Dogs are often considered as man’s best friend, and it’s not uncommon to see them featured in various advertisements and marketing materials, but what about when it comes to your agency – should Fido have pride of place in a valuer bio, or on a meet the team page? Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of doing so.
Pros:
A friendly touch: Many people view dogs as friendly and welcoming, and including them in proposals or meet the team bios can add a personal touch that helps to build a connection with potential clients.
Dogs can help to create a positive impression and build trust with clients, making them more likely to engage with you as a person, rather than a faceless agent like all the rest.
Unique selling point: In a crowded market, estate agents need to stand out from the crowd. Having a dog in the team or featuring them in proposals can be a unique selling point that sets an estate agent apart from competitors. It can help to create a memorable brand image and be a talking point among potential clients.
Emotional connection: Dogs are often viewed as part of the family, and including them in proposals or bios can create an emotional connection with clients. This emotional connection can help to build a lasting relationship with the client and create a positive experience throughout the process.
Cons:
Potential fears: While many people love dogs, others may have phobias that make them uncomfortable around dogs – even the idea of a dog might put them off. Using a dog may indeed limit the potential pool of clients who are willing to work with you – subconsciously, it could put them off.
Unprofessional image: Some clients may view the inclusion of dogs in proposals or bios as unprofessional and not take the estate agent seriously. It can be difficult to strike a balance between being personable and professional, and some clients may view the inclusion of dogs as a step too far on a team page. Others may love it!
What do we think?
In conclusion, including dogs in proposals or bios is a matter of personal preference and depends on the target audience – but we see four positives and two negatives – so for us, we say if it aligns with your brand – do it!
We have to shout out JDG who use Boots the dog as a beautiful point of differentiation.
Take a look here at the gallery.