When potential adopters are searching for a new dog on a site like Petfinder, they’re likely to go through dozens, if not hundreds of listings with small thumbnail photos. That photo has to entice these people to click through to the full profile. Here’s what you can do to increase that chance.
- Use all three available photo slots.
- Keep photos up to date; try to change them now and again if you’re not having a lot of inquiries.
- Photos should feature dogs with happy expressions, preferably mouths open. This imitates a smile and is attractive to people whether they realize it or not.
- Look at their body language. Dogs who are straining at a leash, cowering, looking away, being sad, etc. aren't attractive to potential owners. Look for wagging tails, upright relaxed ears and lifted heads.
- Photos should feature the dog in as much of the space as possible. Avoid photos from far away or with people or landscape to distract viewers. The dog's face should be the main attraction.
- If you have a close up shot of the face, it's better to keep that as the primary photo, as opposed to a full body view.
- Get on the dog's level. Photos taken from closer to the dog's eye level (sitting on the ground with them or squatting nearby) will look better and help people feel a stronger connection to the dog. It makes people feel like they are looking the dog in the eyes themselves.
- Primary photos need to be clear (not blurry) and well lit. Outdoor lighting is best, without the use of a flash.
- Try to avoid sad “before” pictures if the dog is now healthy and happy. You can always show those pictures to potential adopters later to show how far they’ve come. If you want to show them, make sure to keep the happy picture as the primary.
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