 1 hour, you can easily create a piece of content and take the time to analyze what went well in previous content (and what didn’t!). Your own analytics are your most powerful asset! You can learn so much from your own data!

🧨 Rapid-Fire Bonus

Weirdest brand offer you’ve ever received?
For my cat, Chip, to promote a women’s shampoo! I did not participate in the offer.
What you like on Flowlance the best?
I use Flowlance for my channel, Petfluencer Secrets, because I sell digital products for creators!
Has Chip ever “refused” a collab?
Yes, many! There have been lots of collab opportunities that are way outside of my target audience, or that would be very challenging to incorporate into the pet niche.
Favorite tool for editing content fast?
InShot!
The one metric that matters most?
Engagement rate. Views are nice, but comments and shares show your audience is truly invested.

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