How to Tell Your Business’s Story Through Branding
Every business has a story—a “why” behind what you do. For animal-related businesses, that story is often steeped in love, passion, and a desire to make the world a better place for pets, wildlife, or their people. But how often do you actively share that story with your customers?
Storytelling in branding is powerful. It’s not just about standing out in a competitive market but about connecting deeply with your audience. People aren’t just buying products or services—they’re buying into your *mission*, your *values*, and the *heart* behind everything you do. That’s why weaving your story into your branding is so important, especially for animal-related business marketing.
Here’s how you can craft and share your unique story through your brand—for a stronger, more meaningful connection with your audience.
Start With Your “Why”
Your story begins with your purpose. Why did you decide to start your business? Was it your childhood love of animals? A desire to make pet care more compassionate? A need you noticed in your community? Sharing that “why” gives your audience a reason to believe in you.
For example, you might say:
“I started my dog training business after adopting a rescue dog who was deemed ‘untrainable.’ She proved everyone wrong with patience, love, and the right guidance—and I knew I wanted to help other families experience that, too.”
Pro Tip: Keep it personal. Show the human side of your business. People are more likely to connect with *you* than a generic company name.
Reflect Your Story in Your Visual Branding
Your visuals—logo, colors, fonts, and imagery—should work together to tell your story at a glance. Ask yourself, what feelings or ideas do you want people to associate with your business?
For an animal-related business, your imagery might include soft and friendly tones to convey warmth, earthy colors to reflect a deep connection with nature, or whimsical designs to bring out joy and playfulness.
For example:
A wildlife rescue might lean into natural colors like greens and browns, using simple, elegant fonts and imagery of the animals they protect. While a boutique pet store might use lively, bold colors with playful lettering that screams “fun!” and “unique.”
Remember, consistency is key! Use your visual branding everywhere—from your website and social media to business cards and packaging.
Craft a Voice and Message That Feels Like You
Your voice (how your business “speaks” online and in advertisements) is a big part of storytelling. It should bring your story to life and match the personality of your business.
Think about your tone. Are you conversational? Educative? Fun and quirky? For an animal-related business, you’d likely want to be warm and approachable but still authoritative—a trusted expert who’s also a passionate animal lover.
When writing content, whether it’s a social media post or a new website page, sprinkle in your values and mission.
For instance:
“At Wag Cafe, we believe the happiest pets are the ones who feel loved, seen, and spoiled—just like family. That’s why all our treats are organic, handcrafted, and 100% tail-wag approved.”
Use Stories and Testimonials to Highlight Your Impact
Nothing showcases your values better than real-life examples. Customer testimonials and success stories give you the perfect opportunity to highlight how your business helps animals and their humans.
For example:
A dog groomer might feature a story about a nervous rescue dog who, over repeat visits, became calmer and learned to trust the process. Or a wildlife related business could share the story of how an event helped raise funds for a conservation project.
Pro Tip: Pair your stories with visuals, such as before-and-after photos, videos, or heartfelt quotes from customers. It’s a powerful way to underline your business’s mission and build trust.
Make Your Social Media Feel Personal
Social media is one of the easiest and most effective tools for storytelling in branding. This is where you share the day-to-day moments that make your business special.
Content ideas for animal-related business marketing:
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of what your day looks like.
Funny, heartwarming, or even challenging moments you experience.
Photos or videos of the animals you work with (with permission, of course).
Quick stories that highlight your values, such as rescuing a stray animal from the parking lot or volunteering time at a local shelter.
Pro Tip: Authenticity matters. Don’t stress about being perfectly polished—audiences value real, relatable content over perfection.
Put Your Story Everywhere
Remember, your story doesn’t belong in just *one* place. It should permeate everything you do, from your social media captions to your business cards.
Here’s how to integrate your story into key touchpoints:
Your website: Dedicate an “About Us” page to share the heart behind your mission. Use it as a chance to inspire and connect with potential customers.
Your packaging or in-store materials: Add short messages like “Thank you for being part of our mission to create a better world for animals.”
Community events: Whether you’re participating in a pet fair or hosting an adoption event, talk about the values and history that drive your business.
The Power of Telling Your Story
Branding isn’t just about making your business look pretty—it’s about creating a connection. When people understand and resonate with why you do what you do, they’re not just customers—they become part of your story.
At Out West Creative, we specialize in storytelling in branding. Whether you’re a pet business owner looking to refine your image or a nonprofit championing animal welfare, we’ll help you bring your story to life through carefully crafted visuals, messaging, and strategies that connect with your community.
Your story is as unique as the animals you work with—are you ready to share it? Check out our services, and together, we’ll create a brand that feels like *you.*
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