Maximizing Media Coverage

Maximizing Media Coverage

Author: Clayton Payne March 24, 2025 Duration: 59:03
Clayton interviews Kerry Sutherland, the owner and founder of Kerry Sutherland PR, who shares her extensive experience in the pet industry and public relations. With nearly two decades of expertise, Kerry discusses the evolution of the pet market, the changing landscape of media, and the importance of personalized PR strategies. She emphasizes the need for brands to identify their target audience and craft compelling stories that resonate with both traditional media and influencers. As they explore the upcoming Global Pet Expo, Kerry highlights trends in pet care, such as the humanization of pets and the growing focus on enrichment, while also addressing the challenges brands face in navigating the noisy media environment. This insightful conversation offers valuable advice for businesses looking to enhance their media presence and connect with consumers in a meaningful way. KEY TAKEAWAYS Evolution of the Pet Industry: The pet industry has significantly changed over the years, with trends shifting from basic pet care to a focus on humanization, technology integration, and enrichment for pets.  Importance of Personalized PR: Effective public relations requires a personalized approach. Brands should avoid generic pitches and instead tailor their communications to specific journalists and media outlets that align with their target audience and product offerings. Maximizing Media Coverage: Simply obtaining media coverage is not enough; brands must actively promote and amplify their media successes.  Navigating the Changing Media Landscape: The media landscape has shifted dramatically, with a move from traditional print to online and social media. BEST MOMENTS "I started K Sutherland PR 13 years ago with kind of a desire to not exclusively focus in the pet industry." - Kerry  "It's really about unique and interesting storytelling on storylines that are national, consumer friendly, easy to digest." - Kerry  "You need to narrowly identify who is our real customer. It is not everyone." - Kerry  "It's harder than ever today... you need to be consistently delivering media pitches." - Clayton HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few.  Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors  

Clayton Payne hosts Pet Business Disruptors, a podcast that digs into the real, working mechanics of the world of pets. This isn't just theoretical business talk; it's a direct line to the strategies and personal stories of people who have actually built their careers in this vibrant field. Each conversation is designed to pull back the curtain, offering an honest look at what it takes to navigate the pet industry, from launching a small grooming service or a new pet product to securing a key role within a major corporation. The discussions are grounded in practical experience, explaining not only how things should be done but how Clayton's guests have done them themselves. The scope is intentionally broad, making the podcast equally valuable for someone just considering their first job with animals or a seasoned executive leading a large team. By focusing on actionable insights and lived experiences, this series serves as a unique resource for anyone passionate about turning their love for pets into a sustainable profession. You'll hear specific advice on operational challenges, marketing to pet owners, and understanding the nuances that make this industry so unique. Tune in for a candid exploration of the business behind our furry, feathered, and scaled companions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pet Business Disruptors
Podcast Episodes
Disrupting the Pet Industry with Gary of Direct for Pets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
Today, Clayton is joined by Gary from Direct for Pets, also known as Black Cat Medicines. Gary shares the origin story of the business, starting from its roots in a veterinary surgery and evolving into a successful onlin…
The Future of Pet Food with Microbial Protein & FeedKind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:32
In this episode, Clayton chats with Hermann Sloot, Commercial Director of Calysta, the company behind the innovative protein ingredient FeedKind. Together, they dive deep into the fascinating world of microbial protein,…
How One Entrepreneur Created a New Category in Pet Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:13
In this episode, Clayton sits down with Louise Toal, co-founder of Furr Boost, to discuss her journey from a career in the food science industry to launching a category-defining dog hydration drink. Louise shares the sto…
Creating Safe Spaces for Anxious Dogs and Their Owners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:21
In this episode, Clayton welcomes Sarah and Matt from 'My Anxious Dog' to the podcast, to discuss their journey in raising awareness about anxious dogs and the importance of giving them space. They discuss the personal e…
Exploring Waita Pets' Unique Product Line with Wendy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:00
Today, Clayton interviews Wendy, the founder of Waita Pets, a burgeoning pet food company specializing in freeze-dried treats. Wendy shares her journey into the pet industry, sparked by her desire to find quality food fo…
How Passion Drives Success in Independent Pet Shops [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:37
Today, Clayton engages in a dynamic conversation with Gerard O'Mahony from Petfellas, exploring their extensive backgrounds in the pet industry. Gerard shares insights from his seven and a half years in the sector, inclu…