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
How Pet Brands Can Leverage Authenticity for Greater ROI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:55
Today, Clayton interviews Mike Abruscato and Allie Johnson from Brands Best Friend, an e-commerce agency specialising in helping pet brands navigate the complexities of online sales. They delve into the evolving landscap…
How Pug and Hound Stands Out in a Competitive Market [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:46
In this episode, Clayton sits down with Krysta and Jeff, the owners of Pug and Hound Apothecary, a unique pet store in Geneva, Illinois. They delve into their journey from various jobs to establishing a business focused…
How the Roolo Ball is Changing the Game for Dog Owners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:56
Clayton interviews Lee Bridges, co-founder of Play9 and creator of the innovative Roolo activity ball. Lee shares his journey from being a musician and running an entertainment agency to launching a successful pet produc…
Adapting Dog Training Practices for Modern Challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:11
In this episode, Clayton sits down with Helen Wainwright and Lee Hobbs from the Dog Trainer School. They discuss the challenges faced by dog trainers, including the lack of resources and support after certification, and…
Insights into the Future of Pet Wellness with Zymox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:56
Today, Clayton sits down with Billy Bosco from Pet King Brands, the family-owned company behind the well-known Zymox product line. Billy shares the inspiring story of how his mother started the business 26 years ago, dri…
How Community and Collaboration Drive Success in Retail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:20
In this episode, Clayton engages in a lively conversation with Sherry and Carly, known as the Pet Shop Girls, who share their unique experiences as independent pet store owners in the U.S. and Canada. Sherry, owner of Od…
Karla's Vision for the Future of No Bull [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:17
In this episode, Clayton interviews Karla Pearson, the founder of the No Bull Facebook group, which has grown to over 100,000 members in just six years. Karla shares her journey of becoming a passionate advocate for dog…